Homemade Date Powdered Sugar
Making your own homemade date 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 because now I love making exactly the amount needed to use in recipes like this vegan whipped cream made with aquafaba. It is a perfect topping for tofu chocolate mousse and other vegan pies and desserts.
Reasons you will love this recipe
- Healthier Alternative to White Sugar: Making powdered sugar with less refined sugars like date sugar or maple sugar provides a more nutritious option, as these alternatives retain more natural minerals and nutrients compared to highly processed white sugar.
- Natural and Flavorful Sweetness: Less refined sugars such as date sugar and maple sugar offer a unique, rich flavor profile that enhances the taste of your baked goods, adding depth and complexity beyond the bland sweetness of traditional powdered sugar.
- Less Waste: Making your own powdered sugar allows you to create just the amount you need, minimizing waste and ensuring you only use what’s fresh. This approach is cost-effective and practical, preventing the spoilage of a whole bag that might sit unused for long periods.
Ingredients you will need
- Granular sugar- Using date sugar or maple sugar is better than white sugar because they retain more natural nutrients and offer a richer, more complex flavor profile.
- Starch- Helps prevent clumping by absorbing moisture, ensuring a smooth, free-flowing texture. This addition improves the consistency and usability of the powdered sugar, making it easier to incorporate into recipes and achieve a uniform result.
How to make date powdered sugar
The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.
STEP #1: 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.
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.
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.
STEP #2: 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 like these dairy-free chocolate chip donuts 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 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.
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.
One cup of granulated sugar is equal to 1.75 cups of powdered sugar.
In an airtight container, it should last about 1 year.
Desserts to Sprinkle With Powdered Sugar
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Homemade Date Powdered Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar date, maple, 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
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.