Learning how to make powdered sugar is a kind of kitchen tips that feels suspiciously straightforward as a result of it truly is. Granulated sugar goes right into a high-powered blender or grinder and comes out gentle, powdery and prepared for glazes, frostings or a snowy dusting over dessert.

Cornstarch is non-compulsory relying on how you intend to use it, nevertheless it helps stop clumping and makes selfmade powdered sugar behave extra just like the confectioners’ sugar bought on the grocery retailer. The actual trick will not be the ingredient list- it’s processing the sugar lengthy sufficient that you simply can not really feel gritty crystals between your fingers.
Why This Recipe Works
- It can save a baking venture instantly. If the powdered sugar field is mysteriously empty midway by way of frosting, common granulated sugar can come to the rescue with out one other journey to the shop.
- You management precisely how a lot you make. Need solely sufficient to mud a Bundt cake? Use a small grinder. Need a number of cups for frosting? Pull out the blender and make a bigger batch.
- It might be made with or with out cornstarch. Add cornstarch whenever you need higher anti-caking properties or a extra store-bought-style confectioners’ sugar, or depart it out for recipes the place you solely want finely floor sugar.
Ingredients for Making Powdered Sugar
You solely want two easy elements to make powdered sugar at house! A full listing of elements with measurements for this recipe is accessible within the printable recipe card beneath.
- Granulated Sugar – Regular white granulated sugar is all you technically want to make powdered sugar. The blender or grinder breaks the sugar crystals down till they grow to be an especially advantageous powder. For essentially the most predictable end result, use customary granulated cane or beet sugar reasonably than coarse ornamental sugar.
- Cornstarch – Cornstarch is non-compulsory, nevertheless it serves a function. It helps: stop clumping, take in moisture and enhance storage. For easy dusting, cornstarch will not be mandatory. For frosting, icing and longer storage, I would come with it.
How to Make Powdered Sugar (Step-by-Step)
Homemade powdered sugar truly requires two elements: granulated sugar and cornstarch. I’ll discuss extra concerning the cornstarch beneath. This model will work in all your baking recipes.
- Measure sugar. Measure out half of the specified quantity of powdered sugar. I do know this appears backwards, however powdered sugar has extra quantity as a result of it’s fluffy. So 1 cup of powdered sugar would solely require 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
- Add to blender. Place it in a espresso or spice grinder or excessive powered blender. In my expertise, smaller works greatest, so a Magic Bullet or one thing related versus a big meals processor.
- Blend on excessive for 1-3 minutes. It may takes a second to produce the snowy like powdered sugar. You might need to this in phases in case your grinder begins to really feel scorching to the contact. You don’t need to burn out the motor.
- Let mud settle. Wait a couple of minutes earlier than eradicating the lid. You actually want to look ahead to the mud to settle otherwise you’ll be hit with a powdered sugar bomb.
- Add cornstarch if utilizing. After sugar is ok and fluffy, add cornstarch and provides it one or two extra pulses. The cornstarch is non-compulsory.
- Store in an hermetic container in a cool, dry place.
Chef Tips
- Do not overfill the blender. The sugar wants room to flow into into the blades.
- Use a blender for bigger batches. It is usually extra environment friendly for pulverizing a full cup than a large meals processor.
- Use a grinder for small quantities. There isn’t any cause to soiled the large blender for 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
- Process till you can’t really feel crystals. Visual look alone might be deceiving. Use the finger check.
- Let the mud settle. Wait earlier than opening the lid until you need the kitchen to appear to be it snowed.
- Add cornstarch for storage. Cornstarch helps take in moisture and forestall clumping.
- Work in batches. If you want a big quantity, a number of smaller batches often course of extra evenly than one overloaded blender.
Storage
Making giant batches ought to have a bit cornstarch although. It will stop clumping in the long term. Either manner, it’s a good suggestion to sift the sugar earlier than measuring and utilizing to get the right quantity and fluffiness.
Powdered sugar is shelf secure so long as it’s saved in an hermetic container in dry circumstances. Although there is no such thing as a cause it shouldn’t final for a lot of, a few years, I don’t maintain mine for longer than 1 12 months. If it lasts that lengthy, as a result of let’s be sincere, I do lots of baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
There actually isn’t a lot of a “versus” as a result of they’re all the identical factor. You may additionally see them labeled as advantageous cane sugar or 10x sugar. All of those labels are simply finely milled granulated sugar.
Because it’s milled so clean, it’s nice for pastry, icing and different delicate treats that want sweetness, however not the grainy texture of granulated sugar. It can be nice for adorning and topping desserts, donuts and even breakfast. I like to use this powdered sugar duster gadget to evenly shake some on.
Rub a bit between your fingers. It ought to really feel comfortable and powdery with no apparent gritty sugar crystals.
It has not been processed lengthy sufficient or the equipment will not be highly effective sufficient to grind the crystals uniformly.
Simply depart it out. The combination may get a bit cakey when saved, so I might recommend utilizing it instantly.
Recipes that Use Powdered Sugar
Now that you simply’ve made it, you may want some inspiration about what to do with it. Here are some favorites.

How to Make Powdered Sugar Recipe
How to make powdered sugar, also referred to as icing sugar or confectioners sugar, at house.
Prevent your display from going darkish
Servings: cup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch , non-compulsory
Place the 1 cup granulated sugar in a small meals processor, (clear) espresso grinder or spice grinder.
Grind till it types a advantageous powder. Depending on the motor and blade of your equipment, this might take 1-5 minutes. If it does take longer, give it breaks to not burn out the motor. You may want to shake it a bit to break up clumps.
Allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes earlier than opening to stop a powdered sugar bomb from going off.
If utilizing, add the 1 tablespoon cornstarch by mixing in with just a few pulses or sifting collectively.
Store in an hermetic container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 12 months.
If you have tried this recipe, come again and tell us the way it was within the feedback or rankings.
Powdered sugar is shelf secure so long as it’s saved in an hermetic container in dry circumstances. Although there is no such thing as a cause it shouldn’t final for a lot of, a few years, I don’t maintain mine for longer than 1 12 months. If it lasts that lengthy, as a result of let’s be sincere, I do lots of baking!
Calories: 804 kcal, Carbohydrates: 207 g, Protein: 1 g, Sodium: 3 mg, Potassium: 4 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 200 g, Calcium: 2 mg, Iron: 1 mg




