How to Make Powdered Sugar

Powdered Sugar doesn’t have to be store-bought! Learn how to make Powdered Sugar at home using the sugar of your choice! The result is a fine, super fluffy sugar that is begging to be dusted on your next sweet treat.  Want to make more ingredients at home? 

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There are few recipes on the Grandbaby Cakes blog that don’t feature a dusting of icing sugar. A cupcake is left incomplete, a cake unfinished when it isn’t showered with sweet snowflakes of sugar. Just a few sprinkles can cover imperfections and elevate an already delicious dessert! 

But, for as much as I love Powdered Sugar, I often find myself without it. There is nothing like reaching into the pantry for that final touch just to discover the lack of confectioner’s sugar. My stomach sinks, heart drops and I go into full panic mode! 

Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit. The panic is brief because, well, I’ve got a trick up my sleeve! With my trusty blender and a bit of regular sugar, I can whip up a Homemade Powdered Sugar that can be used immediately or stored for later use. 

Wanna know how it’s done? Come along with me! 

What Kind of Sugar Should I use?

When it comes to making this type of sugar homemade, using granulated sugar, in any form, is best. Whether refined or unrefined, organic or raw, all will produce a delicious product. Maple sugar and coconut sugar will also work! 

Just be sure to keep in mind flavor, sweetness and color. Use the sugar that will create your ideal result! 

How to Make Powdered Sugar

Making Confectioner’s sugar couldn’t be any easier! All you need is a bit of sugar, a blender and about 30 seconds. It’s that easy! 

1. Measure out half the amount that you’ll be needing. (Half a cup of regular sugar will produce one cup of powdered sugar) 
2. Pour sugar into a high-powered blender. If using, add cornstarch. 
3. Blend on high until sugar is fine and fluffy (about 30 seconds). 
4. Optional: sift before use for clump free, extra fluffy sugar.

TIP: Make a larger batch of sugar and store in an air-tight container in the pantry for later use. 

Variations

The flavor of confectioner’s sugar can be enhanced by adding a variety of spices or powdered extracts. Cinnamon, cardamom, sage, and just about any other warm, flavorful spice you can think of can be used. Shoot, even cayenne can add a fun kick to an otherwise sweet dessert! 

Powdered extracts made from freeze-dried fruit (like strawberry, blueberry, or lemons) and various other things like almonds, peppermint, or vanilla can also be used. 

Does it have cornstarch?

Most store-bought varieties contain a bit of cornstarch to keep the sugar dry. Though useful, cornstarch isn’t the healthiest addition to a recipe. I love that, by making my own sugar, I can closely control what gets added to my food. 

If I’m whipping up a quick batch to make frosting or dust on as a topping, I skip the cornstarch. But, if I’m making a larger batch to store in the pantry, I do add a bit of my own preservative. Arrowroot powder, tapioca flour or organic cornstarch are all great options! Add one tablespoon of cornstarch (or your preferred alternative) for every one cup of sugar. 

Confectioners Sugar Vs. Powdered Sugar

Confectioners sugar, icing sugar and powdered sugar are all the same thing. All three are just varying terminologies from around the world. 

Is it Vegan?

Most of the time, yes! There are some sugar options that contain dairy or have been filtered through bone char. Be sure to either closely read the ingredient list or buy a sugar that has been labeled as vegan. 

Substitutions

Whether you’re trying to cut down on your sugar intake, or you’re in a very unfortunate baking pinch, I’ve got a couple super useful substitution suggestions for powdered sugar to share with y’all! 

Here’s what you can use: 

• Artificial Sweeteners- Blend ¾ cup of any artificial sweetener (stevia, splenda, equal, etc.) with 2T of cornstarch until they form a powdered state. Substitute this mixture in a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for powdered sugar.
• Powdered Coconut Sugar- Coconut sugar has a caramel-like flavor and is significantly less sweet than powdered sugar. All you have to do is mix 1 cup of coconut sugar with 1T of arrowroot powder. Use this concoction as a 1:1 substitute for powdered sugar. 

How to Use It

If you’re reading this post, you’re either very desperate for some confectioner’s sugar or just looking to add another kitchen trick up your sleeve. Either way, you’re most likely gonna have some extra sugar on your hands! 

So, what do we use it on? I’m thinking you should try a few of GBC’s creamiest frosting recipes! 

Check ‘em out: 

• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Chocolate Frosting
• Caramel Frosting
• American Buttercream

Other Tutorials to try

Learn to make Cake Release, Homemade Brown Sugar , Convert Cake to Cupcakes, and Homemade Cake Flour too!  Plus learn some amazing High Altitude Baking Tips here.