Is plain flour cream flour?
Matthew Shields
Updated on March 28, 2026
Is plain flour cream flour?
Plain flour: Also known as all-purpose flour, cake flour, cream flour, this flour is low in gluten and protein. This is perfect for making biscuits and pastry – where a crumbly texture is needed, this is the one! Plain flour is also used for pancakes, crumbles, shortcrust pastry etc.
How do you turn self raising flour into cream flour?
This is the flour used for bread machines and can also be used for rich fruit cakes and pastry. Note: To convert Cream Plain Flour for a recipe calling for Self Raising Flour, allow 2 teaspoons of baking powder to 450g/1lb of flour.
What is a substitute for plain flour?
If you only have plain flour and you need some self-raising, you can make your own by adding 2 tsp baking powder to each 150g plain flour.
Is plain white flour the same as plain flour?
White flour, otherwise known as plain or all-purpose flour, contains about 75 per cent of the wheat grain, with most of the bran and wheat germ taken out. It is commonly used for cakes, pastries and biscuits. When used in cakes it is combined with a raising agent such as baking powder or bicarbonate of soda.
Can I use plain flour instead of self raising flour?
No. If your recipe asks for plain or self-raising flour, it is important to remember that these two ingredients are not interchangeable and you should use the flour recommended in the recipe along with any raising agents, such as baking powder or bicarbonate of soda.
What happens if you don’t have enough plain flour?
1. To substitute self-rising for all-purpose flour, look for recipes that use baking powder: about ½ teaspoon per cup of flour, minimum. Our self-rising flour includes both a concentrated form of baking powder, and salt. Add enough baking powder on your own to make up the difference.
How do I convert plain flour to self raising cup?
How to make self raising flour
- Combine 1 cup of plain flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder in a glass bowl and mix together.
- Place a sheet of wax paper on the table.
- Collect the flour that has fallen into the paper and carefully transfer back into a mixing bowl for immediate use, or an airtight container for storage.
Is the all purpose flour the same as plain flour?
One of the most commonly used types of flour is the all-purpose flour or plain flour (also known as pastry flour or cream flour). So, the answer to the question; is all-purpose flour the same as plain flour, is a resounding yes there is no difference!
Which is better bread flour or cream flour?
It is more like a SR flour but with better colour and water absorption. It does seem to take in more fluid than some types of bread flour that have a protein >10% (good for Pizzas etc).
What’s the difference between wheat flour and cake flour?
Frequently used wheat flour is an excellent source of energy, but unlike other types of flour it contains less fibre, vitamins and minerals. It is divided into the following flour types: Cake or pastry flour: These classic baking flours are very finely milled, lending a very fine crumb to baked goods.
What’s the difference between spelt and wheat flour?
Just like whole rye flour, this flour type has a low glycemic index, which means that the blood sugar level rises more slowly. Did you know: Spelt is closely related to wheat and can be substituted for wheat flour. It has a slightly nutty taste and a comparatively high content of minerals and fibre.
One of the most commonly used types of flour is the all-purpose flour or plain flour (also known as pastry flour or cream flour). So, the answer to the question; is all-purpose flour the same as plain flour, is a resounding yes there is no difference!
What can you do with cream plain flour?
It is an all-purpose household flour perfect for making sauces, pastry and biscuits and, with the addition of more raising agents, cakes and soda bread. Top tip: to convert Cream Plain Flour for a recipe calling for Self Raising Flour, allow 2 teaspoons of baking powder to 450g/1lb of flour.
It is more like a SR flour but with better colour and water absorption. It does seem to take in more fluid than some types of bread flour that have a protein >10% (good for Pizzas etc).
Can you use plain flour instead of self raising flour?
If your recipe asks for plain or self-raising flour, it is important to remember that these two ingredients are not interchangeable and you should use the flour recommended in the recipe along with any raising agents, such as baking powder or bicarbonate of soda. How much raising agent is in self-raising flour?