5 Best Cake Flour Substitutes for Bagels

Quick tip: This blend reduces protein content to approximate cake flour, yielding a softer crumb while maintaining chewiness.

Cake flour has lower protein (about 7-8%) compared to all-purpose flour (10-12%), which affects gluten formation. Adding cornstarch dilutes the protein content, softening the flour and reducing gluten strength, which is beneficial for bagels that require a balance of chewiness and tenderness.

To ensure success, sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together to evenly distribute the cornstarch. Watch dough hydration carefully, as the cornstarch can slightly affect absorption.

Compared to pure cake flour, this substitute produces bagels with a slightly firmer crust but a similarly tender interior, preserving the traditional bagel chew with a subtle softness.

Quick tip: Pastry flour has a protein content between cake and all-purpose flour, giving a tender crumb with moderate chewiness.

Pastry flour typically contains 8-9% protein, which is higher than cake flour but lower than all-purpose flour. This moderate protein level allows for gluten development sufficient to create the characteristic chew of bagels while maintaining some tenderness.

When using pastry flour, slightly reduce water in the dough as it absorbs moisture differently than cake flour. Monitor dough elasticity during kneading to avoid overdevelopment.

The final bagel will be slightly firmer than with cake flour but softer than with bread flour, striking a good balance for those seeking a tender yet chewy texture.

Quick tip: Using all-purpose flour alone results in a denser, chewier bagel with less tenderness.

All-purpose flour has a higher protein content than cake flour, which promotes stronger gluten networks. This leads to bagels that are denser and chewier, which can be desirable but lacks the slight softness cake flour imparts.

To mitigate toughness, avoid over-kneading and consider slightly increasing hydration to maintain dough extensibility.

The final product will have a traditional bagel chew but with a firmer, less tender crumb compared to cake flour-based dough.

Quick tip: This blend adds fiber and nutrients but produces a denser bagel with a nuttier flavor and slightly coarser texture.

White whole wheat flour has higher protein and bran content than cake flour, which can toughen bagels. Adding cornstarch reduces protein concentration and lightens the texture.

Mix thoroughly and consider increasing hydration by 5-10% to compensate for bran absorption. Expect a longer fermentation time due to bran's impact on yeast activity.

The resulting bagels will be heartier and more flavorful but less tender than those made with cake flour, with a chewier bite and slightly grainy crumb.

Quick tip: Sponge cake flour is a specialty low-protein flour that can mimic cake flour but may be harder to source.

Sponge cake flour is milled specifically for delicate cakes and has a protein content similar to cake flour. It produces tender baked goods with minimal gluten development.

Use it as a direct substitute but be aware that bagels require some chew, so dough handling should emphasize gluten development through kneading.

Bagels made with sponge cake flour will be softer and less chewy, potentially deviating from traditional texture but suitable for softer-style bagels.