Whipping up your own powdered sugar at home is a game-changer for bakers and dessert lovers alike. In just 5 minutes, you can create a silky-smooth, cloud-like sugar that’s perfect for dusting cakes, sweetening frostings, or adding a delicate finish to cookies. The process is effortless, and the result is a fine, velvety texture that melts beautifully into your favorite recipes.
Homemade powdered sugar offers a fresher, purer flavor compared to store-bought versions, and you can customize it to suit your needs. Whether you’re making a quick glaze or enhancing a batch of fluffy pancakes, this kitchen hack ensures you’ll never run out of this essential ingredient. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to see granulated sugar transform into a soft, snowy powder right before your eyes!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups (16oz/450g) granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch) – essential for keeping the sugar dry
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose your blender: Use a small, powerful blender like a spice grinder, Nutri bullet, Vitamix, or food processor. A blender typically works best, but you may need to experiment with different appliances.
- Add ingredients: Place the granulated sugar and cornflour into the blender.
- Blend thoroughly: Blend for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes fine. Pause and use a spatula to stir and ensure even blending.
- Check the texture: Run the mixture through your fingers. If it feels gritty, continue blending. A slight texture is normal, but if it’s too coarse, try using a smaller, stronger blender.
- Store properly: Transfer the homemade powdered sugar to an airtight container. It will keep indefinitely.
Why Cornstarch is Key to Perfect Powdered Sugar
Adding cornstarch (or cornflour) isn’t just a random step—it’s essential! Cornstarch prevents clumping and keeps your powdered sugar dry, ensuring it stays light and fluffy. *Don’t skip it!* If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can work as substitutes, but cornstarch is the most reliable choice.
Blender Tips for the Smoothest Results
Not all blenders are created equal when it comes to making powdered sugar. A *high-powered blender* or spice grinder works best for achieving that ultra-fine texture. If your sugar still feels gritty after blending, try blending in smaller batches or pulsing longer. A little patience goes a long way!
Creative Ways to Use Your Homemade Powdered Sugar
Once you’ve made your powdered sugar, the possibilities are endless! Use it to dust pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet finish. It’s also perfect for making *homemade frosting* or glazes for cakes and cookies. You can even mix it with cocoa powder for a quick chocolate dusting!
Storage Tips to Keep Your Powdered Sugar Fresh
Store your homemade powdered sugar in an *airtight container* to keep it dry and clump-free. A mason jar or resealable plastic bag works great. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and it will last indefinitely. If it does clump over time, simply give it a quick blend to restore its smooth texture.
Common Questions About Making Powdered Sugar
*Can I use brown sugar?* Technically, yes, but it won’t be as fine or white as traditional powdered sugar. *How much does this recipe make?* This recipe yields about 2 cups, but you can easily double or halve it depending on your needs. *Is it cheaper than store-bought?* Absolutely—and it’s fresher too!
How To Make Powdered Sugar (With Video!)
Equipment
- blender
- spice grinder
- Nutri bullet
- Vitamix
- food processor
- spatula
- airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated white sugar 16oz/450g
- 2 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
Instructions
- First, you need a small, powerful blender, like a spice grinder, Nutri bullet, Vitamix, or food processor. I had the best success in a blender. You might have to try a few different appliances to see what works best.
- Add in the sugar and cornflour/cornstarch. The cornflour is important as it keeps the sugar dry.
- Blend it all together until fine, around 4-5 minutes. Stop, and stir with a spatula to make sure it gets mixed all around so that it is all blended.
- After a few minutes, run it through your fingers; if it feels gritty, then keep blending. You might still feel a little texture at the end, but that’s ok. If you can’t seem to get it really fine, you might need to try a smaller, stronger blender.
- Store your Homemade Powdered sugar in an airtight container; it will keep indefinitely.
