Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar, is a common baking ingredient used to sweeten everything from frostings and glazes to doughnuts and cookies. With its fine texture that easily dissolves, powdered sugar can add sweetness without altering the consistency of a recipe too much. Understanding the versatility of powdered sugar can help expand your kitchen creativity.
What is Powdered Sugar?
Powdered sugar, sometimes called confectioners’ sugar, 10x sugar, or icing sugar, is simply white granulated sugar that has been ground into a very fine powder. It contains about 3% cornstarch to prevent clumping and improve flow. The fineness allows it to dissolve rapidly into batters, frostings, and more without grittiness. Powdered sugar is typically used in desserts and baked goods.
You can make your own powdered sugar by grinding granulated sugar in a blender or food processor for a few minutes until powdery and smooth. However, store-bought powdered sugar contains cornstarch already, flows better, and has a brighter white color. Unless you need a low-carb/low-starch version, pre-made powdered sugar is recommended for convenience and quality.
Frosting and Icing
One of the most popular uses of powdered sugar is to make frosting and icing. It creates smooth, spreadable consistencies without crystallization or grit. Powdered sugar is the key ingredient in nearly any buttercream, along with butter and/or shortening. It also enables you to control the thickness and sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar amounts. Here are some classic frosting recipes featuring powdered sugar:
- Buttercream frosting – Butter, powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla or other flavorings whipped together.
- Cream cheese frosting – Cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla whipped together.
- Royal icing – Powdered sugar, egg whites, and sometimes lemon juice or cream of tartar.
- Fondant – Powdered sugar, glucose/corn syrup, shortening, and glycerine kneaded into a pliable dough.
Powdered sugar is also used to make glazes for cakes, donuts, and pastries. Simple mixes of powdered sugar and milk or juice quickly produce pourable icings that dry with a smooth, glossy finish.
Dusting and Decorating
The fine, powdery nature of powdered sugar makes it ideal for lightly dusting over finished desserts. A light sprinkle over cakes, pies, cookies, and other treats adds just a hint of sweetness. Powdered sugar is also commonly used to coat baked goods like brownies and bars. Simply sift the powdered sugar over the top for a decorative finish.
Powdered sugar can also be used to make decorative piping icing. Mix powdered sugar with small amounts of milk or lemon juice to create a thick, pipeable icing. Pipe borders or writing onto cakes and cookies. Add food coloring to make colorful designs.
Cakes and Cookies
Adding a bit of powdered sugar to cake or cookie batter helps enhance softness and moisture. Replace about 1-2 tablespoons of regular granulated sugar in recipes with powdered sugar. The small amounts will dissolve during mixing without compromising structure. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch, which lends extra tenderness.
For sugar cookies, a common technique is to roll out the dough in powdered sugar instead of regular granulated sugar. The fine powder helps prevent sticking to the rolling surface. The powdered sugar imparts a very delicate, tender texture to the baked cookies.
Whipped Cream
Powdered sugar sweetens freshly whipped cream without causing it to weep or loose fluid. Add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar per cup of heavy whipping cream when whipping it with a mixer. Sweetened whipped cream made with powdered sugar makes an easy topping for pies, cakes, puddings, hot chocolate, sundaes, and other desserts.
Candy Making and Coatings
Powdered sugar is sometimes used in candy making to help prevent crystallization and give a smooth texture. It can be swirled into fudge, caramel, maple candy, and brittles. Powdered sugar also creates velvety panned candy coatings. Heat powdered sugar with corn syrup or other liquid to form a smooth candy coating.
Drink Sweetener
The fine texture of powdered sugar enables it to quickly sweeten drinks without sinking to the bottom. Stir a teaspoon or two of powdered sugar into coffee, tea, lemonade, cocktails, and other beverages for a touch of sweetness. The small amounts dissolve rapidly.
Smoothies and Frosty Drinks
Adding a bit of powdered sugar when blending smoothies or milkshakes introduces sugar without altering the texture. 1-2 tablespoons is all it takes to lightly sweeten blended fruit smoothies. Powdered sugar can also sweeten homemade “frosty” style beverages.
Fruit Dip
Powdered sugar is commonly used to make quick fruit dips. Simply mix powdered sugar with cream cheese or yogurt to create a sweet dip for strawberries, apple slices, banana pieces, and other fruits. Adjust the powdered sugar to reach your desired sweetness and thickness.
Caramel Sauces and Syrups
Powdered sugar can be used to balance the sweetness in caramel sauces and syrups. Simmer it into buttery caramel sauces, or stir it into condensed milk caramel to cut the richness. Powdered sugar brings sweetness without altering the smooth, pourable texture.
Sweeten Doughs and Batters
Replacing a small amount of granulated sugar in doughs and batters with powdered sugar can enhance tenderness and rise. Try using powdered sugar in pancake, waffle, crepe, cake, muffin, quick bread, and yeast bread recipes. Begin by swapping just 1-2 tablespoons then adjust to your liking.
Cut Tartness and Acidity
Powdered sugar can help mellow sharp tastes in lemon curd, tangy BBQ sauces, vinaigrettes, and creamy salad dressings. Whisk in small amounts of powdered sugar until the acidity is tamed but flavor remains.
Thickening Agent
In a pinch, powdered sugar can be used to slightly thicken glazes, pie fillings, casseroles, and sauces. The cornstarch in powdered sugar helps bind moisture. Just stir in a tablespoon or two until the desired thickness is reached.
Powdered Sugar Problems
While powdered sugar delivers sweetness, there are a few issues to look out for:
- Clumping – Powdered sugar can clump up if exposed to moisture or humidity. Sift before using.
- Grittiness – If not sufficiently blended, powdered sugar can leave a gritty texture.
- Too much dusting – Excess powdered sugar dusting can look messy or leave a chalky texture.
- Tooth coating – Straight powdered sugar can coat teeth. Mix with other ingredients.
Storing Powdered Sugar
To best preserve freshness and prevent clumping, store powdered sugar:
- In an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Away from moisture, steam, and humidity.
- With a sheet of wax paper between the lid and powdered sugar to prevent caking.
- For no more than 1 year for best flavor and texture.
Homemade Powdered Sugar
While buying pre-made powdered sugar is easiest, you can grind regular white sugar into powdered sugar with these steps:
- Place 1 cup granulated sugar into a blender or food processor.
- Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until very fine and powdery.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch and blend for 30 more seconds to prevent clumping.
- Sift the ground sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining granules.
- Use as you would store-bought powdered sugar.
Powdered Sugar Substitutes
If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make some easy substitutions depending on the application:
| Substitute | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup sugar + 1-2 tsp cornstarch, blended |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch, blended |
| Confectioner’s sugar substitute (low carb) | Use same amount as powdered sugar |
| Maple sugar | Process into powder. Use same amount. |
For dusting, try alternative powders like cocoa powder or cornstarch instead. Note that flavor and texture may be affected.
Powdered Sugar Conversion
Use this quick guide to convert measurements:
| Powdered Sugar | Granulated Sugar |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 cup minus 1 tablespoon |
| 16 ounces (weight) | 14 ounces |
| 225 grams | 200 grams |
| 1 kilogram | 900 grams |
Conclusion
With its fine, powdery texture and ability to dissolve quickly, powdered sugar is ideal for frosting, icing, dusting, decorating, and sweetening all kinds of desserts and baked goods. Just a spoonful or two can sweeten drinks, doughs, candies, fruits, and more without overpowering flavors or textures. Stored properly in an airtight container, powdered sugar will keep fresh for up to a year.