Running low on powdered sugar? Don't worry-you can make it at home in just a minute with one simple ingredient: granulated sugar. This easy DIY version is great for last-minute baking and costs less than store-bought.
Also known as: confectioners' sugar or icing sugar - these are all the same thing!
Homemade Heavy Cream
Powdered sugar is used in frosting, whipped cream, glazes, and even in desserts like homemade marshmallows and gooey brownies.
Making your own at home takes just one minute and gives you exactly what you need-no more stale bags in the pantry.
- Takes only 1 minute to make
- Works great in frosting, icing, or homemade marshmallows
- Saves a trip to the store
- Perfect for customizing-use coconut sugar or turbinado for natural versions
- Blends easily in any high-speed blender or coffee grinder
You'll just need a blender or food processor, and optionally a bit of cornstarch to prevent clumping. The result? A soft, fluffy sugar that works perfectly in frosting, glaze, whipped cream, and more.
Want a natural alternative? Try this powdered sugar substitute. Or if you're out of flour, here's how to make oat flour in under 5 minutes.
Recipe Ingredients
You only need 1 ingredient, but here's the optional add-in:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch (optional, but highly recommended for clump-free storage)
- Yield: 1 cup granulated sugar makes about 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar. Volume doubles once blended.
Kitchen Equipment Used
- High Speed Blender or Coffee Grinder
Pro Tip
Corn-Free Option: Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch.
For best results, use white granulated sugar. It creates that classic soft, snow-white powdered texture. Other sugars like turbinado or coconut sugar can be used, but the texture may be slightly grittier, and the color will be darker.
How to Make Powdered Sugar in Under 1 Minute
Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Add ingredients to blender
Add the granulated sugar and cornstarch (if using) to a high-speed blender, food processor, or coffee grinder.
Step 2: Blend until fine
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the sugar becomes a light, powdery texture.
Step 3: Check consistency
Stop and feel a pinch of the sugar. If it's still gritty, blend for another 10-20 seconds.
Pro Tip
How to Check Texture: Rub a pinch between your fingers-if it feels gritty, blend a little longer.
Step 4: Store
Transfer the powdered sugar to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to several months.
Recipe Tips
- Use a powerful blender: A high-speed appliance like a Vitamix or Ninja works best. A coffee grinder is great for small batches.
- Cornstarch keeps it clump-free: Adding cornstarch helps absorb moisture and prevents the sugar from sticking together over time.
- Let the dust settle: After blending, wait 10 seconds before removing the lid to avoid a sugar cloud.
- Blend in bursts: Start with short pulses to break up the sugar before blending continuously.
- Use fresh, dry sugar: Avoid damp sugar-it won't powder evenly.
- Need superfine sugar instead? Just skip the cornstarch and blend sugar until fine. This works beautifully for meringues, whipped cream, or homemade applesauce sweetener.
Popular Recipes That Use Powdered Sugar
Use this easy DIY powdered sugar anywhere you'd normally use store-bought icing sugar or confectioners' sugar. It's perfect for:
🍰 Frostings & Glazes
- Blend it into cream cheese frosting for Carrot Cake
- Whisk it into a smooth donut glaze for Chocolate Baked Donuts
- Use it in buttercream, vanilla glaze, or whipped icing
🍪 Cookies & Bars
- Roll cookies like Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies in it before baking
- Mix into icing for decorating Christmas Sugar Cookies or Fruit Pizza
- Add it to the dough for Whipped Shortbread Cookies
🍩 Toppings & Dusting
- Dust over Fluffy Pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Sprinkle onto brownies, muffins, or Berry Fold-Over Pie
- Finish off Baked French Toast Casserole with a light dusting
🥣 Sweet Add-Ins
- Stir into Homemade Whipped Cream for extra stability
- Add to Homemade Marshmallows
- Use in Hot Chocolate or swirl into yogurt or homemade applesauce
Creative & Unexpected Uses
Looking to stretch your powdered sugar beyond the basics? Try it in:
- Homemade coffee creamer - Blends smoothly without gritty texture
- Cannoli or tiramisu filling - Sweeten ricotta, mascarpone, or cream cheese
- Nut butter frosting - Perfect for thickening cashew, almond, or peanut butter-based icing
- DIY chocolate sauce or drizzle - Prevents graininess in quick stovetop recipes
- Oatmeal, chia pudding, or smoothie bowls - Stir a little in for a touch of sweetness
How To Store Leftovers
Keep it dry! Store your powdered sugar in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry pantry. If you skipped the cornstarch, it may clump faster-just re-blend before using.
Try your homemade powdered sugar in recipes like Hot Chocolate or sprinkled over Baked French Toast Casserole. It's great for sweet breakfasts too!
FAQs
Yes! Cornstarch helps prevent clumping during storage, but if you're using the sugar right away, you can skip it. For longer storage, try arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute.
Absolutely. These work well and offer a more natural alternative, but they will result in a darker color and slightly more coarse texture. Great for rustic or whole-food baking.Try it in powdered sugar alternatives or to sweeten naturally.
Yes, a food processor works well. It may take slightly longer than a high-speed blender, but you'll still get a soft, powdery texture.
Yes! Powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar, and icing sugar are all different names for the same ingredient.
More Homemade Staples
Love making pantry essentials from scratch? Try these easy homemade recipes next:
At a glance:
- Takes: 1 minute
- Yield: ~1¾ cups
- Best for: Frosting, glaze, whipped cream, and dusting baked goods
- Customize it: Use coconut or turbinado sugar for a natural alternative
Homemade Powdered Sugar Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch - optional, helps prevent clumping
Instructions
- Add granulated sugar and cornstarch (if using) to a high-speed blender, food processor, or coffee grinder.
- Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until the sugar becomes light and powdery.
- Stop and check the texture between your fingers. If still gritty, blend for another 10-20 seconds.
- Let the dust settle, then transfer powdered sugar to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Yield: 1 cup granulated sugar makes about 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar. Volume doubles once blended.
- Cornstarch keeps the sugar clump-free, especially if stored long term.
- You can also use coconut sugar or turbinado sugar for a natural version-just expect a darker color and slight flavor difference.
- For superfine sugar (not powdered), skip the cornstarch and blend for 30-45 seconds.
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
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