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

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 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 TO USE FOR HOMEMADE POWDERED SUGAR

When it comes to Powdered Sugar, 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 Powdered 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 of powdered sugar 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).
   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.

DO I NEED TO ADD CORNSTARCH?

Most store-bought powdered sugars 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.

IS CONFECTIONERS SUGAR THE SAME AS POWDERED SUGAR?

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

MAKE IT VEGAN

There are various 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.

How To Make Powdered Sugar

Powdered Sugar doesn’t have to be store-bought! Learn how to make Homemade Powdered Sugar 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.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: granulated sugar, powdered sugar, sugar

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 387kcal

Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar (makes 2 cups of powdered sugar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch optional- see note below

Instructions

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

Notes

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

Note RE Preservatives:

Most store-bought powdered sugars 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 100g

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