How to Make Powdered Sugar

Out of powdered sugar and already started baking?

Here’s how to make your own powdered sugar in minutes with a blender and granulated sugar.

What Is Powdered Sugar?

Powdered sugar in a sifter is being pressed with a spoon.

Irvin Lin

A little cornstarch is added to help keep it from clumping up.

Powdered sugar dissolves easily, so some recipes call for it in drinks or for sweetening whipped cream.

For every cup of sugar, use one tablespoon cornstarch.

Sugar and cornstarch in a blender to make powdered sugar

Alison Bickel

Combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a blender or food processor.

Youll get best results if you start with at least a cup of sugar.

Once the lid is in place, blend or process at high speed for 4 to 5 minutes.

Fingers checking texture of homemade powdered sugar

Alison Bickel

The time will depend on your blender or food processor.

Stop the machine every few minutes to scrape down the sides to confirm all the sugar gets evenly pulverized.

Not that Ive noticed.

If you make this in a high-speed blender, the blender may get very hot.

Turn the machine on to high speed and run 3 to 5 minutes.

The powdered sugar may be hot from the friction of the machine.

If it is, let it cool before putting in an airtight container or zip top bag.

Like regular powdered sugar, it will keep indefinitely.

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