What is the difference b/w self-rising flour and cake flour. I have seen recipes that call for "cake flour" and I am confused. Some of my recipes I use just call for all-purpose and you just add your baking soda/powder. I have been and looked several places for Cake Flour, but nothing says that. Is there a special kind that you use and like? And could someone please explain the difference.

Kim

I think cake flour is like that Swan's down flour; you can easily make your own self-rising flour out of all-purpose flour -
To make 1 cup of self-rising flour, take 1 cup all-purpose flour and add 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

GREAT cakes Klstrr!!!! With cakes that look like your does.... how could you have any questions? Keep up the good work.

I have noticed at the store that the cake flour is not with the rest of the flours. And it's in a red box, not a bag. I've found it with the cake mixes, on the bottom shelf. But another store had it on the top shelf (again, not with the rest of the flour). Either way, I always have to search for it. And yes, the only brand I've ever seen at the store is Swan's Down. Oh, and self-rising is not interchangeable with all-purpose or cake flour. HTH!

Cake flour is "softer" and different that AP or self-rising flour. It has less gluten that the other kinds. You should be able to find it near the cake mixes in your grocery store and Swan's is the most common one I have seen out there...

Thanks so much for the info. And thank you MissJ for the nice comments on my cakes. I feel that I still have so much to learn about cake decorating.

Kim

ACK! Just say NO to self rising flour.

I personally like Soft as Silk brand cake flour.

Here you go...

Cake flour has a 6-8% protein content and is made from soft wheat flour. It is chlorinated to further break down the strength of the gluten and is smooth and velvety in texture. Good for making cakes (especially white cakes and biscuits) and cookies where a tender and delicate texture is desired. To substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour use 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour for every cup of all-purpose flour. Make your own - one cup sifted cake flour can be substituted with 3/4 cup (84 grams) sifted bleached all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons (15 grams) cornstarch.

More...
http://www.joyofbaking.com/flour.html

I have noticed over the last couple months that Wal-Mart and Kroger have stopped stocking Soft as Silk. That is my preferred cake flour. Is everyone else able to find Soft as Silk?

I just bought some today at Glen's (that's a chain in Michigan). If you can't find it you might check the Pillsbury website and see if they can tell you where to buy it locally. I just did this with Satin Ice fondant. Unfortunately, they don't have any local distributors so I have to order it. Good luck!