Understanding Cake Flour in England
Cake flour is a term that often confuses UK bakers, especially those following American recipes. If you’ve ever wondered “What is cake flour in England?” or struggled to find it in British supermarkets, you’re not alone. While cake flour is a staple in the US for making ultra-light and fluffy cakes, it’s not as widely available in the UK.
What Exactly Is Cake Flour?
Cake flour is a finely milled, low-protein flour specifically designed for baking delicate cakes. It typically contains 7-9% protein, which is significantly lower than the 10-12% protein found in plain flour. The lower protein content means less gluten formation, resulting in a softer, tender crumb – perfect for light sponge cakes, cupcakes, and chiffon cakes.
When mixed with liquid, cake flour absorbs moisture quickly, creating a batter that produces soft, airy cakes rather than dense, chewy textures. This is why it’s a preferred choice for classic Victoria sponge cakes, Swiss rolls, and angel food cakes in the US.
How Is Cake Flour Different from Other UK Flours?
Since cake flour isn’t as common in England, many bakers wonder how it compares to other flours found in UK supermarkets. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Flour Type | Protein Content | Best Used For | Gluten Formation |
Cake Flour | 7-9% | Light sponge cakes, chiffon cakes, cupcakes | Low |
Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour) | 10-12% | General baking, biscuits, muffins | Medium |
Self-Raising Flour | 10-12% (with added baking powder) | Cakes, scones, pancakes | Medium |
Strong Bread Flour | 12-14% | Bread, pizza dough, bagels | High |
Many UK bakers assume that self-raising flour is the same as cake flour, but this isn’t the case. Self-raising flour contains baking powder and salt, which can interfere with delicate recipes requiring precise leavening. Meanwhile, plain flour has a higher protein content, meaning it creates more gluten, resulting in firmer textures compared to cake flour.
Why Is Cake Flour Difficult to Find in the UK?
Unlike in the US, where cake flour is readily available in every supermarket, British grocery stores rarely stock it. There are a few reasons for this:
Traditional UK Baking Favourites – British baking traditions lean more towards using self-raising flour and plain flour. Recipes for Victoria sponge, fairy cakes, and fruitcakes are traditionally made with these flours, reducing demand for cake flour.
Lower Consumer Awareness – Since most UK bakers have never used cake flour, supermarkets don’t see a strong demand to stock it. Instead, many home bakers rely on self-raising flour for cake recipes.
Recipe Adaptation – Many UK bakers modify American recipes by using plain flour combined with cornstarch (more on that in Part 2).
Branding Differences – Some flours that are essentially cake flour may not be labelled as such in the UK, making it confusing for shoppers.
Where Can You Find Cake Flour in the UK?
Although cake flour isn’t widely available in every supermarket, you can still find it if you know where to look. Here are some of the best options:
✅ Supermarkets – Some high-end stores like Waitrose and M&S occasionally stock cake flour, often under alternative names like “soft wheat flour.”
✅ Online Retailers – Websites like Amazon UK, Shipton Mill, and BakeryBits sell cake flour, though prices may be higher than standard flour.
✅ Specialist Baking Stores – Shops dedicated to baking supplies, such as Lakeland, sometimes stock cake flour, especially around Christmas when demand for delicate bakes rises.
✅ International Brands – Some imported brands, such as Swans Down Cake Flour (popular in the US), can be found online in the UK, though they tend to be more expensive.
Popular Cake Flour Brands in the UK
If you’re looking for cake flour, here are some of the most reliable brands available in the UK:
🔹 Shipton Mill Soft Cake & Pastry Flour – A UK-produced low-protein flour, great for light cakes.
🔹 Matthews Cotswold Cake & Pastry Flour – Made from soft wheat, suitable for delicate bakes.
🔹 Marriage’s Extra Fine Sponge Flour – A finely milled alternative to cake flour, commonly used in British baking.
🔹 Swans Down Cake Flour (Imported) – A popular American brand available on Amazon UK.
