Plain or Self Raising Flour? Baking Powder or Bicarbonate of Soda?

[Dickydon]

To the lots of you cooking experts here: What’s the difference if I use Plain or Self Raising flour or does it not matter which I use?

Going to attempt to make my first ever plain no frills coconut cake. Yum!

Thanks!

[Cooper27 Administrator]

Self raising flour basically has baking powder mixed in. If you use plain flour, you'll need to add baking powder.

Don't use bicarb unless your recipe specifically calls for it.

[Dickydon in reply to Cooper27]

very helpful. thank you.

I live on my own now my wife passed away 15mths ago, otherwise she always baked the most tasty and delicious coconut cake.

[Cooper27 Administrator in reply to Dickydon]

I'm sorry to hear that

If it helps, I find the best way to get a cake to rise is by using an electric hand mixer, as it helps get the air in. Apparently having eggs at room temp first also helps.

I hope you enjoy your coconut cake if it works well, you'll have to share your recipe!

[Dickydon in reply to Cooper27]

Thanks you Cooper27

I suppose it fluffs up the mixture and I keep my eggs out anyway so they’ll be good to go.

Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi Dickydon!

Self raising is the best if you want your cake to rise! However you can use plain with adding baking powder! Look ratio of baking powder to plain flower on the web! If you stuck text me!

Good luck!

Trish

[Dickydon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Trish, very helpful. I suppose coconut cake will rise a bit I’d imagine.

[Hidden in reply to Dickydon]

One of my favourites! Just adore any food with coconut ! Save me a slice 😉👍