Confectioners sugar substitutes
Confectioners sugar substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade powdered sugar
Same amount as the confectioners sugar
Granulated sugar blended with cornstarch to create the same fine texture and consistency as confectioners sugar.
The best substitutes for confectioners sugar are homemade powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or coconut sugar powder.
- The tweak —
- Blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine and powdery.
- Best for —
- frostings
Updated 3 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of confectioners sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade powdered sugarfrostings | Same amount |
| 2 | Granulated sugarbaking | 1 cup granulated per 1 ¾ cups confectioners |
| 3 | Coconut sugar powderhealthier baking | Same amount |
| 4 | Erythritol powderdiabetic-friendly baking | Same amount |
| 5 | Stevia powderdiabetic-friendly recipes | Follow the package conversion chart, then sweeten to taste |
Homemade powdered sugar
sweet
Granulated sugar blended with cornstarch to create the same fine texture and consistency as confectioners sugar.
- Best for
- frostings, glazes, dusting desserts, any confectioners sugar application
- Texture
- powdery, fine
- Prep
- Blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine and powdery.
Make by blending 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor until very fine.
Granulated sugar
sweet
Regular white sugar that can be used in some applications, though it won't dissolve as easily or create smooth textures.
- Best for
- baking, when texture isn't critical, cookies, cakes, when you can dissolve it completely
- Texture
- granular
- Prep
- Use directly in recipes where sugar will dissolve completely, such as in batters or when heated.
A cup of granulated sugar holds much more sugar than a cup of confectioners, so use about half the volume: 1 cup granulated replaces 1 ¾ cups confectioners sugar (about ½ cup plus 1 tbsp per cup). Won't work for dusting or frostings that need smooth texture. Must be completely dissolved in liquids.
Coconut sugar powder
sweet with caramel notes
Finely ground coconut sugar that can be used as a healthier alternative with a slight caramel flavor.
- Best for
- healthier baking, when you want caramel notes, dairy-free recipes, paleo baking
- Texture
- powdery
- Prep
- Available at health food stores or make by grinding coconut sugar very fine.
Has a slight caramel flavor and brown color. May not work for white frostings or when you need pure white color.
Erythritol powder
sweet with cooling effect
Sugar alcohol that's low-calorie and doesn't spike blood sugar. Good for diabetic-friendly recipes.
- Best for
- diabetic-friendly baking, low-carb recipes, keto baking, sugar-free frostings
- Texture
- powdery
- Prep
- Use powdered erythritol directly as a 1:1 replacement. Available at health food stores or online.
About 70% as sweet as sugar, so the result is a little less sweet at 1:1; use up to 1 1/3 cups per cup if you want the full sweetness. Cooling effect on the tongue. May need to adjust other ingredients for best texture. Use powdered erythritol specifically.
Stevia powder
very sweet with slight aftertaste
Natural sweetener that's much sweeter than sugar. Use in very small amounts.
- Best for
- diabetic-friendly recipes, low-carb baking, sugar-free applications, when you need intense sweetness
- Texture
- powdery
- Prep
- Check the conversion chart on the package, add a little at a time and taste. Mix well with other dry ingredients to distribute evenly.
Strength varies by product. Pure stevia extract is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so it takes well under a teaspoon to match a cup of confectioners sugar, while bulked baking blends are measured by the spoonful or cup: follow the package. It adds sweetness but no bulk, so it cannot make a frosting, glaze or dusting on its own. May have a slight aftertaste.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between confectioners sugar and regular sugar?
Confectioners sugar is granulated sugar that's been ground very fine and mixed with cornstarch. It dissolves instantly and creates smooth textures good for frostings and glazes.
Can I make confectioners sugar at home?
Yes! Blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor until very fine and powdery.
Why does confectioners sugar have cornstarch in it?
The cornstarch prevents clumping and helps create the smooth, fine texture that makes confectioners sugar good for frostings and dusting desserts.
Can I use confectioners sugar in place of regular sugar in baking?
It depends on the recipe. Confectioners sugar works well in some baked goods but may affect texture. It's best for frostings, glazes, and dusting rather than general baking.
Tips for substituting confectioners sugar
10 tips- Confectioners sugar dissolves instantly in liquids, making it good for glazes and frostings
- The cornstarch in confectioners sugar helps prevent clumping and gives smooth texture
- Sift confectioners sugar before using to remove any lumps
- For dusting desserts, use a fine-mesh sieve for even distribution
- Confectioners sugar works best in cold applications like frostings and glazes
- Store confectioners sugar in an airtight container to prevent clumping
- For royal icing, confectioners sugar is essential for the right consistency
- You can make your own by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch
- Confectioners sugar is good for making smooth, lump-free frostings
- For a healthier option, try coconut sugar powder or erythritol powder