Where to Buy Cake Flour in Major Cities of England
City | Supermarket / Store | Brand | Packaging Size | Price (£) | In-Store / Online | Notes |
London | Waitrose & Partners | Marriage’s Extra Fine Sponge Flour | 1kg | £2.50 | In-Store & Online | Often available in high-end locations |
Tesco (Larger Stores) | Matthews Cotswold Cake Flour | 1.5kg | £3.20 | In-Store & Online | Limited stock in smaller stores | |
Amazon UK | Swans Down Cake Flour (Imported) | 2.27kg (5lbs) | £10-£12 | Online Only | Expensive due to import costs | |
Shipton Mill | Soft Cake & Pastry Flour | 16kg (bulk buy) | £29.99 | Online Only | Best for professional bakers | |
Birmingham | Sainsbury’s (Larger Stores) | Marriage’s Extra Fine Sponge Flour | 1kg | £2.50 | In-Store & Online | May be out of stock in smaller branches |
Morrisons | Matthews Cotswold Cake Flour | 1.5kg | £3.20 | In-Store Only | Available in select branches | |
Amazon UK | Swans Down Cake Flour (Imported) | 2.27kg (5lbs) | £10-£12 | Online Only | Available from multiple sellers | |
Manchester | Waitrose & Partners | Marriage’s Extra Fine Sponge Flour | 1kg | £2.50 | In-Store & Online | Best availability in premium stores |
Lakeland | Matthews Cotswold Cake Flour | 1.5kg | £3.20 | In-Store & Online | Stocks often fluctuate | |
Shipton Mill Soft Cake Flour | 3kg | £9.50 | Online Only | Best quality for professional bakers | ||
Leeds | Sainsbury’s | Matthews Cotswold Cake Flour | 1.5kg | £3.20 | In-Store & Online | Limited stock, check online first |
Amazon UK | Swans Down Cake Flour (Imported) | 2.27kg (5lbs) | £10-£12 | Online Only | Imported from the USA | |
Liverpool | Tesco Extra | Marriage’s Extra Fine Sponge Flour | 1kg | £2.50 | In-Store & Online | Check large stores |
Shipton Mill Soft Cake Flour | 3kg | £9.50 | Online Only | Best for sponge cake enthusiasts | ||
Bristol | Waitrose & Partners | Marriage’s Extra Fine Sponge Flour | 1kg | £2.50 | In-Store & Online | Available in high-end supermarkets |
Amazon UK | Swans Down Cake Flour (Imported) | 2.27kg (5lbs) | £10-£12 | Online Only | Expensive but high quality | |
Newcastle | Morrisons | Matthews Cotswold Cake Flour | 1.5kg | £3.20 | In-Store Only | Only in larger stores |
Nottingham | Tesco Extra | Marriage’s Extra Fine Sponge Flour | 1kg | £2.50 | In-Store Only | Limited stock availability |
Sheffield | Shipton Mill Soft Cake Flour | 3kg | £9.50 | Online Only | Good for large cake batches |
Key Insights on Buying Cake Flour in England
🔹 Supermarkets Rarely Stock It – Large supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons) occasionally carry cake flour, but stock levels are inconsistent. Waitrose is the most reliable in-store option.
🔹 Online Retailers Offer More Options – Amazon UK, BakeryBits, and Shipton Mill provide the best variety, especially for high-quality brands like Swans Down and Shipton Mill Cake Flour.
🔹 Prices Vary Widely – British brands (Marriage’s, Matthews Cotswold) are affordable (£2.50-£3.50 per kg), while imported cake flour (Swans Down) is much pricier (£10+ for 2.27kg).
🔹 Bulk Buying is Cheaper for Professionals – Shipton Mill offers 16kg bulk bags (£29.99), perfect for bakeries and cake businesses.
Substitutes for Cake Flour in England
If you’re in the UK and can’t find cake flour in your local supermarket, you’re not alone. As we covered above, cake flour isn’t widely available in England, which leaves many bakers wondering: What can I use instead?
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need cake flour to achieve a soft, delicate cake texture. There are several substitutes, and even better, you can make your own cake flour at home with simple ingredients. In this part, we’ll explore:
Why UK bakers struggle to find cake flour
The best substitutes for cake flour
A DIY cake flour recipe that works just as well as store-bought versions
How different substitutes affect baking results
Recipe adjustments when swapping cake flour
Why Is Cake Flour Hard to Find in the UK?
