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.
This was hugely helpful, as I am making a cake for my best friend’s birthday today and the recipe called for self rising flour. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad this “How To” helped you, Jeannette. I love that you can make this from ingredients you have at home and don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.
What type of salt are you using here? Most diy’s substitutions call for double or even triple the amount of salt listed here.
Meri, I use kosher salt.
This is exactly what I needed! Perfect and now I don’t have to run to the store, thank you!
I always thought self-rising and cake flour were the same thing🙄😄! Thank you for the recipes for both. My cakes, muffins and cookies are a heck of a lot better thanks to you.
I’m so glad these How To recipes have helped you, SusieRed.
This is such a great tip! Does this work for making cookies. My cookie recipe calls for 1 1/4 cup of self rising flour? So how much baking powder and salt shall I use ? Thank you
This will work for any recipe that calls for self-rising flour, Sonia.
I used your recipe for my lemon pound cakes, they came out light and fluffy. The best I’ve made in a while. Thank you.
Sonia, I love that this helped with making your lemon pound cakes. I like to have these substitutions I can make when I don’t have the actual ingredient I need for a recipe.
love this a lot…… made a perfect cake thanks to this conversion.
I will try this recipe. I’m going to visit some relatives in another country and will try to impress them. Thank you
Have a fun trip, Lorena.
I love this recipe, works great!
Thanks, TJD. I’m glad it works well for you.
Going to try this. When I make my biscuits. Purchased Hudson cream ap flour from their site, but I know I need self rising flour. Their flour is amazing, not heavy at all! Had never heard of it before, ( it’s a southern thang) but on a cooking show, it was reccomended. I can see why! Thanks for the info, I’ll just add these ingredients to my AP before making biscuits ,pancakes, rolls!