Cake Flour — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

When selecting cake flour, opt for a product that is finely milled and has a soft, silky texture. This type of flour should be pure white. Look for brands that ensure a high starch content, which is ideal for tender cakes.

Avoid cake flour that appears clumpy or has a yellowish tint, as this can indicate age or poor storage conditions. A good quality cake flour will have a uniform consistency and be free from any foreign smells.

Cake flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or kitchen cabinet is ideal to protect it from moisture and pests. Properly stored, cake flour can last up to a year.

Exposure to humidity can cause cake flour to clump and spoil, so these conditions should be avoided. Storing it near heat sources is not advisable, as this can degrade its quality. Regularly checking for pests helps maintain the flour's freshness and safety.

Cake flour can last for 6-8 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, it can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer, where it can last up to 1 year. Proper storage helps maintain its quality and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors.

Leftover cake flour can be used in a variety of baking projects. It’s ideal for making light and fluffy baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and pastries due to its lower protein content. You can also use it to dust baking pans or roll out dough, ensuring a fine, tender texture.

Beyond baking, cake flour has some unconventional uses. It can be used as a dry shampoo in a pinch, helping to absorb oil from the hair. Cake flour can also be sprinkled over surfaces as a light dusting powder to prevent sticking, such as when working with sticky doughs or in craft projects. Additionally, it can be used in homemade beauty treatments; mixing cake flour with water creates a gentle face mask that helps absorb excess oil from the skin.