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

Number Of Servings For Large Groups Main Ingredient Preparation

Banana Bars With Toasted Pecan Frosting

Indulge in the ultimate banana treat! These irresistible Banana Bars boast a moist, flavorful banana base and are topped with a decadent toasted pecan frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a sweet and satisfying snack. Even banana skeptics will be won over!

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Occasion 30 Minutes Or Less Easy Presentation

Backcountry Fudge

This easy no-bake Backcountry Fudge recipe is perfect for your next camping trip! Enjoy a delicious, gooey treat made with just a few simple ingredients cooked over the campfire. A perfect blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and walnuts – this recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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Beginner Cook Low In Something French Pancakes And Waffles

Aryan's Crepes French Pancakes

This recipe for delicate French crepes has been passed down through generations, originating from Aryan, who worked for my grandparents. A cherished family favorite, perfect for weekend breakfasts or elegant desserts. Enjoy the light, subtly sweet crepes filled with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar – a taste of tradition you'll adore!

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Preparation Eggs Dairy Weeknight Equipment

Barb's Almond Pound Cake

Indulge in this irresistible Almond Pound Cake, a moist and flavorful masterpiece created to celebrate the delightful taste of almonds. This recipe delivers a perfectly textured cake, bursting with almond flavor in every bite. Perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or simply a delicious treat.

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Cakes Course

Berry Cherry Sponge Cake

Indulge in this incredibly moist and light Berry Cherry Sponge Cake! Surprisingly low in sugar (excluding the fruit, of course!), this recipe is perfect for a teatime treat or a special occasion. Use fresh or frozen berries and cherries – no thawing needed if frozen! Adaptable to your baking dish, this recipe works beautifully in a tart pan or a standard 9-inch round cake pan. Get ready for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite!

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Desserts Preparation Presentation Novelty

Applebee's Maple Walnut Blondies

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Applebee's famous Maple Walnut Blondies! This recipe recreates the decadent dessert you love, bringing the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. Get ready for chewy, buttery blondies bursting with rich walnut flavor and a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in!

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Easy Cocktails Course Preparation

Baileys Irish Creme

Indulge in the creamy decadence of homemade Baileys Irish Cream! This treasured family recipe, perfected over generations, delivers a rich and luxurious liqueur that's sure to impress. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Skip the store-bought version and create your own unforgettable taste of Ireland.

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Dietary Low Fat Low Cholesterol Low Protein

Banana Lumpia

A delightful twist on a classic! These Banana Lumpia, inspired by Filipino cuisine and perfect for Chanukah, offer a crispy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced treat. This recipe, adapted from a unique Asian Chanukah recipe collection, yields 16 golden-brown, irresistible lumpia that are sure to be a festive hit. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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For Large Groups Cookies And Brownies Christmas 30 Minutes Or Less

Butter Cookies

Unleash your inner artist with these delightful butter cookies! Perfect for creating adorable holiday ornaments – snowmen, stars, candy canes, and more! This easy recipe from Land O'Lakes yields wonderfully rich cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Simply roll, cut, bake, and decorate with colorful sugars or confectioners' glaze. These charming treats will add a homemade touch to your holiday celebrations.

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Preparation Time To Make Cakes 60 Minutes Or Less

Almond Lemon Cake With Lemon Mascarpone Frosting

Indulge in this delightful Almond Lemon Cake, a recipe adapted from the beloved blog "17 and Baking." This recipe features a moist and fragrant almond cake bursting with bright lemon flavor, perfectly complemented by a luscious lemon mascarpone frosting. A simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion! Easily adaptable to a hazelnut-berry version for even more delicious variations.

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Cakes Low Saturated Fat Healthy Course

Best Pineapple Cake

This unbelievably moist pineapple cake is made without butter, oil, or shortening – yet it's incredibly sweet and satisfying! Simple to bake from scratch, it's the perfect recipe for home bakers of all levels. Fun to make and even more fun to share with friends and family, this crowd-pleasing cake is always a requested hit at any gathering. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings Dietary

Banana Nut Cake

Indulge in this moist and delicious Banana Nut Cake! A simple recipe with a burst of banana flavor and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion. This classic cake is easy to make, yet incredibly satisfying. Try it and discover your new favorite dessert!

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Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian Gifts

2Bleu's Pecan Danish

Indulge in this incredibly easy 2-Bleu cheese and pecan Danish recipe! This delectable treat can be baked as individual rolls or a stunning ring. For a super-speedy version, we're using crescent roll dough for a melt-in-your-mouth pastry that requires NO rising time! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion of creamy blue cheese and crunchy pecans!

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Course Preparation Course Holiday Event

Belgian White Beer Cookies With Orange Icing

Indulge in the delightful taste of Belgium with these unique cookies! Infused with refreshing Belgian white beer and topped with a zesty orange icing, these cookies offer a sophisticated and irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe delivers a complex flavor profile that's both surprising and satisfying. Inspired by a Food Network episode (3/30/08), get ready to impress your friends and family with these unforgettable cookies.

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Occasion Dietary Holiday Event Cakes

Best Peppermint Patty Cake

This decadent Peppermint Patty Cake was the star of the 2007 Antique Fair luncheon! Layers of moist chocolate cake are separated by a creamy peppermint filling and topped with a rich chocolate ganache and crushed peppermint candies. A truly unforgettable dessert, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Get ready to impress!

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High Calcium Dietary Preparation High In Something

Aebleskiver Danish Pancake Balls

Indulge in the delightful magic of Aebleskiver, the beloved Danish pancake balls! This recipe, inspired by Sunset's Breakfast & Brunches cookbook, guides you through creating perfectly golden-brown, airy spheres of pancake perfection. Using a special Aebleskiver pan (easily found online or at specialty kitchen stores), you'll learn the secrets to achieving that signature hollow center, perfect for filling with your favorite jam, preserves, chocolate, or even a surprise custard filling! Prepare for a taste sensation that's both comforting and exciting – a true culinary adventure awaits!

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1 Day Or More Course Cakes Time To Make

The Carrot Cake

Award-winning Carrot Cake Recipe! This recipe is the culmination of four different carrot cake experiments, perfected for ultimate deliciousness. Even the most discerning cake critics (including experienced bakers at my sister-in-law's baby shower) raved about this moist, flavorful carrot cake. Get ready to bake the best carrot cake ever!

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Low Fat Low Fat Preparation Low Cholesterol

Angel Food Cake Deluxe

Indulge in this heavenly Angel Food Cake Deluxe! This classic recipe, sourced from my cherished collection, delivers a light-as-air cake with a delicate sweetness and irresistible texture. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant afternoon treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and yields a show-stopping dessert.

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