Ever wondered how to make powdered sugar? It’s actually incredibly quick and easy – definitely faster than running to the store to buy some! All you need is regular granulated sugar, a blender, and a couple minutes. Cornstarch is also needed if you’ll be storing it for later.
Ever get halfway through a recipe that calls for powdered sugar and realize you’ve run out? Don’t fret, you can easily make it in minutes without another trip to the store. All you need is granulated sugar and cornstarch! (Fun fact – powdered sugar, confectioner’s sugar, and icing sugar are all the same thing, just labeled differently. Whichever a recipe calls for, this tutorial will work.)
Helpful Tips
- A note on cornstarch. If you are using the powdered sugar immediately for dusting or in icing/frosting, you can omit the cornstarch. However, if you’re storing it for later, you need it to keep the powdered sugar dry and prevent it from caking.
- Different types of sugar. White sugar, coconut sugar, turbinado sugar, and raw cane sugar can all be used, but produce different results. See notes below.
- Strong motor required. I have had the best results making powdered sugar with my Vitamix (though any other high-power blender would work). A food processor is also a good option and a spice grinder works for small amounts of sugar. A very strong motor is important, otherwise it won’t blend the sugar extra fine.
- Check if it’s ready. To check if the powdered sugar is done, pinch a small amount between your fingers. If it feels at all gritty, blend it some more.
- Rest the machine if needed. Depending on the amount of sugar and/or the machine you’re using, blending can take between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. If processing a large amount, make sure to give the machine a bit of a break so it doesn’t burn out.
- How much does this make? Every 1 cup of granulated sugar will yield about 2 cups of powdered sugar.
How to Make Powdered Sugar
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Gather 2 cups granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
- Pour both ingredients into a high-powered blender, food processor, or spice grinder (see important note below.)
- Blend until it’s no longer granulated, but instead is a fine, fluffy powdered sugar. (This can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the machine you’re using.)
- Use powdered sugar immediately or save it for later. Sift before using to get rid of any clumps and fluff it back up again.
Notes
Nutrition
Other Notes
What Sugar Should I Use?
More refined, whiter sugars will produce the fluffiest powdered sugars, but coconut sugar, turbinado sugar, and raw cane sugar also work. Keep in mind that darker sugars can change the color of icing, frosting, and some baked goods. Brown sugar is the one type of sugar that does not create great powdered sugar due to the moisture in molasses.
Ways To Use Powdered Sugar
This homemade powdered sugar can be used in the same recipes as store-bought powdered sugar, such as to make frosting and icing, for dusting pastries, and more. I love to use it to make sugar cookie icing or frosting, to sprinkle over puff pastry, and even in my sugar cookie martinis!
Proper Storage
Powdered sugar has such a long storage life. As long as you used the cornstarch, it can last up to 1 year or more if stored in an airtight container. Just keep it in a cool, dry place as you would regular powdered sugar. Sift before using to get rid of any clumps and fluff it up again.
More Cooking 101:
- How to Make Brown Sugar
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- How to Make the Best Scrambled Eggs
- How to Make Caramelized Onions
- Homemade Graham Cracker Crust
- Homemade Chicken Stock
- World’s Easiest Sandwich Bread
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
This is what I do when brown sugar turns into a rock! Wonderful way to add a deeper note to frosting etc.