How to Make Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is just granulated sugar ground fine enough to dissolve instantly, something a blender or food processor can do in under a minute at home. The one thing store-bought powdered sugar has that a DIY batch needs too is a bit of cornstarch, without it, it clumps back together fast.
Steps
- 1Add granulated sugar to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- 2For every cup of sugar, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (this prevents clumping, matching store-bought powdered sugar).
- 3Blend on high for 1-2 minutes, until completely fine and powdery.
- 4Let the dust settle for a minute before opening the lid.
- 5Sift if any coarser bits remain, and use immediately or store in an airtight container.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the cornstarch: without it, homemade powdered sugar clumps together much faster than the store-bought version.
- Opening the lid immediately: the fine sugar dust needs a moment to settle, or it puffs out in a cloud.
- Under-blending: stop too early and the sugar stays gritty rather than truly powdered, give it the full 1-2 minutes.
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Fine-mesh sifter (optional)
FAQ
Can I make powdered sugar without cornstarch?
Yes, it'll still work as powdered sugar, but it will clump and harden faster during storage since cornstarch is what keeps commercial powdered sugar free-flowing.
How long does homemade powdered sugar keep?
Stored in an airtight container in a dry pantry, it keeps indefinitely, similar to granulated sugar, just expect it to clump somewhat over time and need a quick whisk or re-sift before using.
Need exact temperatures or timing? Check our Time & Temperature Guide →