Usually if a recipe calls for just flour, I assume that means All-Purpose Flour. If it's a specialty flour it usually says that in the recipe but not always. In the case of self rising flour, look in the recipe, if it has a leavening agent in the recipe (baking powder or soda) you would not need the self-rising flour too. As for cake flour, I've never used it to do my cakes. Mine are just for family and all-purpose works fine for me. Cake flour is supposed to make a lighten, finer texture. Hope this helps.