โญ All-Purpose Flour with Cornstarch (Best Gluten-Free Option)
For each cup of all-purpose flour, replace 2 tablespoons with cornstarchCornstarch is a pure starch that contains no gluten-forming proteins. By replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch per cup, the overall protein content is lowered, mimicking the effect of cake flour. This substitution reduces gluten development, which is essential for a tender vanilla cake crumb. The cornstarch also helps absorb moisture and contributes to a finer crumb texture. When using this method, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch thoroughly and sift before adding to the batter to ensure even distribution and aeration. This is a practical solution when cake flour is not accessible.