Cake flour is a low-protein flour, milled extra finely to produce soft, airy cakes. But in the UK, most home bakers use self-raising flour or plain flour for cakes. Because of this, cake flour just isn’t in high demand, and many supermarkets don’t stock it.
Most recipes from British cookbooks are adapted to use self-raising flour, which already contains a leavening agent (baking powder). This is why you’ll rarely find "cake flour" sitting on the shelves of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, or Morrisons.
Instead, you’ll need to get creative with substitutes—or buy from specialty baking stores online.
The Best Substitutes for Cake Flour in the UK
If you can’t find cake flour, don’t worry! You can still achieve light, fluffy cakes using other types of flour. The key is to choose a substitute with the right balance of protein content and texture.
Here are the best cake flour alternatives available in the UK:
1. Plain Flour + Cornflour (Cornstarch) – The Classic Substitute
Best for: Sponge cakes, cupcakes, chiffon cakes
This is the most recommended substitute because it mimics the low protein content of cake flour. Cornflour (known as cornstarch in the US) helps reduce gluten formation, resulting in a softer, more delicate crumb.
✅ How to make it: For every 100g of cake flour, use:
85g of plain flour
15g of cornflour (cornstarch)
Simply sift them together at least twice to ensure they’re well combined. The result? A DIY cake flour that works brilliantly for most cake recipes.
2. Self-Raising Flour – A Quick Fix (But Not Always Ideal)
Best for: Sponge cakes, fairy cakes, Victoria sponges
Self-raising flour is commonly used in UK baking, and some people assume it’s the same as cake flour. However, it contains baking powder and salt, which makes it less versatile than plain flour + cornflour.
✅ When to use it: If a recipe already calls for self-raising flour, you don’t need to change anything. But if your recipe specifies cake flour, using self-raising flour may alter the cake’s structure (especially if additional leavening agents are used).
⚠️ Warning: Do NOT use self-raising flour in recipes that rely on precise amounts of baking powder or acidic ingredients (e.g. buttermilk-based cakes).
3. Pastry Flour – A More Expensive Option
Best for: Delicate pastries, lighter cakes
Pastry flour is another low-protein flour, often used in French baking. It’s slightly higher in protein than cake flour but still softer than plain flour. The downside? It’s more expensive and harder to find in UK supermarkets.
✅ Where to buy it:
Shipton Mill (Soft Cake & Pastry Flour)
Matthews Cotswold Cake & Pastry Flour
4. Italian 00 Flour – A Surprise Contender
Best for: Light cakes, biscuits, delicate bakes
Many UK bakers don’t realise that Italian 00 flour can be a good alternative to cake flour! It’s a finely milled flour, often used for pasta and pizza, but lower-protein versions (such as “00 soft wheat flour”) can work well in cakes.
✅ Where to buy it: Most large supermarkets, including Tesco, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s, stock 00 flour in the baking aisle.
How Do Substitutes Affect Baking Results?
Each of these substitutes behaves slightly differently in cakes. Here’s how they compare to real cake flour:
Substitute | Softness | Airiness | Moisture | Gluten Formation | Availability |
Plain Flour + Cornflour | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | Very easy to find |
Self-Raising Flour | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | Very easy to find |
Pastry Flour | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | Hard to find |
Italian 00 Flour | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | Easy to find |
✅ More checkmarks mean a closer match to real cake flour.
If you want the most accurate cake flour substitute, always go for plain flour + cornflour. It’s the closest you’ll get to the real thing without ordering speciality flour online.
DIY Cake Flour Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
Want to make your own cake flour at home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure the best results.
Ingredients
170g plain flour
30g cornflour (cornstarch)
Method
Measure out 170g of plain flour into a mixing bowl.
Remove 30g of the flour (this reduces the protein content).
Replace it with 30g of cornflour and add it back to the bowl.
Sift the mixture twice to ensure the flours are evenly combined.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.
This method works perfectly in cakes that require light, airy textures, such as chiffon cakes, sponges, and cupcakes.
