What Is a Substitute for Powdered Sugar?

What's the best powdered sugar substitute?

Blend 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a high-powered blender, spice grinder, or food processor for 30 seconds. The result has the same fine texture and anti-clumping properties as commercial powdered sugar.

Use the DIY version as a 1-to-1 replacement for commercial powdered sugar. Sift it through a fine-mesh sieve before using to remove any larger crystals that didn't fully grind. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

Why does powdered sugar need cornstarch?

Without cornstarch, finely ground sugar would clump together in humid weather because of moisture absorption. The cornstarch (about 3 percent by weight) acts as an anti-caking agent, keeping the powder loose and pourable.

For most recipes, the cornstarch doesn't affect the result noticeably. For ultra-delicate recipes (royal icing for piping, certain frostings), the small amount of cornstarch in DIY or commercial powdered sugar provides some structural benefit. The DIY ratio (1 tablespoon cornstarch per cup of sugar) matches commercial powdered sugar closely.

Can you use granulated sugar without grinding it?

For some recipes, yes. Cookie doughs and cake batters where sugar gets dissolved into the mixture can use granulated sugar in place of powdered sugar, though the texture and sweetness distribution will be slightly different. Use 1 cup of granulated sugar for 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar (since powdered sugar weighs less per cup).

For frostings, glazes, and dusting, granulated sugar doesn't work without grinding. The coarse crystals don't dissolve smoothly into butter or liquid, leaving grainy texture. For these, the DIY grinding method is necessary.

When does the powdered sugar substitute matter most?

Frosting and icing: powdered sugar's fine texture is essential for smooth, lump-free frostings. The DIY substitute works well, but commercial powdered sugar is more reliable for piped decorations or royal icing.

Dusting baked goods (donuts, brownies, lemon bars): both DIY and commercial powdered sugar work, with the DIY version sometimes coarser. For pure aesthetic dusting, sift the DIY sugar through a fine sieve for the most professional appearance. For most applications (everyday baking, cookie glazes, simple cake frostings), the DIY method is reliable and saves a trip to the store.