Homemade Powdered Sugar
Making homemade powdered sugar is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure you always have this baking ingredient. Whether you’ve run out of store-bought powdered sugar or prefer a fresher option, creating it at home requires just two basic ingredients.
I can’t tell you how often I run out of powdered sugar when I’m in the middle of making a delicious dessert. It’s always frustrating having to run out to the store just for one ingredient. That’s why knowing how to make your own powdered sugar at home can be a real lifesaver.
Do you love making pantry staples like this at home? If so, you may also enjoy this Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk or Homemade Bisquick Mix. Both of these are great recipes.
Table of Contents
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: It’s incredibly easy and requires only two ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- No Shopping Needed: It’s a perfect solution when you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to go to the store.
- Healthier: Homemade powdered sugar is free from any added preservatives or anti-caking agents.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Ingredient Notes:
- Sugar: You can use either granulated or caster sugar for this recipe.
- Cornstarch: This is used to prevent clumping and to give the powdered sugar a smoother texture.
Substitutions and Additions
- Arrowroot Powder: A great alternative to cornstarch, especially if you’re looking for a grain-free or paleo-friendly option.
- Tapioca Starch: Another good substitute, offering similar anti-clumping properties.
- Flavored Powdered Sugar: For a twist, you can add vanilla bean seeds, cinnamon, or even cocoa powder to create flavored versions of powdered sugar.
How to Make Homemade Powdered Sugar (step-by-step directions)
Step 1: Add the cornstarch and sugar to a spice grinder.
Step 2: Grind until you get a light and powdery dessert.
Recipe Tips
- Keep It Fresh: Powdered sugar because sugar absorbs moisture, which can ruin it.
- Work In Batches: If your spice grinder is small, just grind the sugar in smaller batches. Afterward, combine everything in a bowl and whisk or sift it to make it super smooth.
- Use The Right Tools: Regular food processors usually can’t make the sugar fine enough, so they’re not the best tool for this job.
- Get The Texture Right: If the sugar still feels rough or gritty, grind it for a little longer or try using a grinder designed for finer results.
Storing Tips
- Storage: Powdered sugar can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
- Containers: I like to store my powdered sugar in glass containers with a tightly fitted lid to ensure it stays dry and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
I use powdered sugar most often in baked goods like these Crumbl Copycat Blue Monster Cookies, Copycat Crumbl Oreo Cookies, or these Cookie Monster Donuts!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, making your powdered sugar at home is often more cost-effective than purchasing it from the store, especially if you already have granulated sugar and cornstarch on hand.
If your powdered sugar feels gritty, it might need more grinding. Be sure to use a high-powered spice grinder for the best results.
Yes, powdered sugar and icing sugar are essentially the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably in different regions, with “powdered sugar” being more common in the United States and “icing sugar” more widely used in the United Kingdom and other countries.
To keep powdered sugar from going bad, always store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture and strong odors.
You’ll know your powdered sugar is ready when it has a fine, soft texture that feels smooth between your fingers. To test it, you can sift a portion through a fine-mesh sieve; if it passes through effortlessly, it’s good to go!
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Homemade Powdered Sugar
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Cup (200 g) White Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- Add both ingredients to the spice grinder and grind for 15 seconds or until the mixture has reached the desired texture.1 Cup White Granulated Sugar,1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Nutrition Information
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