How to make icing sugar (2024)

FAQs

What if I don't have enough icing sugar? ›

To make icing without icing sugar, start by grinding granulated white sugar in a blender for 5 minutes or until it feels fine and powdery. Then, pour the sugar into a bowl and whisk it to make it fluffier and clump-free. Once you've whisked the sugar, just use it as a substitute for icing sugar in your recipe!

Put the icing sugar into a small or medium bowl and add water. Mix together until the icing becomes thick enough to coat with a back of a spoon. If necessary, add more water (a drop at a time) until it is thick/ thin enough to use.

If you have run out of icing sugar or can't find any to buy, you can make your own by whizzing granulated or caster sugar in a food processor, powerful blender, standard blender, coffee or spice grinder, or more laboriously, in a mortar and pestle.

For basic baked goods like sugar cookies or pound cake, using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar lends the finished product a little extra flavor. You'll need a little less of these sweeteners for your recipe—just ¾ cup of maple syrup or honey replaces a full cup of granulated sugar.

How to make icing sugar. If you've run out of icing sugar, the best way you can replicate the real thing is to make it yourself. If you have a food processor, blender, grinder or pestle and mortar, all you need to do is grind granulated or caster sugar until you get a powdered texture.

Homemade powdered sugar is perfect for when you need some in a pinch and don't want to run to the store. It has the added bonus of being cheaper than store-bought. However, since we're just using household appliances homemade powdered sugar might not be as fine and fluffy as the commercially manufactured kind.

Let's get it out of the way: Is confectioners' sugar powdered sugar? Yes! Powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar (including confectioners sugar and confectioner's sugar too), icing sugar, and 10X (a reference to the size of the particles) are all the same.

Homemade powdered sugar is so easy to make! Learn how in this simple tutorial. Use any sugar you have on hand (healthier options like coconut sugar and turbinado sugar work great!). One cup sugar will yield about two cups powdered sugar.

Add small amounts of ingredients like powdered sugar, cornstarch, gelatin, heavy whipping cream, or cream cheese to make your frosting less runny. For flavored frostings, ingredients like cocoa powder and peanut butter can also work. When your frosting is the right consistency, it'll be easy to spread or pipe.

Icing is thinner than frosting but not quite as thin as a glaze. Typically made with powdered sugar and liquid, such as water, milk, or juice, icing can be drizzled or spread. Icing has more shine and a smoother consistency than frosting.

Is milk or water better for icing sugar? ›

Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioner's sugar, it dissolves easily making a smooth icing. Liquid – You can use water or milk. For decorating cookies, I use water. For drizzling cakes and pastries, I like to use milk for a nice and creamy glaze.

It is possible to simply use granulated sugar in a slightly smaller amount, though you'll have to accept that the texture may not be ideal, especially for icing or other recipes that are supposed to be super smooth. Just substitute 1 cup of granulated sugar for every 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar and proceed as directed.

Icing sugar is made by crushing or pulverising pure white sugar into powder using a blender. Around the world icing sugar is also known as confectioner's sugar and powdered sugar. Its powdered form dissolves instantly, making it perfect for things like icing, whipped cream and sugar cooking.

While powdered sugar is a source of quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content, it lacks significant nutritional value. Consuming large amounts of sugar can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

It is possible to simply use granulated sugar in a slightly smaller amount, though you'll have to accept that the texture may not be ideal, especially for icing or other recipes that are supposed to be super smooth. Just substitute 1 cup of granulated sugar for every 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar and proceed as directed.

"Regular sugar has a larger crystal size than powdered sugar," he explains. "This means, cup for cup, there would be more sugar in a cup of powdered sugar than in a cup of regular sugar." In addition to inconsistent measurements, regular sugar won't dissolve and mix as well into recipes like frosting and icing.

2. Add corn starch. If you want to thicken your royal icing without adding additional sugar, you can add a minimal amount of corn starch (less than a teaspoon) to help your icing thicken up.

Sugar provides more than just sweetness to your baked goods. Without enough sugar, your baked goods might turn out rubbery, pale, or dry. Whenever you want something to be less sweet, refer to this guide to find out how much sugar to reduce.