Are you a fan of sweet treats, craving for various delicious cakes without going too far? It's easy! You can try making cakes right at home using all-purpose flour. This affordable, readily available, easy-to-handle ingredient is sure to be your number one solution for sweet gatherings at home! What can you bake with all-purpose flour? What are the specific recipes and what do you need to prepare? Let's find out with Mytour in the following article
1. What is all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour can be considered as the “jack-of-all-trades” ingredient for every baker. With simple components and excellent gluten formation from protein, all-purpose flour easily creates the desired texture. With a protein content ranging from 10 to 12%, it's suitable for providing energy for sweet treats and soft cakes.
There are 2 common types of all-purpose flour in the market: bleached and unbleached. Bleached flour has no yellow pigment, suitable for making visually appealing bread and cakes according to standards.
Image: Collected
2. Suggestions for delicious dishes from all-purpose flour
In general, all-purpose flour is quite “user-friendly” for amateur bakers and it's very easy to get into the kitchen right away with just one suitable recipe. Mytour has selected 5 types of cakes made with all-purpose flour suitable for home baking for your reference.
2.1. Fried Flour Cake
This timeless dish in every kitchen is extremely easy to make and has a sweet aroma that quickly satisfies hungry stomachs.
Prepare the ingredients
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla powder (optional)
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Mix the flour
Stir the eggs with sugar and salt until foamy. Pour the mixture into a bowl of flour, add condensed milk and mix well by hand until the batter is smooth, without any dry flour lumps sticking to the bowl.
Step 2: Fry the cakes
Heat a pan of oil and scoop tablespoons of flour batter into the pan. Fry each side until the cakes turn golden brown, slightly crispy on the edges, and a fragrant aroma arises. Be careful to keep the heat low and watch closely as cakes with condensed milk tend to burn quickly.
Finished Product
Place the cakes on paper towels to absorb excess oil, preventing them from becoming greasy and smelly. Then, arrange them on a plate and enjoy while still hot. These fragrant, lightly sweetened, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside flour cakes are perfect for light snacks.
Image: Collected
2.2. Pancake
Prepare the ingredients
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 240 ml Unsweetened fresh milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the flour
Prepare a flour sieve, slowly pour the flour through the sieve into a bowl. Add sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla according to the recipe into the bowl. Mix the mixture until smooth and glossy. Separate 2 egg yolks into the bowl, continue mixing until the mixture turns light yellow.
Transfer the remaining egg whites into a separate bowl, beat until fluffy for 5-10 minutes until the whites form soft peaks when lifted. It's best to use an egg beater for desired results.
Step 2: Make the cake batter
Divide the beaten egg whites into 2 portions, gently fold each portion into the cake batter using a spoon. Note to fold from the bottom to the top, insert the spoon from the bottom of the bowl and flip it up, then gently fold to one side and repeat.
Step 3: Fry the cakes
For this cake, make sure not to immerse it completely in oil, just spread the oil evenly around the pan. Heat the pan and slowly pour tablespoons of batter into it. Create beautiful round shapes and fry on low heat until the cakes turn golden brown. Flip twice to complete.
Finished Product
This pancake recipe is incredibly easy yet high-quality. By replacing egg whites with baking powder, the pancakes are perfectly fluffy with a touch of richness, ideal for enjoying with butter, jam, or honey. Pancakes can be served for breakfast or as a snack, both suitable.
Image: Collected
2.3. Sponge Cake
Prepare the ingredients
- 80g All-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 80g Fine sugar
- 30g Unsalted butter or vegetable oil
- 2ml Vanilla extract
- 20ml Lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 15 ml Fresh milk
Instructions
Step 1: Make the cake batter
First, prepare 2 clean bowls to separate egg yolks and egg whites. Add ½ teaspoon of salt into the egg whites, beat until large bubbles appear. Then, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and beat for an additional 5 minutes until a smooth and foamy texture is achieved.
