Powdered Sugar

Sucrose Sweetener, Pantry Staple

Powdered Sugar Sweetener, Pantry Staple

At a Glance

  • Category Sweetener, Pantry Staple

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 blended with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent caking, ideal for dusting and icings.

Anti-Caking Agent ~3% Cornstarch (common)
Mesh Size Typically 10X (very fine)
Solubility Very High in Liquid

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Powdered Sugar are:

Sweet Neutral

Chef’s Secret

For extra-smooth frosting, sift powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve before mixing to remove any lumps.

Best Substitutes

Granulated Sugar

pulse in food processor with cornstarch

Superfine Sugar

for some uses
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption and hardening.

Recipes Using Powdered Sugar

Desserts Weeknight Low Protein Course

Better Than Sex Strawberries

Indulge in pure decadence with this unbelievably simple yet seductive Better Than Sex Strawberries recipe! Featured in a local newspaper's food section, this no-bake dessert requires only minutes of prep and chilling time for maximum flavor. Creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly delicious, it's the perfect romantic treat or a delightful end to any meal. Prepare to be amazed!

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Novelty Dietary Course Chocolate

The Real Black Tie Mousse Cake By Olive Garden

Indulge in pure decadence with Olive Garden's legendary Black Tie Chocolate Mousse Cake! This four-layer masterpiece is incredibly rich and rewarding, a showstopper dessert perfect for special occasions. While time-consuming, the result is a luxuriously layered chocolate dream that's worth every minute. Prepare to impress!

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Cakes Portuguese Preparation Desserts

Almond Cake From Albufeira Portugal

Taste the sun-drenched shores of Albufeira with this authentic almond cake recipe! Inspired by a trip to Portugal, this recipe captures the delicate flavor and delightful texture of a true Portuguese pastry. Prepare to be amazed by its simple elegance and irresistible taste – you'll be transported to the Algarve with every bite!

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Main Ingredient Valentines Day Seasonal Cookies And Brownies

Almond Cardamom Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of these Almond Cardamom Cookies, a treasured recipe from the Virginia Junior League Cookbook. These delicate cookies offer a delightful blend of warm cardamom and crunchy almonds, perfect for afternoon tea or a special treat. Get ready to impress with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Main Ingredient Easy Chocolate 4 Hours Or Less

Almond Joy Bread

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Almond Joy candy bars transformed into a moist and delicious loaf! This recipe combines fluffy coconut cake with rich chocolate chips, crunchy almonds, and a dreamy coconut glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, this Almond Joy bread is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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Main Ingredient Cakes Time To Make Occasion

Amish Banana Nut Cake With Penuche Frosting

Indulge in this moist and decadent Amish Banana Nut Cake, a family favorite recipe! Perfectly spiced cake made with overripe bananas for ultimate flavor and moisture, topped with a rich and creamy penuche frosting. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Make it a day or two ahead – the flavors deepen, and it's even more delicious! Prepare to be amazed by this classic.

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Oven Cakes 60 Minutes Or Less Oven

Apple Braid

A nostalgic recipe from Pampered Chef's 1995 Spring/Summer collection! This delicious apple braid features a flaky crescent roll crust, perfectly spiced apples, and a sweet glaze. Easy to follow instructions make this a perfect dessert for any occasion.

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Potluck Romantic Equipment For Large Groups

Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this moist and delicious apple cake, bursting with cinnamon spice and topped with a creamy, dreamy caramel cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend treat! This recipe features two layers of tender apple cake, generously frosted and adorned with pecans and a delightful caramel drizzle. Easy to follow instructions make baking this masterpiece a breeze.

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Cuisine Weeknight Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Apple Danish Braid

This Apple Danish Braid recipe is incredibly easy, using store-bought crescent roll dough for a quick and delicious treat! Skip the scoring with recipe creations crescent roll dough for even simpler prep. Flaky layers of buttery dough encase a sweet and cinnamon-spiced apple filling, creating a stunning braid that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably easy and satisfying recipe!

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Desserts 4 Hours Or Less Equipment Occasion

Apple Slices

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! This classic apple slice dessert boasts a flaky, buttery crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers unforgettable flavor. Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia!

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Course Occasion Seasonal Time To Make

Baked French Toast With Pecans

Overnight French toast casserole recipe! This decadent, make-ahead breakfast bake is bursting with the flavors of buttery brioche, crunchy pecans, and warming spices. Soak overnight for maximum flavor absorption, then bake to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a special weekend breakfast! (Adapted from Bon Appetit)

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Main Ingredient Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Desserts

Banana Cake With Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this moist and decadent banana cake, bursting with banana flavor and perfectly complemented by a smooth, bourbon-infused cream cheese frosting. Nut-free and incredibly delicious, it's a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, brunch, or any special occasion! (Shhh...it's also amazing for breakfast!)

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Course Main Ingredient Oven Desserts

Banana Cinnamon Snacking Cake

Indulge in this unbelievably moist and delicious Banana Cinnamon Snacking Cake! Perfect for cozy gatherings with friends, this light and easy dessert comes together quickly. The warm cinnamon spice complements the sweet banana flavor beautifully, creating a irresistible treat that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your friends with this simple yet elegant recipe!

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Low Sodium Desserts Low In Something Easy

Banana Frosting

Relive the sweet taste of the early 1970s! This treasured family recipe, passed down through generations, recreates the beloved banana frosting similar to the iconic banana-frosted spice cake sold at A&P. Grandma's secret? A simple yet irresistible combination of ripe bananas, zesty lemon, and creamy butter, resulting in a luscious frosting perfect for spice cakes, cupcakes, or even as a delightful spread for your morning toast. Get ready to experience a burst of nostalgic flavor!

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Low Sodium For Large Groups 30 Minutes Or Less Seasonal

Banana Split Delight

A decadent twist on the classic banana split! This rich and creamy dessert features a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a dreamy cream cheese filling, sweet pineapple, and perfectly ripe bananas, all topped with a generous swirl of cool whip, crunchy walnuts, and your favorite cherries and chocolate syrup. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite! Perfect for parties or a special treat.

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Desserts Course Rolled Cookies Low Sodium

Barbara's Tea Cakes Cookies

These delightful tea cakes are a cherished family recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings and any occasion! A dear friend shared this recipe years ago, and it's become a beloved tradition. From Girl Scout meetings to school parties and potlucks, these cookies are always a hit. Enjoy them plain, or elevate them with the simple yet elegant glaze and icing. The secret is in the delicate balance of texture – perfectly crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.

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Cuisine Occasion European Inexpensive

Berry Dutch Baby Low Fat

Fluffy, light, and bursting with berry goodness! This low-fat Dutch Baby pancake is surprisingly easy and quick to make, perfect for a delightful brunch or a special breakfast treat. Use fresh or frozen berries, or get creative with other fruits like peaches, plums, or nectarines. For a tangier twist, swap out half the milk for plain yogurt or buttermilk. This recipe is sure to become a weekend favorite!

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Low Sodium

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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