All-Purpose Flour: Vegan Cooking Guide
Plain flour (all-purpose flour in the US) is the most versatile flour in vegan baking - it provides structure in cakes and pastries, thickens sauces (as a roux) and coats ingredients for frying. It has a moderate protein content (10 - 12%) that develops enough gluten for structure without toughness.
How to Use All-Purpose Flour
Sift before using in delicate cakes. Make a roux by whisking with vegan butter over medium heat before adding liquid for béchamel or gravy. Dust surfaces when rolling pastry. Mix with water and spices for a simple frying batter.
Nutrition
Primarily carbohydrate; provides some B vitamins and iron when fortified; relatively low in fibre.
Chef's Tips
- For the most accurate baking, weigh flour in grams rather than using cups - flour compacts differently depending on how it's scooped.
- Sifting flour aerates it and removes any lumps - essential for light, tender cakes and pastries.
- Store in an airtight container - flour absorbs odours from surrounding foods and can become rancid if exposed to light and heat.
→ Find the best substitutes for all-purpose flour
Vegan Recipes Using All-Purpose Flour
Learn to cook with all-purpose flour on video
Our Cook Like A Pro course covers vegan cooking techniques including how to get the most from plant-based proteins, flavour bases and dairy alternatives. Watch step-by-step with chefs Rupert Worden and Lisa Hinze.
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