How to Adjust Recipes When Using Substitutes
When replacing cake flour with substitutes, keep these important adjustments in mind:
🔹 Reduce Mixing Time – Cake flour creates less gluten, so if using plain flour, mix the batter as little as possible to avoid toughness.
🔹 Increase Liquid Slightly – Cake flour absorbs moisture well, so if using plain flour, consider adding 1-2 extra tablespoons of milk or water for a softer texture.
🔹 Sift, Sift, Sift! – Always sift the flour and cornflour at least twice to get the fine texture of real cake flour.
Using Cake Flour for the Best Bakes
Now that we’ve covered what cake flour is and the best substitutes, it’s time to talk about how to actually use cake flour in baking.
In this final part, we’ll explore:
Which cakes benefit most from cake flour
How cake flour affects sponge cakes, cupcakes, and delicate bakes
Expert baking tips when using cake flour or substitutes
Where to buy cake flour in the UK (2025 update)
Recent UK market trends in cake flour demand
Frequently asked questions about cake flour in England
Which Cakes Benefit Most from Cake Flour?
Cake flour is ideal for any bake that requires a light, fluffy, and delicate texture. If a cake recipe specifically calls for cake flour, it usually means the structure depends on low gluten formation.
Here are some classic cakes that turn out best with cake flour:
✅ Sponge Cakes & Victoria Sponges – Cake flour helps create aerated, soft sponge layers without a dense texture.
✅ Chiffon Cakes – Since these cakes rely on whipped egg whites for structure, cake flour ensures they remain light and airy.
✅ Angel Food Cakes – Cake flour is a must here, as the batter needs to be extremely fine and fluffy.
✅ Cupcakes – If you want moist, delicate cupcakes with a soft crumb, cake flour gives better results than plain flour.
✅ Swiss Rolls & Yule Logs – Cake flour prevents the sponge from cracking when rolled.
✅ Japanese-Style Cheesecakes & Cotton Cheesecakes – These cakes rely on a soft flour to create their signature jiggly texture.
However, not all cakes need cake flour. For example:
❌ Dense cakes like fruitcakes or pound cakes are better with plain flour, as they need stronger gluten formation.
❌ Brownies and cookies also don’t require cake flour unless you want a very soft texture.
How Cake Flour Affects Different Cakes
To see how cake flour really impacts baking, let’s compare the results when using different flours:
Cake Type | Using Cake Flour | Using Plain Flour | Using Self-Raising Flour |
Sponge Cake | Soft, airy, light texture | Slightly denser, heavier | Can be unpredictable if extra leavening is added |
Cupcakes | Delicate, moist, fine crumb | Slightly chewier | May rise too much or too little |
Chiffon Cake | Very fluffy, light structure | Denser, more compact | Usually fails to rise properly |
Victoria Sponge | Soft, classic British sponge | A little firmer, more crumbly | Works fine if recipe is adapted |
Swiss Roll | Rolls smoothly, no cracks | Prone to cracking when rolled | Can become too thick |
As you can see, cake flour truly makes a difference for light, delicate cakes.
If you’ve ever baked a sponge cake and found it too dense, chances are the flour was too strong (too much gluten).
Expert Baking Tips When Using Cake Flour (or Substitutes)
Whether you’re using real cake flour or a substitute, these expert tips will help you get perfect results every time:
1. Always Sift the Flour at Least Twice
Cake flour has a finer texture than plain flour, so if you’re using a DIY substitute (plain flour + cornflour), sifting is key to achieving that light consistency.
✅ Tip: Sift the flour before measuring it to prevent using too much, which can make cakes dense.
2. Adjust Liquid in Recipes
Cake flour absorbs more moisture than plain flour, so if using a substitute, add an extra tablespoon of milk or water to keep the batter soft.
3. Avoid Overmixing the Batter
Cake flour creates less gluten, which is why it produces soft cakes. However, if you overmix the batter, even cake flour will develop too much gluten, making your cake chewy instead of fluffy.
✅ Tip: Mix until just combined—no more!
4. Use the Right Baking Temperature
Since cake flour produces softer, lighter cakes, they bake faster than cakes made with plain flour.
✅ Tip: Reduce baking temperature by 5°C if using cake flour instead of plain flour to prevent overbaking.
