Self Rising Flour Substitutes

Exact conversion ratios for any recipe

Replacing self-rising flour successfully depends on matching your substitute to your recipe's specific needs. Different recipes use self-rising flour for different purposes—binding in cookies, leavening in cakes, moisture in muffins—so one substitute rarely works for everything. All-Purpose Flour + Leavening comes closest to universal functionality at 1 cup per cup per self-rising flour, delivering Identical when mixed correctly texture similarity in most applications. Cake Flour + Leavening serves as a strong secondary option at 1 cup per cup with Lighter, more tender than all-purpose version impact, particularly when dietary restrictions rule out All-Purpose Flour + Leavening. Common applications include cake, pancakes, muffins, where both substitutes perform reliably. The exception: avoid All-Purpose Flour + Leavening in some recipes for best results. Below, explore 2 self-rising flour substitutes with calculator-ready measurements, filter by dietary needs, and review texture guides before deciding.

Updated Feb 2026

Substitution Calculator

Automatically adjusts substitutes based on your recipe type.

Tip: Changing what you're making may change the recommended substitutes.

⚠️ When NOT to Use These Substitutes

Not every substitute works in every situation. Here are important warnings to keep in mind:

  • When structure is criticalAffects: Cake Flour + Leavening

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about these substitutes

What are the best substitutes for self-rising flour?
The top self-rising flour substitutes are All-Purpose Flour + Leavening (1 cup per cup), Cake Flour + Leavening (1 cup per cup), and commercial replacers. All-Purpose Flour + Leavening works best in cake and pancakes. Cake Flour + Leavening is ideal for cake and cupcakes. Each option has different texture impacts—use our calculator to compare exact ratios for your recipe.
What is the ratio for substituting self-rising flour?
Standard self-rising flour substitution ratios: All-Purpose Flour + Leavening uses 1 cup per cup, while Cake Flour + Leavening uses 1 cup per cup. These ratios may vary by recipe type—our calculator adjusts amounts based on context (baking, cooking, sauces) and your specific quantity needs. Always check the texture impact rating when choosing between options.
Will my recipe taste different with a self-rising flour substitute?
Taste and texture changes depend on your substitute choice. All-Purpose Flour + Leavening produces none taste impact with Identical when mixed correctly texture changes. Cake Flour + Leavening has none taste impact. Substitutes rated "similar" or "neutral" taste closest to original. For best results, match the substitute to your recipe type—baked goods vs. cooking vs. sauces all have different recommendations.
When should I NOT use a self-rising flour substitute?
Avoid using All-Purpose Flour + Leavening in various recipes because it may affect texture negatively. Some recipes rely heavily on the original ingredient. Check each substitute's "avoid in" list before choosing—our calculator shows warnings for recipe types that don't work well with specific alternatives.
Can I use multiple self-rising flour substitutes in one recipe?
Yes, combining substitutes can work, but requires careful ratio adjustments. For example, you might use half All-Purpose Flour + Leavening (1 cup per cup ÷ 2) and half Cake Flour + Leavening (1 cup per cup ÷ 2) to balance texture and flavor. This works best when one substitute provides leavening and another adds leavening. Start with small batches to test results.
What is the best self-rising flour substitute without banana?
If you want to avoid banana, try Cake Flour + Leavening at 1 cup per cup per self-rising flour. This option has Lighter, more tender than all-purpose version texture impact and none taste impact. It works well in cake and cupcakes and doesn't add any banana flavor to your recipe.
Will substituting self-rising flour change the texture of my recipes?
Texture may change slightly depending on your substitute choice. All-Purpose Flour + Leavening produces Identical when mixed correctly texture impact—most people find this acceptable. Cake Flour + Leavening creates Lighter, more tender than all-purpose version changes. For closest results to traditional recipes, choose substitutes rated "similar" in texture impact. The calculator below shows texture ratings for all options.
How much All-Purpose Flour + Leavening do I need for 2 self-rising flours?
For 2 self-rising flours, use 2 cups of All-Purpose Flour + Leavening. Double-check using our calculator above—enter "2" in the quantity field to see exact amounts for all substitute options, not just All-Purpose Flour + Leavening. Larger quantities generally work proportionally, though you may need slightly less for 3+ self-rising flours.
What is the best vegan self-rising flour substitute for recipes?
The best vegan self-rising flour substitute for recipes is All-Purpose Flour + Leavening at 1 cup per cup. It produces Identical when mixed correctly texture impact and works especially well in cake and pancakes. Filter by "vegan" in the calculator to see all 2 plant-based options available.

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