Powdered Sugar Substitutes: DIY and Store-Bought Swaps
The best substitute for powdered sugar is Blended Granulated Sugar at a 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch, blended until powdery ratio. It works best for frostings, icings, dusting. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Blended Granulated Sugar
1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch, blended until powdery
Process granulated sugar in a blender or food processor for 1-2 minutes until fine and powdery. Add 1 tsp cornstarch per cup to prevent clumping.
What are the other substitutes for powdered sugar?
Coconut Sugar (blended)
1 cup coconut sugar blended = 1 cup powdered sugar
Blend coconut sugar until powdery. Will have a light tan color and mild caramel flavor. Best for recipes where white color is not critical.
Granulated Sugar (unblended)
1 cup granulated sugar = 1 cup powdered sugar
Only works in recipes where sugar is dissolved (syrups, beverages). Not suitable for frostings or icings as the texture will be grainy.
Xylitol Powder
1 cup xylitol powder = 1 cup powdered sugar
Sugar-free alternative that blends to a fine powder. Slightly less sweet than powdered sugar. Keep away from pets as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
What should you know before substituting powdered sugar?
Making powdered sugar at home is easy: blend 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a high-speed blender for 1-2 minutes. Sift before using in frostings for the smoothest texture.
How do you substitute powdered sugar in a recipe?
An ultra-fine sugar ground to a powder with a small amount of cornstarch added to prevent clumping. Powdered sugar dissolves instantly, making it essential for icings, frostings, glazes, and dusting baked goods.
The best substitute for powdered sugar depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Blended Granulated Sugar (1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch, blended until powdery), which works well for frostings, icings, dusting.
If you need a different option, Coconut Sugar (blended) (1 cup coconut sugar blended = 1 cup powdered sugar) is another reliable choice. Blend coconut sugar until powdery. Will have a light tan color and mild caramel flavor. Best for recipes where white color is not critical.
When substituting powdered sugar, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make powdered sugar from granulated sugar?
Yes, blend 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar in frosting?
Not directly: granulated sugar won't dissolve fully and will create a gritty frosting. Blend the granulated sugar to a powder first, or use it only in recipes where the sugar is fully dissolved.