Kitchen

[Nataliesgramma]

I got an old recipe from an elderly neighbor for "Daffodil Cake". It was handed down to her and she thought that I would like it since she thinks I am a 'good baker'. She made me promise to make it for her since she can't get around that good anymore.(I always give her a pie or cookies when I bake something)

Anyway, I have never made anything using "cake flour" and that is the main ingredient. I went to 2 supermarkets and a Super Walmart and I didn't see any.

What is it? Where do you buy it and can I substitute all purpose flour?

I feel really dumb telling her I never used it.....

[Jessa9]

Nataliesgramma, the cake flour comes in a box and I usually get it at the grocery store or Target.  If you just have the all purpose flour.  Measure a level cup and take 2 tablespoons out.  Measure sifted cornstarch (2 tablespoons) and add it to the cup of flour.  I hope this helps.

[nomless]

@Nataliesgramma, I'm surprised you're having trouble finding it.  It's a common staple.  All the groceries around here stock it.  I wonder if you're looking in the right place.  It comes in a box, not a bag, and it might be located either with the other types of four or closer to the cake mixes.  If you can't find it, ask a store worker for help. It's probably there...somewhere.

If you can't find the cake flour, make the substitute Jessa suggested.  Sift it several times before using to be sure the cornstarch is evenly distributed.  

Using all purpose flour in place of the cake flour would change the texture and density that's intended for the cake.  If you want to stay true to the recipe, don't use ap flour.

Your neighbor will enjoy the cake.  Let us know how it turns out.

[KentuckyWoman]

I have a lot of old cake recipes from my mother.  Almost all of them call for cake flour.  Swans Down cake flour comes in a box and is readily available in my area.  I can find it at Kroger, Walmart or the local grocery down the street.  It makes a huge difference when baking cakes.  The texture is perfection.

[jaxs mom]

I've seen cake flour at Walmart so I'm not sure why yours wouldn't have it. I've used  Swans Down brand and King Arthur brand cake flour. 

[KatieB]

Look for Swans Down Cake Flour.  It should be near the flours in your grocery store...

[Nataliesgramma]

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@jessa wrote:

Nataliesgramma, the cake flour comes in a box and I usually get it at the grocery store or Target.  If you just have the all purpose flour.  Measure a level cup and take 2 tablespoons out.  Measure sifted cornstarch (2 tablespoons) and add it to the cup of flour.  I hope this helps.

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I'll try Target........maybe my Super Walmart was just out of it...

Thanks everyone!!

[Nataliesgramma]

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@nomless wrote:

@Nataliesgramma, I'm surprised you're having trouble finding it.  It's a common staple.  All the groceries around here stock it.  I wonder if you're looking in the right place.  It comes in a box, not a bag, and it might be located either with the other types of four or closer to the cake mixes.  If you can't find it, ask a store worker for help. It's probably there...somewhere.

If you can't find the cake flour, make the substitute Jessa suggested.  Sift it several times before using to be sure the cornstarch is evenly distributed.  

Using all purpose flour in place of the cake flour would change the texture and density that's intended for the cake.  If you want to stay true to the recipe, don't use ap flour.

Your neighbor will enjoy the cake.  Let us know how it turns out.

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I bet it was by the cake mixes at Walmart. I looked real good around the flour and it wasn't there.... When I asked an associate about where to find cake flour......she looked at me like a deer in headlights....LOL

[SharkE]

I go along with #'s 4 and 6.   Makes a BIG difference in quality of cake and good idea showing the pic. I take for granted that we're all established , experienced bakers in here till I see some threads and realize there's some really young people in here.

[PamelaSue72]

That's pretty typical for WalMart. When I shopped there, if I needed something and asked somebody, s/he always had that look. They had no clue.

If you can't find Swans Down cake flour, look for Softasilk Cake Flour; it's made by Pillsbury and you might have better luck finding that. None of our stores around here carry Swans Down, but they do carry Softasilk. In our Giant store, the Softasilk is with the other flours. It comes in a box.