Sweetener | Vegetarian Gluten Free Diet (check starch source)

Powdered Sugar

Saccharum officinarum (and Zea mays) Allergens: Corn (if starch present)
Powdered Sugar

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae (sugar cane/beet), Poaceae (corn)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sugar (sucrose), Corn starch

The Forktionary Angle

"The decorator's best friend: powdered sugar's fine texture ensures silky smooth frostings and elegant dessert finishes."

Definition

Finely ground granulated sugar, typically blended with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent caking, used for dusting and icings.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet
TextureFine, Powdery, Silky
AromaNeutral, Sweet
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

Anti-Caking Agent

~3% Cornstarch (common)

Mesh Size

Typically 10X (very fine)

Solubility

Very High in Liquid

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/4 cup
Calories400 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate100 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars100 g
Calcium0 mg
Iron0 mg
Potassium0 mg

Chef’s Secret

To make a quick powdered sugar substitute, blend granulated sugar with a small amount of cornstarch in a high-speed blender until very fine.

Substitutions

Best Match

Granulated Sugar + Cornstarch

1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch (blended)

Best for matching texture in icings and dustings after blending.

Granulated Sugar (finely ground)

1:1 (if texture is less critical)

Direct substitute if fineness is less important or you can grind it yourself.

Maple Sugar (powdered)

1:1

For a different flavor profile, but provides similar texture and sweetness.

Xylitol/Erythritol (powdered)

1:1

Low-calorie, low-carb alternative, requires specific brand for texture and ratio.

Buying Guide

Store in an airtight container to prevent clumping. Sift before use to remove any lumps, especially for icings.

Flavor Pairings

Icings Frostings Dusting desserts Glazes Meringues Confectionery

Recipes Using Powdered Sugar

Brownies Main Ingredient Dietary Course

3 Minute Microwave Brownies

Craving a decadent chocolate brownie but short on time? This recipe delivers fudgy, delicious brownies in just minutes using your microwave! Perfect for a quick dessert or satisfying that sudden chocolate craving.

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Weeknight Cakes Low Protein Dietary

Allegra's New Favorite Cocacola Cake

Get ready for a gooey, chocolatey explosion! This Coca-Cola cake is a kid-approved, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. My 5-year-old helped make this from-scratch, and it's become a family favorite. The fudge-like icing is the perfect complement to the incredibly moist and delicious cake. Perfect for picnics, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests. This recipe includes a secret ingredient that will have everyone guessing! Prepare to be amazed.

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Main Ingredient Oven Occasion Breads

Almond Scones

Indulge in these delightful almond scones, the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea. Their buttery, flaky texture and irresistible almond flavor will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

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Presentation Easy Technique Beginner Cook

Amaretto Sour Cream Strawberries

Indulge in the delightful taste of summer with these Amaretto Sour Cream Strawberries! Sweet, juicy strawberries are dipped in a luscious, creamy mixture of sour cream, amaretto, and powdered sugar. This light and refreshing dessert is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick treat, elegant appetizer, or delightful addition to any party. Keep the strawberry tops intact for easy dipping and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and a hint of almondy amaretto.

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Preparation Time To Make Weeknight Cakes

Apple Banana Cake

Indulge in this incredibly moist and delicious Apple Banana Cake! A friend's secret recipe, this cake is bursting with the perfect blend of sweet apples and ripe bananas. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Get ready to experience pure baking bliss!

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Apples Fruit Course Desserts

Apple Nut Torte

My mom's legendary Apple Nut Torte! This moist and delicious cake boasts a wonderfully crisp top, making it the perfect showstopper for potlucks and gatherings. Easy to transport and even easier to devour, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Easy Low In Something Healthy Pears

Apple Or Pear Clafouti An Easy French Dessert

Discover the magic of French cuisine with this effortless Apple or Pear Clafouti! Inspired by a charming Pyrenean hotel, this recipe delivers a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious dessert. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of tender fruit nestled in a delicate, custardy batter – pure bliss! Perfect for a weeknight treat or a sophisticated brunch, this recipe is your shortcut to French pastry perfection.