5. Don’t Use Cake Flour for Heavier Cakes
Cake flour isn’t ideal for cakes that need a strong structure, such as:
❌ Fruitcakes❌ Carrot cakes❌ Dense chocolate cakes
Stick to plain flour or self-raising flour for those.
Where to Buy Cake Flour in the UK
If you prefer to use real cake flour instead of substitutes, here’s where you can buy it in the UK:
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores
Waitrose & Partners – Sometimes stocks cake flour under names like “soft wheat flour”
M&S Foodhall – Occasionally sells finely milled cake flours
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons – Rarely stock cake flour, but worth checking online
Online Retailers (Best Option)
Amazon UK – Stocks imported brands like Swans Down Cake Flour
Shipton Mill – Sells Soft Cake & Pastry Flour (UK-made)
BakeryBits.co.uk – Specialist baking supplies, including cake flour
FlourDirect.co.uk – Sells Matthews Cotswold Cake & Pastry Flour
Specialty Baking Stores
Lakeland – Stocks cake flour occasionally
Sous Chef UK – Online store selling specialist flours
💡 Tip: If you bake a lot, buying cake flour in bulk from Shipton Mill or BakeryBits can save money.
Recent UK Market Trends in Cake Flour Demand (2025 Update)
🔹 Increased Demand for Lighter Cakes – More UK home bakers are following Japanese and Korean cake trends, which require cake flour for super soft bakes.
🔹 Rise of Online Flour Shopping – Due to supermarkets rarely stocking cake flour, more UK bakers are ordering online from brands like Shipton Mill and Matthews Cotswold Flour.
🔹 Influence of American Recipes – British bakers watching US YouTube channels (like Cupcake Jemma and Bigger Bolder Baking) are driving demand for cake flour alternatives.
🔹 Gluten-Free Alternatives Gaining Popularity – Some UK bakers are using gluten-free cake flour blends, particularly for delicate bakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cake Flour in England
💡 Is cake flour the same as self-raising flour?
No. Self-raising flour contains baking powder, while cake flour does not. They are NOT interchangeable in most recipes.
💡 Can I use plain flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but for best results, replace 15g of plain flour with cornflour per 100g of flour to mimic cake flour’s softness.
💡 Is cake flour gluten-free?
No. Cake flour still contains gluten, just less than plain flour. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free cake flour blends.
💡 What’s the best cake flour substitute in the UK?
The best alternative is plain flour + cornflour (85g plain flour + 15g cornflour per 100g).
💡 Does cake flour make a big difference in baking?
Yes! It creates softer, lighter cakes with a more delicate crumb. If you want professional-quality sponge cakes, cake flour (or a substitute) is essential.
Final Thoughts
Cake flour might not be a common ingredient in England, but it’s definitely worth using for lighter, fluffier cakes. If you can’t find it in supermarkets, making your own DIY cake flour with plain flour + cornflour is the best solution.
Whether you buy it online or make your own, using cake flour correctly will elevate your cakes to bakery-level quality! 🎂✨
Disclaimer
The information provided in the article “What Is Cake Flour in England?” is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While Pearls & Crumbs strives to ensure the accuracy and relevance of all content, we cannot guarantee that the information remains up-to-date, as product availability, pricing, and supplier details may change over time.
1. No Professional or Dietary Advice
This article is not intended to replace professional baking advice, nutritional guidance, or dietary recommendations. Readers should consult a professional baker, nutritionist, or retailer for specific concerns regarding cake flour use, dietary restrictions, or ingredient sourcing.
2. Product Availability and Pricing
Brand availability, packaging sizes, and prices mentioned in the article are subject to market fluctuations and stock levels at individual retailers. While we have made every effort to provide accurate pricing and supplier details, Pearls & Crumbs does not control or endorse any specific brands, stores, or online platforms listed. We encourage readers to verify current product details directly with the relevant retailers before making a purchase.
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4. Baking Results May Vary
While the article provides general guidance on cake flour, substitutes, and baking tips, results may vary based on individual techniques, ingredient quality, and oven conditions. Pearls & Crumbs is not responsible for any baking outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
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Last updated: January 2025
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