How to Make Homemade Powdered Sugar
Making homemade powdered sugar is quick, easy, and cost-effective. All you need are two main ingredients: granulated sugar and cornstarch. With a blender or food processor, you can easily create smooth, fine powdered sugar without any additives or preservatives.
This DIY recipe is perfect for frosting, dusting desserts, or sweetening drinks. Plus, you can adjust the texture to your liking, whether you prefer a finer or coarser consistency. Say goodbye to store-bought powdered sugar and enjoy fresh, homemade sugar every time you bake!
Making your own powdered sugar is quick, simple, and can be a real game-changer in the kitchen. You don’t have to rely on store-bought powdered sugar anymore. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can enjoy fresh, homemade powdered sugar anytime you need it. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes or just need a quick sugar dusting on a dessert, this homemade powdered sugar recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
What You Need:
To make your own powdered sugar, you only need three ingredients:
- Granulated Sugar – This is the base for your powdered sugar. You can use regular white sugar, and if you prefer, you can even use organic sugar for a more natural alternative.
- Cornstarch – This helps prevent clumping and ensures the sugar has the soft, smooth texture you expect from powdered sugar.
- Blender or Food Processor – This is the magic tool that turns granulated sugar into the finely ground powdered sugar. A coffee grinder also works well in a pinch.
Label Your Jars!
This recipe is printed on a dishwasher-safe label made for the lids of mason jars! Each label has the recipe to refill the jar and make the item (if applicable).
You can buy each label individually, or a pack of all of the pantry labels in my website shop.
Why Make Your Own Powdered Sugar?
There are several reasons why making powdered sugar at home can be beneficial:
- No Additives – Homemade powdered sugar doesn’t contain the anti-caking agents found in store-bought versions. You can feel confident that you’re only adding natural ingredients to your recipes.
- Cost-Effective – If you bake often, making powdered sugar at home is much cheaper than buying it pre-packaged.
- Control the Consistency – You can adjust the texture by blending the sugar for a longer or shorter period, creating the perfect consistency for your specific recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Powdered Sugar:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Measure out 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to this. The cornstarch helps keep the powdered sugar from clumping together.
- Blend the Sugar: Pour the sugar and cornstarch mixture into a blender or food processor. Pulse it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the sugar turns into a fine, powdery consistency.
- Sift (Optional): For extra smooth powdered sugar, you can sift it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any larger crystals.
- Store: Store your homemade powdered sugar in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for several months, and you can use it for frosting, icing, or any recipe that calls for powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Powdered Sugar:
- Consistency: The longer you blend, the finer your powdered sugar will be. For a slightly coarser texture, stop blending after 30 seconds.
- Storage: Store powdered sugar in a dry place to prevent moisture from causing clumping.
- No Cornstarch? If you’re out of cornstarch, you can skip it, but it may result in a bit of clumping when you use the sugar in recipes.
How to Use Homemade Powdered Sugar:
Homemade powdered sugar can be used in a variety of ways:
- Frostings & Icing: Perfect for making smooth, fluffy frosting or icing for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
- Dusting Desserts: Lightly dust powdered sugar over cakes, donuts, or cookies for a finishing touch.
- Sweeten Drinks: Stir it into beverages like coffee or tea for a sweetened touch that dissolves easily.
From Scratch
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Looking for Pantry Labels?
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Powdered Sugar, as well as other staple recipes are included in the collection!
Powdered Sugar
Equipment
- 1 32 oz Mason Jar or airtight container for storage
- 1 High Speed Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 3 cups white granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch optional, but used to prevent clumping
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch.
- Blend on medium-high speed for 30 to 60 seconds, until the sugar turns fluffy and powdery. Do not blend for longer than 60 seconds at risk of machine overheating.
- Store in an airtight container.
