Every baker—new or experienced—needs this stellar recipe to whip up Powdered Sugar in just five minutes.
One of my personal goals as a baker is to make things from scratch as much as possible, even simple ingredients that can be easily bought at the store. Why? Because it tastes fresher, feels better, and I can make as much as I want, how I want. With that level of creative control, even something as elementary as powdered sugar can transform the treats I work it into.
This recipe for powdered sugar is so easy that once you’ve followed it the first time, you’ll likely remember it for life—which is great, because there are plenty of dishes that could use a sprinkle of sweetness. And that’s just what powdered sugar provides! It’s silky, easy to sift, and so sweet that a little really goes a long way. You don’t have to overdo it with this. In fact, less is more.
Whether it’s a topping for your luxurious brunch or a key ingredient in your icing for dessert, powdered sugar never disappoints. The dynamic duo of sugar and cornstarch harmonizes beautifully to create a from-scratch sugar that’s both delectable and decorative. What more could you ask for?
Why mix sugar with cornstarch?
Cornstarch might be flavorless and without fragrance, but when mixed with sugar to make powdered sugar, it creates the perfect consistency that’s hard to replicate with anything else. Simply put, sugar provides the sweetness, while cornstarch prevents clumping and keeps the texture just right. That way, a small amount can spread far and wide across your delicious treats, providing the satisfying, sugary experience we all know and crave. The proper ratio for sugar to cornstarch here is 16:1.
How do I store leftovers?
The beauty of making your own powdered sugar is that you can prep plenty ahead of time to store for the following weeks. Keep it in a dry, airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 or 2 months. I recommend placing this container in your cupboard or pantry alongside other baking ingredients like flour and leavening agents. Do not refrigerate or freeze, as this could ruin the sugar’s consistency.
Serving suggestions
Homemade powdered sugar is perfect for dusting, sprinkling, or incorporating into many different types of baked goods. It can be as broad as an Apple Dutch Baby, or as specific as Taylor Swift’s Chai Sugar Cookies or a 4th Of July Fruit Pizza. My loved ones enjoy showering powdered sugar onto anything from Whole-Wheat Pancakes and Brioche French Toast to a bowl of Roasted Strawberries. Like sweet snow, powdered sugar can garnish and decorate all kinds of treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare by making sure your blender is entirely dry. Next, add the granulated sugar and cornstarch to the blender; the cornstarch will help maintain the sugar’s dryness and stop it from clumping.
- Blend the ingredients at high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until the sugar transforms into a fine, fluffy powder. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides for even blending.
- Sift powdered sugar to remove lumps. Store the finished product in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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