When stocking your pantry, you probably always remember to add all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and even baking powder to your grocery list. But what about cornstarch? This ingredient might not be something you reach for every day of the week, but it certainly comes in handy for baking fruit pies, thickening soup recipes, and making stir-fries nice and glossy. Its even the key to getting fried foods crispier than ever. In fact, cornstarch has some pretty incredible qualities that work like magic in tons of family recipes. But what should you do if youre all out of cornstarch? Dont worry! These cornstarch substitutes can work for any situation.
But first, what exactly is cornstarch anyway? It’s literally the starch from corn—clever name, huh? Youll find it in the baking aisle at the grocery store. Its sometimes labeled corn flour in Europe, but don’t confuse it with extra-fine cornmeal, which is a totally different ingredient. Cornstarch is used as a top-notch thickener for recipes like strawberry pie or Ree Drummonds butterscotch pudding. And if you see cornstarch in your favorite cookie recipes, that’s because it also gives baked goods a tender crumb. Try Ree’s shortbread cookies and youll see what we mean! On the savory side of things, cornstarch is often used to thicken soups, stews, and gravies by making a slurry (which is a combination of cornstarch and water). You also might see cornstarch and flour mixed together to form a dredge for giving fried foods a crispy crunch, like in this recipe for fried pickles. Since theres no one-size-fits-all fix for cornstarch, the list below will help you find the cornstarch substitute thats right for you.
All-purpose flour is an easy substitute for cornstarch; in fact you may see recipes for thickening pie fillings or soups with either. You’ll need 2 tablespoons of flour for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a recipe.
Cornstarch Substitute for Fruit Pie Fillings
When it comes to pie fillings, all-purpose flour is the way to go. Its a pantry staple thats great for thickening, but it wont give you that same glossiness that cornstarch provides. You can also use tapioca starch if you have it handy. Just be sure to use 2 tablespoons flour or tapioca starch for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the recipe.
Cornstarch Substitute for Pudding
While cornstarch is the key to making a nice, thick pudding, many old-fashioned pudding recipes actually used to call for flour. So, all-purpose flour is a good alternative to try. Use 2 tablespoons flour for every 1 tablespoon cornstarch in your pudding recipe.
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch for pie filling?
FAQ
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch for cherry pie filling?
Is flour or cornstarch better for fruit pies?
What is the best thickener for cherry pie?
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch in Cherry Pie?
Flour is the perfect substitute for cornstarch in this recipe. Not only does it help to thicken the cherry pie filling, but it also adds a subtle flavor and texture that can’t be achieved with other thickeners. Some of the benefits of using flour instead of cornstarch are:
How to make cherry pie filling without cornstarch?
Learn how to make cherry pie filling without cornstarch with this easy-to-follow guide. All you need is fresh cherries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and salt. The instructions are straightforward and can be done quickly. Using flour instead of cornstarch results in a smooth and creamy texture that enhances the flavor of the cherries.
Can you use rice flour instead of cornstarch for pie?
Rice flour, made from finely ground rice, can be a valuable asset when you need a cornstarch substitute. Its mild flavor won’t interfere with your pie’s taste. Rice flour offers a similar thickening power to cornstarch but may result in a less glossy finish. Its fine texture ensures a smooth filling for your pie.
What is a good substitute for cornstarch in pie filling?
Quick-cooking tapioca is another option for a cornstarch substitute. It thickens effectively and imparts a glossy sheen to your pie filling. While quick-cooking tapioca shares the thickening power of cornstarch, it may leave small, chewy bits in the filling unless it’s thoroughly cooked and cooled.