All-purpose or White Flour

All-purpose or white flour is likely the most straightforward substitute for self-rising flour. This is due to the fact that self-rising flour is made up of white flour plus a leavening ingredient. Leavening is the generation of gas or air in baking that causes the food to rise.

The chemical or combination of substances used to trigger this action is known as a leavening agent. The process produces the characteristic porous and fluffy texture of baked foods. Baking powder is commonly used as a leavening ingredient in self-rising flour. Baking powder, for example, comprises both an acidic (low pH) and a basic (high pH) material. When the acid and base interact, they produce CO2 gas, which permits the baked item to rise.