10 Substitutes For Powdered Sugar You Should Know

Powdered sugar is often loved and referred to by bakers as the sweet snowfall on desserts. Just like snowfall can transform a landscape, a light dusting of powdered sugar can transform a simple dessert into something magical and inviting.

Powdered sugar is finely ground white sugar, often called confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar. It’s commonly used in baking, icing, pastry making and frostings like cream cheese. You’ll see it in frosting, meringue, or sprinkled on treats like doughnuts or marshmallows for that sweet finish.

Bakers often appreciate the way powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and charm to their creations. However, if you prefer to use natural, minimally processed ingredients in your recipes opt for alternatives derived from natural sources and undergone minimal processing. The choice of substitute for powdered sugar depends on how it’s used in the recipe. If it’s a key ingredient, you’ll need a replacement that matches its texture and sweetness. But if it’s just for dusting, there are various alternatives you can use. I’ll discuss in this blog some options for substituting powdered sugar.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Powdered Sugar Substitute

You should consider the following important factors when selecting the right powdered sugar substitutes:

• Flavor profile
• Sweetness level
• Texture
• Availability and cost

Homemade Alternative to Powdered Sugar

Making powdered sugar at home gives you control over the ingredients and freshness, allowing for healthier and customized sweetening options. Additionally, it provides substitutes for powdered sugar when it’s unavailable or unsuitable for dietary needs. Here are two ways to make it:

Granulated sugar and cornstarch Mixture

Making powdered sugar yourself is the simplest solution when you can’t find the perfect substitute for the ultra-fine texture of powdered sugar. You only need two ingredients to make your own powdered sugar. The first is white granulated sugar, which is made from either beets or sugar cane. The second is corn starch, starch derived from corn grains. By blending sugar in a food processor or a high-speed blender until it becomes a fine powder and then adding cornstarch, you can create a substitute for powdered sugar that is nearly identical.

One cup of white sugar and one tablespoon of cornstarch is the perfect ratio to prepare this homemade alternative to powdered sugar. This is the closest substitute to powdered sugar and can be used in equal amounts. Moreover, making powdered sugar at home can be more cost-effective, especially if you use granulated sugar that you already have on hand. It allows you to save money by avoiding the premium price often associated with pre-packaged powdered sugar.

Caster Sugar

Caster sugar is white sugar that is milled into smaller crystals. It is the standard type of sugar found in some regions of the world. In some cases where powdered sugar is used for its sweetness and texture but not for its ability to dissolve (such as in cake batter), you can use caster sugar as a substitute. In certain recipes where powdered sugar is crucial for its ability to dissolve easily and create a smooth texture (such as frosting or icing), it’s best to stick with powdered sugar or explore alternative substitutes like homemade powdered sugar made from blended granulated sugar.

In many recipes, you can interchange granulated sugar with caster sugar and vice versa, but it’s important to note that their volume measurements differ slightly. Therefore, it’s more accurate to measure by weight: 1 cup of caster sugar equals approximately 225g, while 1 cup of granulated sugar equals about 220g. If you don’t have caster sugar on hand, you can easily make it at home by processing granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds.

Natural Substitutes to Powdered Sugar

Natural substitutes like maple sugar or coconut sugar provide healthier options for sweetening recipes, as they contain fewer processed ingredients and retain more nutrients compared to traditional powdered sugar. Additionally, they might offer unique flavors for you to experiment in your favorite desserts, have a look at these options:

Maple Sugar

Powdered maple sugar made from maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for powdered sugar. Pure maple syrup is made from the sticky sweet sap of maple trees. It is similar to powdered sugar, but without any added starches and has a distinctive maple flavor. Any recipe can use this amazing product in place of powdered sugar for frosting, icing, and glaze.

Its rich, caramelized taste adds depth and complexity that can enhance the overall experience of the final dish. When dusted over French toast, for example, maple sugar provides sweetness and adds maple goodness to each bite. It has a slightly coarser texture compared to powdered sugar, which can create a lovely crunch when sprinkled over desserts. While it might not be easily available everywhere, it is suitable for vegans or anyone avoiding white can sugar.

