27 Best Cake Flour Recipes and Dessert Ideas

Want to know how to make the lightest, most fluffy bakes ever? Try these super simple cake flour recipes!

From cakes and cookies to pies and pancakes, they’re all winners.

25+ Easy Ways to Use Cake Flour

First off, let’s answer an obvious question: what is cake flour?

Basically, cake flour contains less protein than regular flour. That means it gives you lighter, softer, and fluffier baked goods.

That’s how it got its name – because it’s particularly perfect for cakes. 

But of course, it’s not only for cakes. So if you’ve bought a big bag and need inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re craving breakfast, dessert, or just a tasty treat, these cake flour recipes have your name on them!

1. Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is such a unique sponge, and it sure is tasty.

Unlike regular cakes, it only uses egg whites and doesn’t typically contain butter or oil. And amazingly, the result is impossibly airy and tender. 

While it may seem intimidating at first to make an egg white-only batter, trust me, it’s nothing you can’t handle!

2. Belgian Waffles

What makes Belgian waffles better than regular waffles? They’re lighter, crispier, and have deeper pockets for holding all those tasty toppings!

So, if you’re looking for an extra-special dish for breakfast or brunch, you have to try these homemade waffles!

Top them with fresh berries and whip cream, or serve them with crispy fried chicken and maple syrup. Yum!

3. Boston Cream Pie

Dating all the way back to the 1800s, this heavenly dessert was created for the opening of Boston’s Parker House.

And it’s known as a “pie” because cakes and pies were made in the same pans at the time, and the words were often used interchangeably.

Luckily, no matter what you call it, this cake/pie is highly irresistible!

Moist vanilla sponge filled with silky smooth pastry cream and frosted with chocolate glaze…need I say more?

4. Italian Almond Torte

This delicious torte features a moist cake that all starts with almond paste.

Rather than grabbing a bag of almond flour, you’ll blitz marzipan with sugar, butter, and orange zest.

It’ll kind of look like cookie dough, but then you’ll loosen it up with eggs. Add some sifted flour, baking powder, and salt, and it’s ready for the oven.

This cake is beyond moist with a heavenly nutty finish. And there’s extra sliced almonds on top, too!

5. Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Crush Cookies

If you’ve never tried a Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookie before, you’re really missing out. 

Besides the decadent chocolate chips and nutty walnuts, these cookies are loaded with gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

And that’s all thanks to the cake flour. 

Better yet, you don’t need to book a trip to the Big Apple to taste it for yourself. Instead, just make this recipe, and get ready to swoon!

6. Butter Cookies

Humble yet delightful, butter cookies are a hit at any party.

They’re essentially enhanced shortbread cookies, with the egg giving them more richness and a softer finish.

And, of course, cake flour adds an extra layer of delicate tenderness.

Pipe them into pretty shapes, bake them until just golden, then watch as they disappear.

7. Perfect Pound Cake

One bite of this buttery delight, and you’ll agree it’s perfect.

Traditionally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and cake flour, it’s no wonder this cake has such a rich and delicious flavor. 

And it’s nice and easy to remember! So the next time you’re struggling for something straightforward, try it out.

You can flavor it with chocolate chips, citrus zest, or even a layer of cheesecake in the middle. Delish!

8. Moist Homemade Chocolate Cake

Who doesn’t love a big slice of delectable homemade chocolate cake? If you don’t have a go-to recipe yet, I highly recommend this one!

Thanks to today’s key ingredient, this cake is wonderfully light, fluffy, and moist.

And while certain ingredients, like eggs and cocoa powder, may seem non-negotiable, feel free to get creative with added flavors like coffee or orange zest. 

Add a drizzle of decadent chocolate ganache or fluffy raspberry buttercream to make it next level!

9. Moist Vanilla Cake With Easy Buttercream

I don’t know about you, but I adore vanilla. When you get the right stuff (extract or paste – not essence!), it’s wonderfully complex, warm, and sweet.

It’s also one of the safest choices you can make for parties. Who doesn’t enjoy sweet vanilla cake, right?

Cover it with silky smooth buttercream, and every forkful melts in your mouth like a dream!

10. Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake

Forget complicated cinnamon rolls and time-consuming coffee cakes.

This cinnamon roll pound cake recipe is all you need if you like to start your day off with something sweet.

It’s super butter, wonderfully tender, and chock-full of spiced cinnamon warmth.

When you add the cream cheese frosting to the top, it’s just like a fluffy cinnamon roll! Only it takes a fraction of the time to make.

How’s that for a win-win?!

11. Peach Cobbler

Is there anything better than a warm bowl of fresh peach cobbler with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? 

While the juicy peaches are obviously the star of this dessert, the key to a truly fantastic cobbler is all in the crust.

So, instead of regular all-purpose flour, substitute cake flour for a lighter and flakier finish.

