To make self-raising flour in the UK, you would typically add one teaspoon of baking powder to 110g of plain flour. This is a common ratio used in many recipes and provides the necessary leavening agent to help the baked goods rise.
Baking powder is a combination of bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda) and an acid, usually cream of tartar. When these two ingredients are mixed with moisture, such as when added to dough or batter, a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates bubbles in the mixture, causing it to rise and become light and fluffy.
When making self-raising flour, the baking powder is added to plain flour, which does not contain any leavening agents. By incorporating the baking powder into the flour, you can conveniently have self-raising flour on hand for various recipes without the need to buy a separate pre-mixed product.
It’s important to note that the ratio of baking powder to flour may vary slightly depending on the recipe and desired outcome. Some recipes may call for slightly more or less baking powder, depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used. However, the 1 teaspoon of baking powder to 110g of plain flour is a general guideline that works well for most baking purposes.
If you prefer to make your own baking powder at home, you can mix together 1 part bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) with 2 parts cream of tartar. For example, you could combine 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar to create your homemade baking powder. This homemade version can be used in the same way as commercially available baking powder.
In my experience, using this ratio of baking powder to plain flour has consistently produced good results in my baking. Whether I’m making pancakes, biscuits, or cakes, the self-raising flour made with this ratio has provided the right amount of lift and lightness to my baked goods. It’s always a satisfying feeling to see the dough or batter rise beautifully in the oven.
So, if you find yourself without self-raising flour, don’t worry! You can easily make your own by adding one teaspoon of baking powder to 110g of plain flour. This simple substitution will ensure that your baked treats turn out just as fluffy and delicious as if you were using store-bought self-raising flour.