In the bowl of egg yolks, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla, and fresh milk as per the recipe, stir the mixture well. Gradually sift the flour into the bowl and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Slowly add the egg yolks into the egg whites and mix in one direction from bottom to top until the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as it may cause the mixture to separate, resulting in deflated cakes when baked.
Step 2: Bake the cake
Brush butter inside the cake mold, add parchment paper to fit the mold, then pour the batter mixture in slowly. Remember to gently tap to even out the mixture and prevent air bubbles. Preheat the oven to 160°C for 30 minutes, then place the cake in to bake. The common baking temperature is 155°C for 30 minutes, but you should also monitor regularly to avoid burning.
Finished Product
When the cake comes out of the oven, it should have good elasticity, soft texture, fully risen, smooth and golden surface. When enjoying, you will clearly feel the sweet aroma of vanilla and butter, without any eggy or moist taste, very easy to eat. You can also add jam, shredded pork, butter, or cheese to eat with the cake.
Image: Collected
2.4. Crepe Cake
Prepare the ingredients
- 110g all-purpose flour
- 10g cornstarch
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 290ml unsweetened fresh milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 200ml whipping cream
- A dash of vanilla (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the cake batter
Start by beating 3 eggs and stirring them evenly with melted butter. Sieve in all-purpose flour and cornstarch, add salt, sugar, and mix well. Strain the mixture through a sieve and refrigerate for half an hour.
Step 2: Make the cake crust
Spread a thin layer of butter onto the pan and pour the batter slowly into the pan. Ensure to pour a very thin layer and coat the pan evenly. The cake cooks very quickly, you only need about 40 seconds before flipping it and transferring it to a plate.
Step 3: Make the cream filling
In this step, all you need to do is whip the whipping cream with sugar and add a few drops of vanilla (if available), then it's done.
Finished Product
With the cake crust and cream filling ready, all you have to do is spread the filling in the middle and roll it up to make a traditional French crepe. Despite its creamy appearance, this dish is surprisingly fresh and not at all heavy. You can also add fruits like mangoes or strawberries to enhance its visual appeal.
- Answer: What delicious treats can you make with flour number 8?
Photo: Collectibles
2.5. Sweet Potato Cake
Prepare Ingredients
- 500g Sweet potatoes
- 100g Wheat flour
- 150g Crispy frying flour
- 100ml Unsweetened fresh milk
- 50ml Coconut milk
- 4 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Method
Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
The best sweet potatoes for cakes are finely shredded. Therefore, to have the most suitable ingredient, remember to clean the sweet potatoes, peel off the skin, and soak them in saltwater to remove bitterness. After slicing the sweet potatoes, continue soaking them in saltwater for 30 minutes, then drain them and set aside for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter
The characteristic of sweet potato cakes is their golden crispy crust, crunchy texture, and sweet aroma. Follow this recipe: 100g all-purpose flour + 150g tempura flour, add sugar, salt, coconut milk, and unsweetened fresh milk as per the recipe, and mix well. To prevent the batter from being too thick, add 200ml of filtered water. Mix everything to create a smooth mixture and let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Cakes
Prepare a pan with hot oil ready for frying. Use a spoon to scoop the desired amount of batter, place the sliced sweet potatoes on top, mix well, and then drop into the hot oil. Note that the oil should be hot enough before adding the sweet potatoes to achieve the most delicious result.
Finished Product
This sweet potato cake made using this method is guaranteed to be as delicious as those sold in stores. With its golden crispy crust, crunchy texture, and especially its sweet, rich aroma, it surpasses any store-bought version. Be sure to use oil-absorbing paper to prevent the cake from becoming oily and to maintain its deliciousness!
Image: Collected
Hopefully, with these 5 recipes, you now have many great ideas for the question what desserts to make with all-purpose flour. Don't forget to try your favorite dessert on a leisurely day and let Mytour know your thoughts. Additionally, Mytour Blog has many more delicious dishes, so be sure to follow regularly.
Explore more articles:
- Wondering what delicious treats to make with flour?
- What can you bake with flour number 13? Check out these mouthwatering recipes