🍯 Sweeteners

Powdered Sugar vs Granulated Sugar: Complete Guide

Learn how to substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar and vice versa. Get exact ratios, cooking tips, and techniques for perfect results in any recipe.

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Quick Answer

Use 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar (1.75:1 ratio). For granulated to powdered, use 1 cup granulated for every 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch, so it affects texture in some recipes.

Best Substitutes

Powdered Sugar for Granulated

1 3/4 cups powdered = 1 cup granulated

Powdered sugar (confectioners sugar) can substitute for granulated sugar but requires more volume due to its lighter density. It contains cornstarch which may affect texture in some recipes.

Best for:

frostingsglazeswhen you want fine texturedessertswhen you want smooth consistency

Powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may affect texture in some recipes. Use 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

Granulated Sugar for Powdered

1 cup granulated = 1 3/4 cups powdered

Granulated sugar can substitute for powdered sugar but will have coarser texture. It works well in most recipes but may not dissolve as smoothly in liquids.

Best for:

cookingbakingwhen you want coarser texturewhen you don't have powdered sugarmost recipes

Granulated sugar has coarser texture than powdered sugar. It works well in most recipes but may not dissolve as smoothly in liquids.

10X Sugar

1:1 with powdered sugar

10X sugar is the same as powdered sugar (confectioners sugar). It can substitute for granulated sugar using the same ratio as powdered sugar.

Best for:

frostingsglazeswhen you want fine texturedessertswhen you want smooth consistency

10X sugar is identical to powdered sugar. Use the same ratio as powdered sugar: 1 3/4 cups for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

Confectioners Sugar

1:1 with powdered sugar

Confectioners sugar is the same as powdered sugar. It can substitute for granulated sugar using the same ratio as powdered sugar.

Best for:

frostingsglazeswhen you want fine texturedessertswhen you want smooth consistency

Confectioners sugar is identical to powdered sugar. Use the same ratio as powdered sugar: 1 3/4 cups for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

Icing Sugar

1:1 with powdered sugar

Icing sugar is the same as powdered sugar. It can substitute for granulated sugar using the same ratio as powdered sugar.

Best for:

frostingsglazeswhen you want fine texturedessertswhen you want smooth consistency

Icing sugar is identical to powdered sugar. Use the same ratio as powdered sugar: 1 3/4 cups for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Powdered sugar works best in frostings and glazes where you want smooth texture
  • 💡Granulated sugar works better in baked goods where you want structure and texture
  • 💡When using powdered sugar instead of granulated, the cornstarch may affect texture in some recipes
  • 💡Powdered sugar dissolves more easily in liquids than granulated sugar
  • 💡For meringues and whipped cream, granulated sugar works better than powdered sugar
  • 💡Powdered sugar is better for dusting and decorative purposes
  • 💡When substituting, consider the final texture you want in your recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar?

Yes, use 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may affect texture in some recipes.

How much powdered sugar equals 1 cup granulated sugar?

Use 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar. Powdered sugar is lighter and fluffier than granulated sugar.

Can I use 10X sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, 10X sugar is the same as powdered sugar. Use 1 3/4 cups 10X sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

What's the difference between powdered sugar and granulated sugar?

Powdered sugar is ground finer and contains cornstarch, while granulated sugar has larger crystals and no cornstarch. Powdered sugar is lighter and fluffier.

Can I use confectioners sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, confectioners sugar is the same as powdered sugar. Use 1 3/4 cups confectioners sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

Can I use powdered sugar in cookies?

Yes, but powdered sugar may affect the texture of cookies due to the cornstarch. Granulated sugar is better for most cookie recipes.

Can I use powdered sugar in meringue?

No, granulated sugar is better for meringue. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch which can affect the stability of meringue.

Can I use powdered sugar in coffee?

Yes, powdered sugar dissolves more easily in coffee than granulated sugar. Use 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

Summary

Learn how to substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar and vice versa. Get exact ratios, cooking tips, and techniques for perfect results in any recipe.