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Sweet Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient Sweet

Apple Strudel Two Ways

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of authentic German Apple Strudel! This recipe offers two convenient methods: a quick version using canned apple filling, or a more involved (but equally rewarding!) approach with homemade spiced apples. Preparing the apples ahead of time significantly reduces the overall cooking time, making this delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Choose your adventure and create a strudel masterpiece!

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Fruit Cuisine Weeknight Fruit

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Warm up your kitchen with this irresistible Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding! This comforting classic features tender bread soaked in a spiced custard, studded with sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon. A perfect dessert for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

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Quick Breads Breakfast Course Christmas

Apple Cranberry Coffee Cake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cranberry Coffee Cake! This moist and flavorful coffee cake is bursting with juicy apples, tart cranberries, and a hint of warm spice. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Get ready for a taste of autumn in every bite!

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Course Desserts Cookies And Brownies Weeknight

Apricot Thumbprint Cookies

Delightfully chewy apricot thumbprint cookies, bursting with fruity sweetness! These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for teatime or any occasion. The recipe includes chilling time for optimal texture and flavor. Get ready to impress with these elegant and delicious treats!

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Cookies And Brownies Summer American Cuisine

April Fools Day Cheeseburger Cake

Trick your friends and family with this hilarious and surprisingly delicious Cheeseburger Cake! Perfect for April Fools' Day or any occasion when you want to serve a fun, unexpected dessert that tastes like dinner. This savory-sweet masterpiece features a juicy burger-flavored cake layered with creamy cheese frosting and all the classic burger toppings.

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Fruit Seasonal Course Picnic

Autumn Apple Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Autumn Apple Cupcakes! Perfect for fall gatherings, lunchboxes, or a cozy afternoon treat, these easy-to-make cupcakes burst with the warm flavors of grated apple and aromatic spices. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they're the ultimate comfort food. Get ready for rave reviews! (Adapted from 'Bake and Freeze Desserts' by Elinor Klivans)

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Desserts Number Of Servings For Large Groups Cookies And Brownies

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies With Maple Cinnamon Glaze

Prepare for a flavor explosion! These Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies with Maple Cinnamon Glaze are the ultimate sweet and savory treat. Inspired by a Vosges Haute Chocolat bacon chocolate bar, these cookies combine rich chocolate chips, crispy bacon, and a decadent maple cinnamon glaze. Adults absolutely adore them – get ready to bake a second batch immediately! This recipe is surprisingly easy and the result is unbelievably delicious. Don't miss out on this unique and unforgettable cookie experience!

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Course Dietary Equipment Taste Mood

Baked Cinnamon French Toast

Indulge in a healthier twist on a classic breakfast favorite! This Baked Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is baked, not fried, making it a guilt-free delight. Prepare it the night before for a quick and easy morning, or bake fresh for a warm, comforting treat. Loaded with cinnamon, vanilla, and your favorite bread, it's the perfect weekend brunch or weekday breakfast.

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Healthy 2 Easy Healthy 2 Black Beans

Beanie Brownies

Indulge your chocolate cravings guilt-free with these surprisingly decadent Beanie Brownies! Made with a secret ingredient (beans!), these brownies are incredibly low-fat, moist, and fudgy. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating goals. A crowd-pleasing recipe that's sure to impress even the most discerning chocolate lover.

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Low Protein

Berry Licious Cream Cheese Tart Pie

Indulge in the irresistible Berry Licious Cream Cheese Tart Pie! This decadent dessert features a hidden layer of rich chocolate, a creamy cream cheese filling, and a stunning top layer of glazed berries and crunchy pecans. The perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and tart flavors will leave you craving more. Easy to make in a tart or pie pan, this recipe is perfect for impressing friends and family.

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Gifts Course Preparation Seasonal

Victorian Lavender Cookies With Rose Water Icing

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Victorian era with these delicate lavender cookies! Perfectly complemented by a light and fragrant rose water icing, these cookies are a delightful treat for afternoon tea, a summer veranda gathering, or any special occasion. This recipe, sourced from a historic spice house, yields a generous amount of icing—feel free to halve or quarter the icing recipe to suit your preference. The subtle floral notes of lavender and rose create a truly unforgettable sensory experience.

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