If you’ve ever started baking only to realize you’re out of powdered sugar, this powdered sugar recipe will save the day. Also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar, powdered sugar is incredibly easy to make at home using just two simple ingredients and a blender or food processor.

Homemade powdered sugar works perfectly for frosting, glazes, dusting desserts, and candy-making—and it takes less than five minutes to prepare.

What Is Powdered Sugar?

Powdered sugar is finely ground granulated sugar mixed with a small amount of starch to prevent clumping. Its ultra-fine texture dissolves instantly, making it ideal for:

Icing and frosting
Glazes and drizzles
Dusting cakes and cookies

Candy and no-bake desserts

Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar blends smoothly without grit.

Why Make Powdered Sugar at Home?

Making powdered sugar at home has several advantages:

Ready in minutes
Cheaper than store-bought
No preservatives

Adjustable texture
Always available when baking

It’s also an excellent solution when stores are closed or ingredients are limited.

Ingredients for Powdered Sugar

Basic Ingredients

Granulated sugar
Cornstarch (optional but recommended)

Why Cornstarch Matters

Cornstarch:

Prevents clumping
Improves shelf life
Mimics store-bought texture

If you plan to use powdered sugar immediately, cornstarch can be omitted.

Equipment Needed

Blender, food processor, or spice grinder
Measuring cups

Airtight container

High-speed blenders produce the finest texture, but any processor works with enough blending time.

Powdered Sugar Ratio

The standard ratio is:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

This yields approximately 1 cup of powdered sugar.

How to Make Powdered Sugar (Step by Step)

Step 1: Measure Ingredients

Add granulated sugar and cornstarch to your blender or food processor.

Step 2: Blend Until Fine

Blend on high speed for 30–60 seconds until the sugar becomes a fine powder.

Step 3: Check Texture

Rub a pinch between your fingers. It should feel silky, not gritty.

Step 4: Store Properly

Transfer to an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.

How Fine Should Powdered Sugar Be?

Powdered sugar should be:

Soft and fluffy

Free of visible crystals
Easily dissolvable

If it feels gritty, blend longer.

Powdered Sugar Without Cornstarch

If avoiding cornstarch, you can still make powdered sugar.

Alternatives

Arrowroot powder
Tapioca starch

No starch (use immediately)

Note: Sugar without starch may clump faster during storage.

Can You Make Powdered Sugar with Brown Sugar?

Yes, but the result is different.

Brown Sugar Powder

Adds caramel flavor
Works well in spice rubs and glazes
Not ideal for white frosting

Blend thoroughly to break down moisture.

Powdered Sugar Variations

Organic Powdered Sugar

Use organic cane sugar and arrowroot starch.

Flavored Powdered Sugar

Blend with:

Vanilla bean powder
Freeze-dried fruit
Cinnamon

Colored Powdered Sugar

Add food coloring after blending for decorative dusting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using damp sugar: Causes clumping
Overfilling blender: Results in uneven texture
Skipping airtight storage: Absorbs moisture
Not blending long enough: Leaves grit

How to Store Homemade Powdered Sugar

Room Temperature

Airtight container

Cool, dry location
Up to 2 months

Long-Term Storage

Add cornstarch and seal tightly for best results.

Can You Freeze Powdered Sugar?

Freezing is unnecessary and not recommended, as moisture can cause clumping when thawed.

Uses for Homemade Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is incredibly versatile.

Popular Uses

Buttercream frosting

Royal icing
Glazes for cakes and donuts
Dusting brownies and cookies

Candy and fudge recipes

Homemade powdered sugar performs just like store-bought in most recipes.

Is Homemade Powdered Sugar the Same as Store-Bought?

Functionally, yes.

Key Differences

Slightly less uniform without industrial mills
No anti-caking additives beyond starch
Fresher flavor

For home baking, the difference is negligible.

Health and Dietary Notes

Naturally gluten-free
Vegan-friendly

Adjustable starch type
No preservatives

You control the ingredients completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a coffee grinder?
Yes—clean thoroughly first.

Does powdered sugar weigh the same as granulated?
No—powdered sugar is lighter by volume.

Can I make powdered sugar from coconut sugar?
Yes, but texture will be coarser.

Why is my powdered sugar clumping?
Humidity or lack of starch is the cause.

Why This Powdered Sugar Recipe Works

Correct sugar-to-starch ratio
Simple equipment

Fast blending time
Reliable texture for baking

It’s a foolproof method that delivers consistent results.

Conclusion

This powdered sugar recipe proves that even essential baking ingredients can be made at home quickly and easily. With just granulated sugar and a blender, you’ll never need to run to the store mid-recipe again. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes, dusting desserts, or making icing, homemade powdered sugar is a practical, cost-effective solution every baker should know.

Powdered Sugar Recipe: How to Make Confectioners’ Sugar at Home

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar (organic cane or regular)
• 1½ tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for anti-caking—omit for corn-free/keto)

Instructions

Add sugar (and optional starch) to a high-speed blender or clean coffee/spice grinder.
Blend on high for 30–60 seconds, stopping to scrape sides once or twice, until completely fine and powdery (no grit).
For extra-fine texture, sift through a fine-mesh sieve; re-blend any coarse bits.

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 month (add a silica packet if humidity is high).
💡 Tip: For keto-friendly powdered “sugar,” blend ¾ cup erythritol + ¼ cup monk fruit blend + 1 tsp arrowroot (or omit for pure low-carb version—may clump slightly).