How to Make Powdered Sugar in Seconds
Making your own Powdered Sugar is super easy, and you can do it with any type of sugar desired including date, coconut, pure cane, and other varieties of less refined sugar.
Back in the days before I went plant-based, I used to buy a bag of powdered sugar for a specific recipe and then let the rest of the bag sit in the cabinet untouched for literally years. Those days are long gone, thank goodness!
How to make powdered sugar
Have you ever been making a recipe that calls for powder sugar and not had any on hand? Many people don’t realize that powdered sugar (aka confectioners sugar) is actually just blended sugar, and it’s really easy to make your own with whatever sugar you happen to have in the cupboard.
To make sugar powder, you only need two ingredients–granulated sugar of your choice and a starch such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Personally, I like to use date sugar or pure cane sugar, but any type can be substituted. Just be aware that the darker the granular sugar used, the darker the powdered sugar will be in the end. Due to their nutritional benefits, I really like to stick with date sugar when possible.
Add one cup of granulated sugar, plus one tablespoon of cornstarch or other starch, to your blender or food processor and blend for about 1 minute.
You’ll want to toss a hand towel over the blender while it’s processing because the sugar creates a cloud of powder that will escape through the lid and make a mess in your kitchen.
When it is finished, don’t open the lid immediately because the powder will rise up and you’ll be breathing it in before you know it. Instead, let it sit for a minute or two with the lid on after blending.
If there are any lumps, sifting the sugar before use will help thin those out.
Uses for confectioner’s sugar
Powdered sugar isn’t something that I personally use often, and have not kept it on hand in the past. But, there are times when it can be very handy like sprinkling over a delicious baked dessert to make a show-stopping delight, especially for the holidays and special occasions. It can also be used to make this amazing Vegan Whipped Cream recipe.
These are some vegan dessert recipes that could use a little powdered sugar
Your Powdered Sugar Questions Answered
- Q: Do I have to have cornstarch? You will need some type of starch to make sugar powder because the starch keeps the sugar from caking. Other options are arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, potato starch, and others.
- Q: Can I make powdered sugar with a blender? Yes! All you need is a blender or food processor.
- Q: Is there a difference between powdered sugar and confectioners sugar? Technically, yes, but most people use the terms interchangeably. The only true difference is that confectioner’s sugar may not contain any starch whereas powdered sugar always does.
- Q: How much powdered sugar is equal to granulated sugar if I need to substitute it? One cup of granulated sugar is equal to 1.75 cups of powdered sugar.
- Q: How long will it last? In an airtight container, it should last about 1 year.
More easy baking basics
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How to Make Powdered Sugar in Seconds
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar such as date coconut, or other less refined variety
- 1 tablespoon starch cornstarch, arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, etc
Instructions
- Personally, I like to use date sugar or pure cane sugar, but any type can be substituted. Just be aware that the darker the granular sugar used, the darker the powdered sugar will be in the end.
- Add one cup of granulated sugar, plus one tablespoon cornstarch or other starch, to your blender or food processor and blend for about 1-minute.
- You’ll want to toss a hand towel over the blender while it’s processing because the sugar creates a cloud of powder that will escape through the lid and make a mess in your kitchen.
- When it is finished, don’t open the lid immediately because the powder will rise up and you’ll be breathing it in before you know it. Instead, let it sit for a minute or two with the lid on after blending.
Video
Notes
Your Powdered Sugar Questions Answered
- Q: Do I have to have cornstarch? You will need some type of starch to make sugar powder because the starch keeps the sugar from caking. Other options are arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, potato starch, and others.
- Q: Can I make powdered sugar with a blender? Yes! All you need is a blender or food processor.
- Q: Is there a difference between powdered sugar and confectioner’s sugar? Technically, yes, but most people use the terms interchangeably. The only true difference is that confectioner’s sugar may not contain any starch where powdered sugar always does.
- Q: How much powdered sugar is equal to granulated sugar if I need to substitute it? One cup of granulated sugar is equal to 1.75 cups of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
Would xylitol work here?
Hi Amelia- I’ve never used xylitol before, so I’m not sure about that.