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- Powdered sugar dissolves easily and is used in various desserts to achieve a tender texture.
- You can make your own using a high-powered food processor or blender.
- Include a small amount of cornstarch to keep the sugar from clumping.
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Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar, is the bright white, light as air sweetener sold in bags and boxes in the baking aisle. It's commonly used in cookies with a crumbly or light texture, some cakes, various glazes and icings, and as a pretty finishing touch on top of just about any dessert.
"You want to use powdered sugar in more delicate recipes, recipes where the granulated sugar won't dissolve. It dissolves quickly, and the structure has nice soft edges which leads to a tender texture," says Bethany Costello, pastry chef and owner of Eat Like Kings.
When compared to granulated sugar, powdered sugar is essentially the same thing with two major differences: "powdered sugar has just been finely ground and has a little added cornstarch to prevent caking," says Costello. If you're halfway through a recipe and don't have time to run to the store and buy some powdered sugar, you can make it at home using regular sugar.
What you need
You'll just need a couple of simple pantry ingredients and a food processor or blender to make homemade powdered sugar:
- Granulated sugar: White, granulated sugar works best, but cane sugar will also work. Avoid using brown sugar and other dark sugars since they contain molasses, adding moisture to the mixture and hindering the light, fluffy texture.
- Cornstarch: While you can technically make powdered sugar without it, Costello strongly recommends using cornstarch to help keep the sugar from clumping together and becoming a lumpy mess.
- High-Powered Food Processor, Blender, or Grinder: Costello's first choice is a quality food processor, but a really good blender will work if you're willing to do some stirring. The ideal choice will depend on how much sugar you need to make – if you're making a few cups or more, go for a processor or full-sized blender. Less, and a smaller (but powerful) blender will work. "You can try a coffee or spice grinder if you just need a little bit," says Costello, just make sure to clean it well before using. This is a nice option if you need half a cup or less.
How to store powdered sugar
Costello recommends always storing powdered sugar in an airtight container, "that way your sugar won't lump from moisture." If you're storing it in a zip-top bag, press the air out before closing it. Keep it in a cool, dark place like the pantry along with your other baking essentials. It will keep for a year or more as long as it is not exposed to moisture.
Insider's takeaway
Powdered sugar is commonly used in dessert recipes for a lighter or more tender texture, in glazes, and looks lovely dusted on top of sweet treats. If you've run out, simply make your own using granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a high-powered food processor or blender.