Best Cake Flour Substitutes for Pancakes & Waffles

Choose alternatives that hold batter consistency and help keep a light interior. These batters are sensitive to liquid ratios and acidity, both of which affect fluffiness and browning.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData CentralMethodology

Can I make pancakes or waffles without cake flour?

Yes. Start with All-Purpose Flour + Cornstarch at For 1 cup cake flour: use 1 cup AP flour minus 2 tbsp, add 2 tbsp cornstarch, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

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All-Purpose Flour + Cornstarch

Use For 1 cup cake flour: use 1 cup AP flour minus 2 tbsp, add 2 tbsp cornstarch

The cornstarch dilutes the protein content to mimic cake flour.

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How much does 1 cup of cake flour weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of cake flour is treated as 114 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Cake Flour cups to grams →

Common Questions for Pancakes & Waffles

How do I substitute cake flour in pancake and waffle batter?

Use All-Purpose Flour + Cornstarch at For 1 cup cake flour: use 1 cup AP flour minus 2 tbsp, add 2 tbsp cornstarch — The cornstarch dilutes the protein content to mimic cake flour. Mix as the original recipe directs, then taste and adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

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