Substitutes for all-purpose flour

All-Purpose Flour Substitutes

All-purpose flour is a midpoint protein blend designed to do everything passably. Replacing it means picking a flour that's better at the specific thing you're doing — or accepting different texture if you're improvising.

Quick reference

SubstituteRatio
GF Flour Blend1:1
DIY Cake Flour1:1

When the substitute matters

  • · Bread — bread flour (higher protein) gives more chew
  • · Cakes — cake flour (lower protein) gives tender crumb
  • · Pancakes and quick breads — whole-wheat or oat flour works with small adjustments
  • · Thickening sauces — cornstarch (half the amount) or arrowroot do the gluten-free version

The substitutes, in detail

GF Flour Blend

Ratio: 1:1 — use the same amount

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for best results.

What you need

  • · 1 cup Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour

DIY Cake Flour

Ratio: 1:1 — use the same amount

Removing protein (flour) and adding starch creates a tender crumb.

What you need

  • · 0.85 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • · 2 tbsp Cornstarch

How to make it

  1. 1
    Sift flour and cornstarch together twice.

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