12. Coconut Cake

If you love all things sweet, nutty, and tropical, then this divine coconut cake is the dessert for you. 

Light, moist, and exploding with the tropical sweetness, it’s filled and frosted with a dreamy coconut cream cheese frosting.

Between that and the coconut milk, extract, and flakes in the batter, this one is for serious coconut lovers only.

13. Butter Pecan Cake

Got a holiday party coming up? This classic butter pecan cake is calling your name.

Brimming with buttery pecans and plenty of tender cake, it’s nutty, soft, and addictive!

Taking it to the next level, though, is a creamy frosting flavored with browned butter and cream cheese. 

Top this cake with more pecans, and enjoy!

14. Lemon Cake

Sweet and tart lemon cake is always a crowd-pleaser. 

I mean, what’s not to love? Its buttery delicate crumb features plenty of zesty lemon goodness – but not so much it’s sour.

That said, if you want it more sour, try filling it with a layer of lemon curd! Yum!

15. Strawberry Cake From Scratch

Strawberry cakes can be a challenge. Believe it or not, it’s difficult to get the taste, texture, and color right.

Luckily, this cake nails it!

Featuring a light crumb and plenty of natural strawberry flavor, it’s worth every second of prep work.

16. Mexican Wedding Cookies

Have you ever tried Mexican wedding cookies? These powdery little cookies are such a tasty way to say I love you!

Also known as polvorones, they’re so tender, they melt in your mouth. 

You’ll use cake flour for extra fluffiness and dust them with powdered sugar for sweetness.

They’re a popular treat at weddings and holiday parties but trust me, you’ll want to make them all year. 

17. Vanilla Sheet Cake

Whether it’s a birthday party or an office potluck, a classic vanilla sheet cake won’t disappoint.

The best part is, it’s surprisingly easy to make! 

For an extra moist and tender cake, be sure to use cake flour instead of regular all-purpose flour. 

And use vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

As for the frosting, nothing beats the combination of butter, powdered sugar, and real vanilla extract.

But feel free to make it your own. Go for peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, or even tangy cream cheese frosting with fruit.

18. Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

If you grew up eating dreamy orange creamsicle popsicles, you’ll want to try this recipe asap.

The cake is light and fluffy, and the frosting is made with orange zest and fresh orange juice for an extra punch of citrus flavor. 

19. The BEST Homemade Pancake Recipe From Scratch

There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes in the morning, don’t you think?

And while there’s no shortage of boxed mixes, there’s something special about making them from scratch. 

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for these homemade pancakes. So grab some cake flour and get ready for a tasty breakfast the whole will love!

20. Moist Chocolate Chip Muffins

I adore bakery-style muffins. They’re big, impossibly moist, and oh-so-tasty.

And these chocolate chip muffins are all that and more! 

The cake flour ensures these babies are super light and keeps them moist for days.

After one bite, you’ll never go back to store-bought muffins again.

21. Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Cake

Lemon and blueberry buttermilk cake is the perfect summer dessert!

You’ll find a light and fluffy sponge with lots of lemon and juicy pops of blueberries, adding even more flavor to every bite.

Best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to be a hit at any BBQ or potluck. 

22. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake may be simple, but it’s a definite show-stopper.

And it’s a classic for a reason! The combination of sweet, gooey pineapple and sticky caramel on top of a moist cake is seriously irresistible. 

Plus, this cake looks just as beautiful as it tastes. And all you have to do is arrange a few pineapple slices.

How easy is that?

23. Best Homemade Fudgy Brownies

I know plenty of people go nuts for cakey brownies, but I’ll always be a devout supporter of their fudgy counterparts.

And these brownies fall into the fudgy category, for sure.

From the crackly top to the ooey-gooey interior, these brownies are to die for. In fact, they might just be too good to share.

(They can be our little secret – I won’t tell if you don’t!)

24. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip cookies are great and all, but these cookie bars are the ultimate comfort food. 

They’re soft yet crispy on the outside, with an explosion of chocolate chips in every bite.

Top tip: sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for the ultimate sweet and salty treat!

25. Japanese Cake Rolls

If you’ve never tried a Japanese cake roll, run to the kitchen now!

Delicately light and fluffy, they often contain beautiful layers of fruit and cream. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors, ranging from matcha to strawberry. 

They’re such fun little desserts and are ideal for any occasion.

26. Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is delightfully indulgent. It’s always moist, it’s always tender, and it’s always a hit.

I love the hint of cocoa in the sponge, and the cream cheese frosting is quite literally the icing on the cake.

Plus, you really can’t beat that color!

27. Cream Cheese Pound Cake

How do you make buttery, soft pound cake even more deliciously moist and irresistible?

You add cream cheese to the batter!

It brings an extra dose of fat to the cake, which ensures every spoonful is rich and tasty.

Enjoy this cake as is, or dress it up with some seasonal fruit and whipped cream for a decadent dessert.