What's the difference between plain flour and self-raising?

Table of Contents:

1. What's the difference between plain flour and self-raising?
2. Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising for cakes?
3. Can I use plain flour instead of all-purpose flour for brownies?
4. Is plain flour OK for brownies?
5. Can I substitute self-raising flour for plain flour and baking soda?

What's the difference between plain flour and self-raising?

What is the difference? Self-raising flour has a raising agent, and sometimes salt, already added to it. Plain flour requires you to add your raising agents separately to make your bakes rise.

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising for cakes?

If a cake calls for self-raising flour and you only have plain flour then you will need to add a raising agent to make the recipe work. The easiest raising agent to add is baking powder (or 'baking soda' as it is known in some parts of the world).

Can I use plain flour instead of all-purpose flour for brownies?

If a recipe calls for 'flour' and doesn't specify a type, use all-purpose flour. Yes, flour does make a difference. The self-rising flour will give your brownies a cake like quality; usually you want brownies to be dense, rich.

Is plain flour OK for brownies?

The best flour for brownies is all-purpose flour. It's important to be aware of the gluten content of the flour because this will affect the texture of your brownie, depending on how you like it. There's a good reason why neither cake flour or bread flour are going to work for you.

Can I substitute self-raising flour for plain flour and baking soda?

Can self-raising flour replace plain flour? Yes and no. If the recipe calls for plain flour with the addition of baking powder (or another leavening agent), self-raising flour can be used instead, simply omit the leavening agent.