Ingredient Comparison
All-Purpose Flour
Cornstarch
All-Purpose Flour vs Cornstarch: differences, swaps, and listed uses
Compare the curated descriptions, diet tags, substitute options, and listed recipe uses before choosing one.
At a glance
All-Purpose Flour is listed for any baking, casual cakes, gravies and muffins. Cornstarch is listed for gravies, pie fillings, puddings and sauces.
The most versatile wheat flour, used in everything from bread to cakes. Contains moderate protein (10-12%) for structure.
6 substitute options available
A fine starch used as a thickener in sauces, gravies, soups, and puddings. Also used in baking to lighten texture.
4 substitute options available
Key Differences
| Attribute | All-Purpose Flour | Cornstarch |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Flours & Grains | Flours & Grains |
| Listed uses | any baking, casual cakes, gravies and muffins | gravies, pie fillings, puddings and sauces |
| Watch out for | angel food cake, delicate sponge cakes, dessert sauces needing clear appearance and nutrition-focused recipes | acidic sauces, clear gels and dairy-based sauces |
| Substitutes | 6 | 4 |
| Diet tags |
Can you substitute All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch?
All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch are both in Flours & Grains, so the data may show overlapping recipe uses. The listed use cases are All-Purpose Flour for any baking, casual cakes, gravies and muffins and Cornstarch for gravies, pie fillings, puddings and sauces.
Shared diet signals: gluten-free and paleo.
Diet tags
Cornstarch
Substitutes
🌾 All-Purpose Flour Substitutes
- Whole Wheat Flour7/8 cup per 1 cup AP flour
- Almond Flour1:1 by weight (not volume)
- Oat Flour1 cup + 2 tbsp per 1 cup AP flour
- Rice Flour7/8 cup per 1 cup AP flour
- Cassava Flour3/4 cup per 1 cup AP flour
- Coconut Flour1/4 cup + 1 extra egg per 1 cup AP flour
🌽 Cornstarch Substitutes
- Arrowroot Powder1:1
- Tapioca Starch1:1
- Potato Starch1:1
- All-Purpose Flour2 tbsp flour per 1 tbsp cornstarch
Listed use cases
All-Purpose Flour is listed for…
✅ Listed for
⚠️ Not ideal for
Cornstarch is listed for…
✅ Listed for
⚠️ Not ideal for
All-Purpose Flour vs Cornstarch FAQs
What is the main difference between All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch?
All-Purpose Flour is described as: The most versatile wheat flour, used in everything from bread to cakes. Contains moderate protein (10-12%) for structure. Cornstarch is described as: A fine starch used as a thickener in sauces, gravies, soups, and puddings. Also used in baking to lighten texture. The curated use notes point to any baking, casual cakes, gravies and muffins for All-Purpose Flour and gravies, pie fillings, puddings and sauces for Cornstarch.
When do the notes point toward All-Purpose Flour instead of Cornstarch?
The curated notes list All-Purpose Flour for any baking, casual cakes, gravies and muffins. They list Cornstarch for gravies, pie fillings, puddings and sauces.
Can All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch substitute for each other?
Sometimes. They are both in Flours & Grains, but check flavor, texture, and ratio before swapping them directly.
Do All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch share diet tags?
Their substitute options share these diet tags in the data: gluten-free and paleo. Always check the specific substitute before using it for allergies or strict diets.