🍯 Sweeteners

Granulated Sugar Substitute for Confectioners Sugar - How to Convert

Learn how to substitute granulated sugar for confectioners sugar in recipes. Complete guide to converting regular sugar to powdered sugar for baking and frosting applications.

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Quick Answer

To substitute granulated sugar for confectioners sugar, blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cornstarch in a food processor until very fine (1-2 minutes). This creates homemade powdered sugar that works exactly like confectioners sugar in all recipes.

Best Substitutes

Homemade Powdered Sugar

1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch = 1 cup confectioners sugar

Make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder. This creates the exact same texture and sweetness as store-bought confectioners sugar.

Best for:

frostingglazesdustingall confectioners sugar applicationswhen you need exact texture

Best substitute - blend in food processor until very fine powder, cornstarch prevents clumping and provides smooth texture

Granulated Sugar (Direct)

1:1

Regular granulated sugar can be used directly in some baking recipes where the sugar will dissolve completely, but it won't work for frostings or dusting applications.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen texture isn't criticalwhen sugar dissolves completely

Won't work for dusting or smooth frostings, only for baking where sugar dissolves completely

Superfine Sugar

1:1

Superfine sugar is finer than regular granulated sugar but not as fine as confectioners sugar. It works better than granulated in some recipes but still won't work for frostings.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen you need finer texture than granulatedwhen sugar dissolves completely

Finer than granulated but not as fine as confectioners, better for some applications than regular granulated

Caster Sugar

1:1

Caster sugar is finer than regular granulated sugar and works better in some baking recipes, but it still won't work for frostings or dusting applications.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen you need finer texture than granulatedwhen sugar dissolves completely

Finer than granulated, similar to superfine, better for baking than regular granulated sugar

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For the best results, always make homemade powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch
  • 💡Blend the sugar and cornstarch for at least 1-2 minutes to ensure it's fine enough for frosting
  • 💡Regular granulated sugar won't work for frostings or dusting - it will create a gritty texture
  • 💡Superfine and caster sugar work better than regular granulated in baking but still won't work for frostings
  • 💡When making homemade powdered sugar, sift it before using to remove any remaining lumps
  • 💡Store homemade powdered sugar in an airtight container to prevent clumping
  • 💡For royal icing, you must use powdered sugar or homemade powdered sugar - granulated won't work
  • 💡When dusting desserts, only powdered sugar or its substitutes will work - granulated will be too gritty
  • 💡For cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar is essential for smooth texture - granulated will be lumpy
  • 💡If you only have granulated sugar, make homemade powdered sugar rather than using it directly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use granulated sugar instead of confectioners sugar?

It depends on the application. For baking where sugar dissolves completely, yes. For frostings, glazes, or dusting, no - you need the fine powder texture of confectioners sugar.

How do I make confectioners sugar from granulated sugar?

Blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cornstarch in a food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine. This creates homemade powdered sugar that works exactly like confectioners sugar.

Why doesn't granulated sugar work for frosting?

Granulated sugar won't dissolve properly in frosting and will create a gritty, unpleasant texture. Confectioners sugar dissolves instantly, creating smooth, spreadable frosting.

Can I use superfine sugar instead of confectioners sugar?

Superfine sugar is better than regular granulated for baking, but it still won't work for frostings or dusting. You need the fine powder texture of confectioners sugar for these applications.

What's the difference between granulated and confectioners sugar?

Confectioners sugar is granulated sugar that's been ground into a fine powder and mixed with cornstarch to prevent clumping. This fine texture is essential for frostings and dusting applications.

Summary

Learn how to substitute granulated sugar for confectioners sugar including homemade powdered sugar recipes. Complete guide to converting regular sugar for baking and frosting applications.