How to Make Self Rising Flour (2024)

Have a recipe that calls for self rising flour but don't have any at home? Not to fear! This DIY recipe is all you'll need and only requires three common ingredients which you probably do have on hand—with an option for gluten free.

This recipe always comes in handy when I find a baking recipe I really want to make only to discover I don't have perhaps the most important ingredient: self rising flour! Actually, this "recipe" is not so much of a recipe as it is a substitute for self rising flour—and that's the beauty of baking science! The three ingredients in this flour are likely the same exact ones as the store bought version; so you should still have the same great result.

I actually prefer to just make this particular flour at home now instead of buying the pre-made version because I just don't do enough baking during certain times of the year to justify the separate product. But I always have all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt on hand, so I can just whip up (or whisk up in this case) a batch of this self rising flour replacement. Boom. And in case you're wondering, my favorite recipe to use it in is this 2 ingredient bagel recipe (so easy and so good!)

Oh, and if you need a gluten free version (which is almost impossible to find locally!) I've included instructions for how to make that below as well, and it's nearly just as easy.

If you're looking for other recipes requiring minimal ingredients or effort, you'll love these 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies or this 5 minute strawberry banana smoothie bowl. 🙂

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

• Saves the day when you don't have any store-bought self rising flour but your recipe calls for it
• Only needs 3 common pantry staples
• Takes just 5 minutes to make
• Can keep on hand for quick pancake or baked good recipes
• Gluten free option included!

🌿 Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make this recipe are super simple and all are pantry staples that you likely have on hand already. Just note that if you'd like to make this flour gluten free, you'll need to make sure that your gluten free flour blend contains xantham gum (the binder that helps hold baked goods together). Otherwise, you'll need to add xantham gum to your flour separately.

See recipe card below for exact quantities.

📝 Instructions

So how do you make self rising flour? You'll be glad to know that the process is even faster than the time it takes to gather the ingredients!

Just grab a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder and salt, and use a whisk to incorporate everything well. Or if you'd prefer to use a flour sifter, that works well too. Just make sure you whisk for a at least a full minute or two, or sift at least a couple of times. And that's it! Super, super easy.

Gluten free self rising flour

If you'd like to make this recipe gluten free, you'll need to do two additional things:

1. Check the ingredients on your gluten free flour blend. If it includes xantham gum, you're all set. If not, you'll need to add a little to your flour so that it binds properly when baking, ½ teaspoon for this recipe. You should be able to buy xantham gum at most larger grocery stores or natural foods stores.
2. I highly recommend using a food processor rather than a whisk to incorporate your flour (gluten free flours can be a bit fussy.) Process for about 5 minutes to make sure everything is well combined.

🔪 Equipment

You'll need the following equipment to make this recipe:

• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• large mixing bowl
• whisk
• food processor (for gluten free version)

🍱 Storage

This flour can be stored for up to 6 months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from any heat or light sources.

🎉 Top tip

Even though this is a super easy recipe, just make sure to take your time measuring out your ingredients so that any recipes you end up using your flour in will be a smashing success.

Enjoy!

What is self rising flour?

Self rising flour is a specific kind of baking ingredient that already contains a leavening agent (typically baking powder) and salt, to eliminate the need to add these extra ingredients to baked good recipes.

How do you make self rising flour?

You can make homemade self rising flour by combining two cups of all purpose flour with a tablespoon of baking powder and a half teaspoon of salt.

Is self rising flour the same as bread flour?

No. Whereas self rising flour is ideal for quick breads, pancakes and other baking recipes which don't require yeast to rise, bread flour is designed specifically for yeast-leavened recipes and does not contain its own added leavening agents.

Is self rising flour the same as cake flour?

Similar to bread flour, cake flour does not contain any leavening agents so it is not a substitute for self rising flour. Cake flour also has a finer grain and is specifically used in pastries requiring a more delicate texture than regular flour.