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Running out of powdered sugar in the middle of a recipe can feel like a baking emergency — but thankfully, it’s one of the easiest kitchen staples to make from scratch. With just two pantry ingredients and a blender, you can create soft, fluffy powdered sugar in under a minute.
Learning how to make powdered sugar at home is a simple kitchen skill that gives you more flexibility when baking. Whether you’re whipping up buttercream, glazing cinnamon rolls, dusting brownies, or finishing a batch of cookies, this quick substitute works beautifully.
If you’re building a well-stocked scratch kitchen, this recipe fits perfectly alongside other foundational recipes in our Kitchen Basics collection like Homemade Buttermilk, Mayo, Whipped Cream, Sweetened Condensed Milk, and more — designed to save you money, reduce last-minute grocery runs, and make baking more convenient.
👉 Be sure to browse our full list of Kitchen Basics recipes for more from-scratch staples that support your everyday cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about one minute
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect texture for frostings and glazes
- Saves an unexpected trip to the store
- Stores well for months
Once you make it yourself, you may find this becomes one of those quiet, reliable recipes you return to again and again.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
That’s it — no additives, no preservatives, just a fast homemade solution when you need it most.
Equipment Needed
High-Speed Blender — Produces the softest, finest texture that most closely resembles store-bought powdered sugar.
Fine Mesh Sieve (optional) — Helpful if you prefer an ultra-smooth finish for frostings or delicate glazes.
Airtight Container — Keeps moisture out and prevents clumping during storage.
How to Make Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is created by pulverizing granulated sugar into an extremely fine powder. Adding a small amount of cornstarch prevents clumping and improves the texture so it behaves like traditional confectioners sugar in recipes.
Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a high-speed blender and process until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy powder. The change happens quickly — you’ll notice the texture shift from sandy to soft within seconds.
For best results, allow the powdered sugar to settle briefly before opening the blender lid. This helps prevent a cloud of sugar from escaping and keeps your kitchen tidy.
If the sugar feels warm after blending, let it cool completely before storing to avoid moisture buildup inside your container.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintHow to Make Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar) at Home
Learn how to make powdered sugar in minutes using just two pantry staples. This easy kitchen basic is perfect for frostings, glazes, dusting desserts, and baking recipes when you don’t have store-bought confectioners sugar on hand.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: about 4 cups
- Category: Basics
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 TBSP cornstarch
Instructions
- Add the granulated sugar and cornstarch to a high-speed blender.
- Blend for about 30–45 seconds, or until the texture becomes light, fluffy, and powder-fine.
- Use immediately, or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
- If clumps form over time, sift before using for the smoothest consistency.
Notes
Why add cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps prevent clumping and improves the texture so the sugar behaves like store-bought powdered sugar in frostings and glazes.
Blender matters:
A high-powered blender produces the softest texture. Standard blenders may require a little extra blending time.
Storage:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several months.
Scaling Tip:
You can easily double or halve this recipe — just maintain the ratio of 1 TBSP cornstarch per 1 cup sugar.
Tips for Success
- Blend long enough to eliminate any graininess.
- Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest consistency.
- Let the sugar dust settle before removing the lid.
- Allow freshly blended sugar to cool before storing.
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Keep powdered sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for several months.
Reheat:
Not applicable, but if clumps form, simply sift before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make powdered sugar without cornstarch?
Yes — but it may clump more easily and won’t store as well. Cornstarch helps maintain that soft, bakery-style texture.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
A food processor can work in a pinch, but the texture may be slightly grainier. For the most professional results, a high-speed blender is recommended.
Is homemade powdered sugar the same as store-bought?
Very close! When blended properly, most people cannot tell the difference in frostings, glazes, or baked goods.
How fine should powdered sugar be?
It should feel soft and powdery with no noticeable grit. If it still feels sandy, blend a bit longer.
Variations & Serving Ideas
Homemade powdered sugar supports dozens of recipes. Try using it in:
- Buttercream frostings
- Vanilla glazes
- Whipped cream
- Dusting cakes and brownies
- Holiday cookies
It also pairs beautifully with other scratch-made staples like:
👉 Homemade Brown Sugar
👉 Sweetened Condensed Milk
👉 Buttermilk Substitute
👉 Stabilized Whipped Cream
Building these foundational recipes creates a stronger, more capable home kitchen — and makes baking far more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to make powdered sugar is one of those small kitchen skills that delivers outsized value. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly convenient when you’re already in the middle of baking.
If you’re intentionally stocking your kitchen with from-scratch essentials, this is a recipe worth bookmarking — right alongside the other staples in our Kitchen Basics collection.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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