How to Make Powdered Sugar

Posted on August 25th, 2009 by Elaine

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While whipping up a delicious dessert, you realize that you’re out of confectioner’s sugar, or powdered sugar. Since the grocery is too far away to pick up just one item, why don’t you settle for an easy-to-make alternative? You can make powdered sugar in the comfort of your own kitchen, and you won’t even need a lot of ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

Granulated cane sugar
Coffee grinder, food processor, spice grinder or blender
Measuring cup
Cornstarch
Airtight container

Procedure:

Get your granulated cane sugar and measure out how much you need. The outcome isn’t very different from the amount you started. For example, if you measured out one cup of sugar, you’ll end up with one cup of powdered sugar, too. Powdered sugar should be made in small batches (one to two cups at a time, or less), for best results.

powdered sugar

Get your food processor, coffee grinder or blender ready. Any of these will be useful, so just use which one you have in your kitchen. If you’re making just a small amount, you can even use a spice grinder.
Put the sugar in the blender, then start to blend in a high-speed setting.
After a few minutes, add a small amount of cornstarch, at least a tablespoon for every one cup of sugar. This works as a binding agent, every time you need to use the powdered sugar for another dish or recipe. When you mix it in, its flavor will mix in well. Don’t worry, because the taste won’t be affected.
Blend and grind the sugar again, watching it as it becomes finer and finer. The finer it gets, the lower speed setting you should use. Eventually, you should just have short bursts, as the sugar becomes powdered. If your machine has a pulse setting, you can use that as well. The longer the blending time, the finer your powdered sugar will be.
Use your homemade powdered sugar as you like. If there are leftovers, transfer to an airtight container.

A confectioner’s sugar shortage shouldn’t stop you from making delicious desserts at home. Try making your own powdered sugar, and you’ll surely end up with a sweet and fantastic creation.