Self-rising flour is a staple ingredient in many recipes! Learn how to make self-rising flour with just 3 simple ingredients!
Looking for more easy substitutions? I think you’ll love my easy buttermilk substitution, how to make cake flour, and how to make oat milk.
Have you ever started a recipe and realized that you didn’t have enough of a specific ingredient called for in that recipe? It is a frustrating thing when that happens. That’s when simple substitutions come to the rescue, like this simple self-rising flour recipe for a homemade substitution.
What is self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour is a combination of all-purpose flour (also referred to as plain flour), baking powder, and salt. It’s often used in recipes with no leavening agents (such as baking powder, baking soda, or yeast) and reduces the number of ingredients needed.
What is the difference between regular all-purpose flour and self-rising flour?
The difference between the two flours is one already has the leavening agent included If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, you will need to add the leavener to it for it to rise. If you come across a recipe that uses self-rising flour, you can make it yourself quickly and easily using 3 simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.
What recipes use self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour is used in so many quick and easy southern recipes. It has become a staple ingredient in my kitchen for the perfect buttermilk biscuit, buttermilk pancakes, cinnamon roll biscuits, waffles, easy peach cobbler, quick breads, and more.
How to Make Homemade Self-Rising Flour Substitute
This homemade self-rising flour works perfectly in recipes that call for self-rising flour. I’ve included the recipe to make one cup of the homemade substitute, but it can easily be scaled up for a big batch of self-rising flour or scaled down based on your specific needs.
It’s really simple to make and only takes seconds.
One Cup Self-Rising Flour Recipe
For each cup of flour, whisk together 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to whisk all these ingredients together well so that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed within the flour.
Small Batch Self-Rising Flour Recipe
1 cup all-purpose flour
+
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
+
1/4 teaspoon salt
Large Batch Self-Rising Flour Recipe (Makes 4 Cups)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
To make a large batch of self-rising flour, simply add flour, baking powder, and salt in the above amounts to a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine so that all ingredients are evenly distributed. Use or store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Large Batch Self-Rising Flour Recipe
4 cups all-purpose flour
+
6 teaspoons baking powder
+
1 teaspoon salt
Here’s the printable recipe card for making my self-rising flour substitute. I hope you find it as helpful as I do!
How to Make Self-Rising Flour
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (6 g) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.6 g) kosher salt
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients and whisk to combine.
Notes
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Originally published April 2012.
Just wondering, why the salt?
Commercial self-rising flour is a mixture of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, Sonia.
Hi Robin thanks so much for the self rising flour recipe. But should I use level teaspoons or heaped teaspoons of baking powder? Thanks
You would use a level teaspoon, Fern.
You’re a lifesaver… Thank you, Robin 👍
Thanks, Diane!
Made delicious biscuits!! Thank you
Thanks, Nancy!
U saved my day . Thank You
Thank you so much. It was wonderful.
i love this recipes
Thank you Robyn. We had already done our shopping earlier today and while poking around the internet later in the afternoon I came across a two ingredient biscuit recipe. I knew I had some heavy cream, but thought my self rising flour had become the victim of a mouse invasion last year. Well, the invasion was turned back and them mices defeated, but the self rising flour was not in a container and so….well you can imagine the rest. Undaunted, I looked to your site and found what will save the day. We are having a slow cooker Mediterranean pot roast on Sunday and will try my new biscuit recipe, using your self rising flour mix, to sop up the gravy. Thanks for being there.
Rev. David
Thank you, Rev. David. Hope you enjoy the biscuit!
Thank you this was extremely useful and my banana cake was perfect.
I’m so glad this was helpful to you, Sonja. xo
thank you and this is helpful. baking banana cranberry loaf and calls for a self rising flour. will try other recipes featured in this website. keep safe!
I hope you find many more recipes you like, Sophie. Thanks