Self Raising Versus Plain and Baking Powder

[msemma]

What are the pros and cons of using SR flour rather than Plain Flour and Baking Powder and why do some recipes state only one or the other?

[Donquixote]

SR flour comes pre-mixed with raising agents (usually baking powder and salt). It's pre-mixed to a particularly ratio, whereas adding baking powder to plain flour let's you control the ratio of flour to baking powder yourself. Normally, the only reason recipes state one or the other is when the ratio is integral to the recipe. If you're just making something simple, like scones, self-raising flour will be fine. If it's a recipe where the amount of baking powder used has to be exact, then adding your own to the flour is a better option.

[Bohne]

And I just would like to add, that as far as my experience goes you can always use plain flour and baking powder instead. I always do, since I live in Germany and cannot buy self-raising flour here.

Never had a problem.