What is sifted cake flour?

Here's the breakdown:

* Cake flour: This is a finely milled flour with a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. The lower protein content means it develops less gluten, resulting in a softer, more tender texture in cakes.

* Sifting: This process removes lumps and aerates the flour, making it lighter and easier to incorporate into batter.

So, "sifted cake flour" is just cake flour that has been prepared for use by sifting it. This is a common practice in baking, as it helps to ensure a smooth and consistent texture in the final cake.

Here's why sifting cake flour is important:

* Better texture: Sifting removes lumps and ensures the flour is evenly distributed, leading to a finer, more delicate crumb in your cake.

* Increased volume: Sifting aerates the flour, making it lighter and increasing its volume, which can help your cake rise higher.

While you can sift cake flour yourself, you can also purchase pre-sifted cake flour. This is often a convenient option, especially if you bake frequently.

Ultimately, "sifted cake flour" is just a way to indicate that the cake flour has been prepared for baking by removing any lumps and aerating the flour.