How to Prepare Powdered Sugar

About to whip up a batch of your favorite frosting only to realize you ran out of powdered sugar? Learn how to make powdered sugar with two simple ingredients to save the day!

Bowl of powdered sugar set next to a plate of frosted cupcakes.

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Even with my best efforts to maintain a well-stocked pantry and follow my grocery lists, I often find myself starting a baking project only to discover I’ve run out of an essential ingredient.

In those moments, I turn to my handy baking tricks to save the day. Whether it’s creating a buttermilk substitute or mixing up brown sugar, I’ve learned that knowing how to prepare self-rising flour is incredibly useful, too!

As the holiday season approaches, I anticipate needing pounds of powdered sugar, and no doubt I’ll run out at the most inconvenient time—likely while making chocolate crinkle cookies.

Thus, it feels like the perfect opportunity to share how you can easily make powdered sugar at home! With this straightforward recipe, you won’t have to dash to the store mid-baking again.

What Is Powdered Sugar?

Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is simply granulated sugar that has been finely ground and mixed with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping. This fine texture allows it to blend effortlessly into frostings, icings, and glazes—creating a beautifully smooth finish unlike the grainy texture of granulated sugar.

Two stone plates set next to each other. One has granulated sugar on it, the other has powdered sugar.

What Does the Cornstarch Do?

You may be wondering about the role of cornstarch in powdered sugar. Although it’s typically used as a thickening agent for sauces, in this case, it acts as an anti-caking agent. It prevents the fine sugar granules from sticking together and absorbs moisture that could spoil the sugar.

What About Confectioners’ Sugar and Icing Sugar?

In the realm of sugars, confectioners’ sugar and icing sugar are simply different names for powdered sugar, with “icing sugar” being the more common term outside of the United States, particularly in the UK.

How to Make Powdered Sugar

Now that we’ve explored what powdered sugar is, let’s dive into how you can easily make a substitute at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create a homemade version of powdered sugar, you’ll only need two ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

If you require a larger batch, just scale up the recipe—using one tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of granulated sugar. It’s often better to prepare more than you need and store the extra in an airtight container for future use!

Equipment You’ll Need

A food processor or a high-speed blender will work perfectly for this task.

Making This Simple Substitute

This process is incredibly simple:

  1. Add the granulated sugar and cornstarch to your blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until the mixture is very fine and fluffy. To test, feel the sugar with your fingertips; it should feel powdery, not gritty. If it still feels gritty, blend it longer and retest.
Freshly made powdered sugar in the bowl of a food processor.

Powdered Sugar Substitute Uses

Once you’ve made your powdered sugar substitute, you can easily store any leftovers for future baking endeavors.

Use your homemade powdered sugar in a variety of frostings and icings, including buttercream, chocolate frosting, or royal icing.

It’s also perfect for dusting over desserts like lemon bars, adding that delightful finishing touch.

Frosted vanilla cupcakes set on a pink countertop.

Additionally, it works great for rolling gooey butter cookies or snowball cookies. The possibilities are endless!

Remember, powdered sugar is soft and powdery and compacts easily, so follow proper measuring techniques as you would with flour.

Now that you know how to create your own powdered sugar, you can rest easy knowing you won’t run out anymore!

Ingredients Instructions
1 cup granulated sugar Place the ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until sugar is very fine and fluffy. Feel the sugar with your fingertips – it should no longer feel gritty.
1 tablespoon cornstarch Store in an airtight container.

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