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

Cuisine Occasion Sweet Deep Fry

Utah Scones Deep Fried

Experience the ultimate guilty pleasure: Utah Scones! These aren't your grandma's scones – think fluffy, golden-brown frybread, sopapillas, and elephant ears rolled into one incredible treat. Crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, these deep-fried delights are unbelievably delicious. We've tweaked the recipe with a few 'healthier' swaps (don't worry, they're still undeniably indulgent!), making you feel just a *tad* better about indulging in this irresistible snack. Serve warm with honey, jam, peanut butter, orange marmalade, powdered sugar – the possibilities are endless!

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Course Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Course

3 Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Indulge in these decadent 3-Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars! A rich chocolate base, creamy peanut butter filling, and a final layer of decadent chocolate ganache make this irresistible treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Italian Cuisine Time To Make Preparation

Absolutely Amazing Almond Biscotti

Indulge in these incredibly crunchy and flavorful almond biscotti, the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee! This recipe yields perfectly crisp biscotti bursting with almond flavor. Elevate your baking game with this simple yet elegant treat. Optional: Add 3/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries for a delightful twist!

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Preparation Occasion Christmas Cuisine

Almond Crescents Mandlove Rohlicky

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Almond Crescents (Mandlove Rohlicky), a cherished Czechoslovakian family recipe passed down through generations! These delicate, buttery crescents, packed with the rich flavor of ground almonds, are incredibly easy to make and disappear just as quickly. This recipe, originally from a now-defunct country cooking magazine, yields a full baking tray plus – you might want to double it to ensure you have enough of these addictive treats! Prepare to be amazed by their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful almond aroma. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion!

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For Large Groups Preparation Low Sodium For Large Groups

Altwiener Apfelstrudel Traditional Viennese Apple Strudel

Indulge in the rich, authentic flavors of Austria with this traditional Viennese Apple Strudel recipe! This delectable pastry, perfected by caterer Jennifer McGavin, features flaky layers of dough enveloping a warm, spiced apple and raisin filling. A delightful dessert, it's best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping masterpiece!

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Time To Make Dietary Desserts Northeastern United States

Amish Texas Chocolate Roll Cake

Indulge in this decadent Amish Texas Chocolate Roll Cake, a recipe passed down from Edna Miller of Holmes County, Ohio! This moist and delicious chocolate cake is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. Fill it with your favorite fruit, whipped cream, or even German chocolate frosting for a truly unforgettable dessert. Easily adaptable to a classic yellow cake roll by simply omitting the cocoa and adding vanilla extract. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping treat!

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Desserts Appetizers 15 Minutes Or Less For Large Groups

Angela's Pineapple Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

Tropical bliss in every bite! This vibrant pineapple coconut cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for your carrot cake, cupcakes, or even as a delicious fruit dip. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with sweet pineapple and coconut flavor, this easy 5-minute recipe will elevate your desserts to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Number Of Servings Fruit Dinner Party Desserts

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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Breads Beginner Cook Toddler Friendly Preparation

Applesauce Bread

This recipe creates the most incredibly moist and delicious applesauce bread, perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself! Made with simple ingredients and bursting with warm autumnal flavors, this bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Use up that leftover applesauce and bake up a batch of happiness today! #applesaucebread #easybaking #fallbaking #giftideas #moistbread #homemadebread

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Cake Fillings And Frostings For Large Groups Preparation Small Appliance

Auntie Em's Coconut Cupcakes

Indulge in these billowy-soft coconut cupcakes, bursting with irresistible coconut flavor and topped with a dreamy coconut cream cheese frosting! A treasured recipe adapted from Auntie Em's Kitchen, a century-old Los Angeles culinary institution in Eagle Rock, this recipe delivers authentic home-style goodness. Perfect for satisfying any coconut craving!

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Time To Make Brunch Course Time To Make

Authentic St Louis Gooey Butter Cake

Craving the legendary gooey butter cake from a St. Louis bakery? This recipe recreates the authentic experience, unlike those cake mix versions! We're talking a flaky, yeast-raised dough bottom generously topped with a rich, buttery, and incredibly gooey custard. This recipe is as close as you'll find to the real deal, capturing the taste of a beloved Clayton, MO bakery.

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Preparation Time To Make Cookies And Brownies Desserts

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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Eggs Dairy Mixer Time To Make Main Ingredient

Banana Cake With Poppy And Lemon Cream

Indulge in this irresistible Banana Cake, a cherished family recipe from Maman Dion! This moist and flavorful cake is bursting with the sweetness of ripe bananas, the delicate crunch of poppy seeds, and the bright zing of lemon cream. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this cake freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, making it ideal for meal prepping. Bake it in a loaf pan for easy slicing and toasting – a delicious start to your day!

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North American Dinner Party Course Southern United States

Banana Pudding Trifle

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Banana Pudding Trifle, a classic Southern dessert that's sure to impress! Layers of buttery wafers, sweet bananas, and rich custard are topped with whipped cream and crushed candy bars for the ultimate taste of comfort and nostalgia. Easy to make, yet elegant enough for any occasion.

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Occasion Preparation From Scratch Eggs Dairy

Banana Nut Pound Cake

Winner of Better Homes and Gardens' Reader Recipe of the Year (2012)! This decadent Banana Nut Pound Cake is unbelievably moist and bursting with flavor. The perfect blend of sweet bananas, crunchy pecans, and a hint of bourbon creates a truly unforgettable treat. Easy to follow instructions guarantee baking success for both novice and experienced bakers.

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4 Hours Or Less Inexpensive Course 4 Hours Or Less

Best Ever Fruit Cocktail Cake

Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of our Best Ever Fruit Cocktail Cake! This easy-to-make recipe boasts a fantastic texture, perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm from the oven for a delightful treat or enjoy it at room temperature. Get ready for rave reviews!

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60 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings Hand Formed Cookies Equipment

Best Pecan Sandies

These melt-in-your-mouth pecan sandies are a holiday MUST-BAKE! This generous recipe ensures there are plenty to share (or hoard…we won't judge!). Buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet, these cookies disappear fast. The secret? Ample butter for that ultimate richness and delicate crumb. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Bethie's Baked French Toast

Say goodbye to soggy baked French toast! This recipe delivers a deliciously crisp and custardy casserole that's perfect for brunch or a special occasion. Inspired by a desire for a better baked French toast, this recipe features a unique topping and is easily customizable to your taste. Add your favorite dried or fresh fruits like apples, pears, or bananas for extra flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless! My family raved, and I know yours will too. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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