How to Make Powdered Sugar (2024)

Published: December 17, 2020 · Modified: Dec 17, 2020 by John Kanell

Have you ever been halfway through a recipe that calls for powdered sugar and then realized you forgot to pick it up from the store?

Well, this tutorial will show you how to make powdered sugar in 5 minutes or less so never have to worry about that again. All you need is a reliable blender or food processor and two basic pantry ingredients (see below), it really is that simple. And the benefits of making your own is that it’s way more economical and it pretty much lasts for years so you don’t need to worry about any of it going to waste. Use it to make the best buttercream frosting for that show-stopping chocolate cake or decorate cookies using my foolproof sugar cookie icing, the list is endless!

What you’ll need to make this recipe

Granulated sugar – granulated white sugar is what is most commonly used to make powdered sugar but you can also use caster sugar which is much finer or something like coconut sugar which is unrefined.

Cornstarch – this is used to keep the powdered sugar dry and to stop it caking, making it last much longer.

How to make Powdered Sugar

1. Put the granulated sugar in a blender.

2. Next, add the cornstarch.

3. Blend until a fine powder.

4. Use immediately or store for later.

Pro tips for making this recipe

• A high power blender, spice grinder, or food processor is best for making this. If the motor isn’t strong enough it will struggle to blend the sugar extra fine.
• To check the powdered sugar is done, grab a small pinch with your fingers and if it still feels gritty it needs more blending.
• You can also use raw cane sugar, coconut sugar, or turbinado sugar to make powdered sugar but bear in mind that darker sugars will change the color of some baked goods and frostings.
• The time it takes to make powdered sugar will depend on the strength and speed of your blender or processor. It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes.
• Powdered sugar is also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar but they are all the same thing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add cornstarch to make it?

Cornstarch is used to keep the powdered sugar dry and stops it from caking. If you are using the powdered sugar immediately in frosting or to dust over a cake then you can skip the cornstarch however, if you are storing it for later you’ll need to add it for best results. Cornstarch is gluten-free but if you need a corn-free option, see my tip below.

How can I make this corn-free?

If you need or want to avoid cornstarch a good substitute would be tapioca flour or arrowroot powder. Just use the same measurements for cornstarch in the recipe below.

Can I use brown sugar to make powdered sugar?

The one sugar that doesn’t create great powdered sugar is brown. Brown sugar although quite often is unrefined it contains added molasses which means more moisture, this can create a rather sticky powdered sugar which is not ideal in baking.

If you are looking for an unrefined sugar to use instead of regular white sugar then you can use organic raw cane sugar, coconut sugar, or turbinado sugar.

How long does it last?

Powdered sugar can last up to 1 year or more if stored in an airtight container.

Powdered sugar uses

There are so many ways to use powdered sugar from lightly dusting on Pizzelle cookies at Christmas, making into Sugar Cookie Icing to decorate cookies, to make the most deliciousButtercream Frosting and so much more! Check out my list below for some more uses.

• Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
• Mocha Frosting
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Homemade Marshmallows

If you’ve tried this recipe for How to Make Powdered Sugar then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!