How to Make Powdered Sugar (2024)

FAQs

How to Make Powdered Sugar? ›

Take 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch(optional) in a food processor for each cup of powdered sugar you need. If you don't have a food processor, a blender will work too. Another option is a coffee grinder!

The magic ratio is 1 cup granulated sugar to 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Combine the two in a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, a food processor, or spice grinder, then blitz away until you have a soft, powdery consistency—the total time could be several minutes, depending on the power of your machine.

It is possible to simply use granulated sugar in a slightly smaller amount, though you'll have to accept that the texture may not be ideal, especially for icing or other recipes that are supposed to be super smooth. Just substitute 1 cup of granulated sugar for every 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar and proceed as directed.

Weigh out an amount of sugar, and add it to the blender or food processor (1/2 cup of granulated sugar will make about 1 cup powdered sugar, but that will vary slightly based on the type of sugar you use). Pulse on high speed until the sugar is no longer visibly granulated, but instead resembles a fine powder.

How Sugar is Produced: The Refining Process. Almost all of our refined sugar comes from sugar cane; the rest is extracted from sugar beets (source, 765). Sugar is made using a two-step process of milling and refining. Milling is simply a means of cleaning and extracting the liquid (juice) from the sugar cane plant.

Confectioners' sugar is regular granulated white sugar that's pulverized to a powder so fine it's basically sugar dust. On its own, this powder will draw water from the air and clump, so cornstarch is added to prevent this (but don't worry, you won't taste it).

"Regular sugar has a larger crystal size than powdered sugar," he explains. "This means, cup for cup, there would be more sugar in a cup of powdered sugar than in a cup of regular sugar." In addition to inconsistent measurements, regular sugar won't dissolve and mix as well into recipes like frosting and icing.

You can also use a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or mortar and pestle, but it may take a bit longer to process. Grind for 1–2 minutes until the sugar transforms into a fine white powder, then sift through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining large granules.

Although the terms are often colloquially used interchangeably, they are not the same. Powdered sugar is similar to confectioners' sugar but without the cornstarch. Because the words are often mistaken for each other, you will even find "powdered sugar" in the grocery store that is actually confectioners' sugar.

To make powdered sugar, you will need a powerful blender, like a spice grinder, Nutri bullet, Vitamix, or food processor. Though, some of my helpful commenters have told me they've had success using their coffee grinder or a Magic Bullet by working in batches.

Does powdered sugar go bad? ›

Confectioners' sugar (also known as powdered sugar) can also last for years if it's stored in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place. However, just like white and brown sugar, if confectioners' sugar is exposed to moisture or air, it won't taste as good.

To make powdered sugar at home, you'll need two ingredients: granulated sugar and cornstarch. Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every cup of sugar. My recipe below calls for 2 cups sugar, but feel free to scale it up or down depending on the size of your blender and the quantity of powdered sugar you need.

“You can make your own powdered sugar from granulated sugar by adding about 3% cornstarch by weight and grinding it in a blender until it's a fine powder,” says Kierin Baldwin, pastry and baking chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Powdered sugar is simply granulated sugar that has been crushed into a fine powder. Cornstach is often added to powdered sugar to prevent clumping. You can make powdered sugar from granulated sugar by simply blending 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until a fine powder.

You can also use a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or mortar and pestle, but it may take a bit longer to process. Grind for 1–2 minutes until the sugar transforms into a fine white powder, then sift through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining large granules.

Generally, it's recommended to use 1 cup of granulated sugar for 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar. A more accurate (and easier) way to substitute the sugars is based on weight, not volume. If a recipe calls for 1 cup of powdered sugar (4 ounces, or 113 grams), you should use 4 ounces of granulated sugar.

Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar or confectioner's sugar, is made by finely grinding granulated sugar until it is a very fine powder.