Baking recipes usually call for precision, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make smart substitutions in a pinch. Only have all-purpose flour but need self-rising? All out of buttermilk? Here’s a handy guide to common baking ingredients and their best swaps, so you can always get delicious results—no dash to the store required.

Cake Flour

For 1 cup of cake flour, measure 1 cup of all purpose flour. Remove 2 tablespoons and replace with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift together.

Self-Rising Flour

For every 1 cup of self rising flour, substitute a combination of 1 cup of all purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt.

All Purpose Flour

For every 1 cup of all purpose flour, substitute an equal amount of bread flour or a blend of ½ cup whole wheat flour and ½ cup spelt flour.

Baking Powder

For 1 teaspoon of baking powder, combine ¼ teaspoon baking soda with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar and ¼ teaspoon cornstarch.

Butter

Substitute an equal amount of shortening.

Vegetable Oil

Substitute an equal amount of melted butter or olive oil.

Heavy Cream

For 1 cup of heavy cream, substitute ¼ cup cooled melted butter and ¾ cup whole milk.

Buttermilk

For every 1 cup of buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup milk.

Sour Cream

Substitute an equal amount of yogurt.

Brown Sugar

For every 1 cup of brown sugar, add 2 tablespoons of molasses or maple syrup to 1 cup of granulated sugar.

Confectioners’ Sugar

For every 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, measure 1 cup of granulated sugar. Remove 1 teaspoon of sugar and replace with 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Pulse mixture in blender or food processor until finely ground.

Honey

Substitute an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.