Powdered Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Coconut sugar is a type of palm sugar, but it is made from the sap of coconut tree and not palm tree. It has a lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower and steadier increase in blood sugar levels compared to powdered sugar. Even though coconut palm sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, it contains the same amount of calories and carbohydrates as sugar, so those with diabetes should keep that in mind. Its versatility and ease of use make it a convenient choice for home bakers looking to experiment with different sweeteners in their recipes.

It offers a rich and caramel-like flavor that can enhance the taste of baked goods. Its subtle hints of caramel enhance the overall flavor profile of desserts such as cookies and cakes. Powdered coconut sugar might look a bit different from regular powdered sugar, with a slight brownish tint (resembling brown sugar), but the taste is quite similar. It’s a great choice for those following a paleo diet, especially when mixed with a bit of tapioca starch.

Agave nectar

Agave nectar offers a natural sweetness with a mild flavor that complements a wide range of desserts. Its subtle taste allows the flavors of other ingredients to shine through, making it ideal for recipes where you want sweetness without overpowering the dish. It is a liquid sweetener that adds a little moisture to baked goods. This results in a softer and more tender texture, particularly in recipes like cakes, muffins, and quick breads. It also helps to retain moisture, extending the shelf life of baked goods.

It can substitute powdered sugar in dressings, sauces, and beverages, where powdered sugar texture is not the goal, and powdered sugar is mainly used for flavor. Agave nectar is readily available in most grocery stores and health food stores across America. It can be easily incorporated into recipes as a one-to-one substitute for powdered sugar, although adjustments may be needed to account for the additional moisture it adds.

Commercially Available Alternatives to Powdered Sugar

Commercially available alternatives like cocoa powder, artificial sweeteners, or dry milk powder offer versatility in recipes, providing options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Here are some of the most common choices:

Cocoa Powder

If powdered sugar is being used for dusting, cocoa powder can be substituted in equal amounts. Powdered cocoa is a by-product of the chocolate production process. In extracting cocoa butter from raw cacao beans dried solids are left behind. A powder is then created from these solids known as cocoa powder. Often used to dust the top of desserts like truffles or tiramisu, cocoa powder is renowned for adding a rich, chocolate flavor to baked goods.

When switching powdered sugar with cocoa powder, keep in mind that it is often sold unsweetened. I recommend you to buy the sweetened cocoa powder, which would be better for substituting in glazes and icings. However, this substitution won’t work in recipes where the superfine and melty nature of the sugar plays a crucial role like in meringue or buttercream frosting. Hence, it’s essential to consider the intended outcome of the recipe and choose substitutes that best match the desired flavor and texture requirements.

Dry Milk Powder

Dry milk powder can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar in certain desserts and baking applications. It adds a subtle creamy and milky flavor to baked goods, which can enhance the overall taste profile. This mild flavor complements a wide range of recipes, particularly those where a hint of dairy richness is desired. As milk contains natural sugars, dry milk powder is sweet like sugar. However, the milk sugar is from lactose instead of sucrose so people with lactose allergies should stay away from this substitute.

Dry milk powder can be substituted for powdered sugar by blending one cup with one cup of cornstarch. You get a mixture that is light and fluffy with a hint of sweetness. Note that: The milk powder is not sweet enough to substitute for confectioner’s sugar in icings, frostings, or glazes. Moreover, milk powder absorbs a lot more liquid than powdered sugar, so be aware when working with it.

Ground freeze-dried fruit

If the recipe calls for dusting or icing of powdered sugar ground freeze-dried fruit can be used in equal quantity. While it can be a great powdered sugar substitute for icing it does not work well as a substitute in baked goods because the flavor and composition would be too different. Ground freeze-dried fruit has inherent flavor depending on the fruit it originates from. For instance, a strawberries freeze dried powder will give a tart and ripe taste. You need to be mindful of the flavor profile of your dessert or dish before choosing a ground freeze-dried fruit powder.

In contrast to dehydrated fruit, freeze-dried fruit has a crisp, airy texture that blends into a fine powder that can replace the superfine sugar. The natural sugar in fruit makes this substitute an excellent choice if you’re looking for a less processed and natural sweetener. If you decide to make it at home, it is best to store homemade powdered sugar and ground freeze-dried fruit powder in an airtight container and use it as soon as possible.

Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener

Manufacturers of monk fruit sweeteners offer a powdered version that can be used as a direct substitute for powdered sugar, following a one-to-one ratio. People seek alternatives to sugar for various reasons like special diets or health concerns. Monkfruit, also known as luohan guo, is a fruit from southern China. It doesn’t contain sugar but still tastes sweet, making it a safe substitute for sugar for those who need to avoid it for any reason.

Like Stevia (artificial sweetener) this is also a sugar-free substitute for sugar. This substitution is versatile, and suitable for various recipes calling for powdered sugar, including buttercream frosting and dusted doughnuts. Its texture closely resembles that of traditional powdered sugar, allowing it to be sifted over cakes or melted into glazes seamlessly.

Non-Melting Sugar

Non-melting sugar, also known as sanding sugar or decorating sugar, is granulated sugar that has larger sugar crystals, making it resistant to melting when exposed to heat. While it doesn’t have the same powdery texture as powdered sugar, it can still be used in the same way. For instance, non-melting sugar can be sprinkled on top of baked goods like cookies, muffins, or scones to add a sweet and crunchy texture. It provides a delightful sparkle and visual appeal to the finished product, much like powdered sugar does.

Non-melting powdered sugar is a blend of dextrose, palm oil, and cornstarch. It can be used in the same quantities as powdered sugar, but it does have some limitations. As it’s more expensive than powdered sugar, you shouldn’t use it for non-essential uses, like buttercream frosting or cookies. It is ideal for recipes that require powdered sugar as a topping, such as lemon squares or muffins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Substitute Powdered Sugar for Granulated Sugar?

While powdered sugar and granulated sugar are both forms of sugar, they have distinct properties that make them unsuitable for direct substitution in all recipes. Granulated sugar adds structure and volume to baked goods, while powdered sugar, due to its finer consistency, can make them denser or alter their texture. Understanding the composition and requirements of the recipe is important to know when you can substitute granulated sugar for powdered sugar and vice versa.

Can I Make Icing Sugar at Home?

Yes, you can make icing sugar at home by blending regular granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it becomes a fine powder. Adding a small amount of cornstarch helps prevent clumping. Moreover, you can store it for a long time in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. However, it may clump over time due to moisture absorption, so it’s a good idea to sift it before using it if it has been stored for a while.

Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead of Powdered?

It is important to understand the difference between the two if you plan to use regular sugar as a replacement for powdered sugar. Compared to it, powdered sugar packs more sweetness into each cup. But, when it comes to frosting or icing, regular sugar doesn’t blend smoothly. Instead, it leaves a grainy texture that doesn’t look or taste good.

How to Turn Granulated Sugar into Powdered Sugar?

In the homemade alternatives, I’ve discussed how you can whip up your own powdered sugar from granulated sugar at home. All you need is a blender, food processor, coffee mill, or even a mortar and pestle. Just blend granulated sugar until it turns into a fine powder. Adding a touch of cornstarch while blending can prevent clumping and keep your homemade confectioner’s sugar light and fluffy.

Can Artificial Sweeteners Be Used as a Substitute for Powdered Sugar?

Artificial sweeteners serve as viable alternatives to powdered sugar in frosting and icing recipes. Erythritol and Monk Fruit Sweetener can be used to replace powdered sugar to avoid extra calories. There is also Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, which stands out as a widely embraced sugar substitute. You have probably heard of stevia if you are looking for alternatives to ensure less sugar intake. Both artificial and natural sweetening options can replace powdered sugar, depending on the requirements of the recipes.

Conclusion

To sum it up, I’ve mentioned 10 substitutes to answer your question about what I can substitute for powdered sugar. Some of these can be prepared at home, some are derived from natural sources while others are readily available in the market. Icing or confectioner’s sugar that is commonly available in powdered form is superfine in texture and often used for dusting or glazing desserts and other dishes. One thing you need to be mindful of while substituting powdered sugar with other alternatives is: the texture and sweetness level of the final product you aim to make.

From everyday baking to special occasions, these versatile alternatives ensure you’re never caught off guard. Experiment with different options to discover the perfect fit for your recipes and dietary preferences. With these 10 substitutes at your fingertips, you’re well-equipped to tackle any culinary challenge with confidence and creativity. Have a sweet success in the kitchen! I would love to hear back from you – do share your experience with these substitutes in the comments section.