Out of Powdered sugar, one case
Powdered sugar substitute, in depth
10 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Granulated sugar + cornstarch
Per 1 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch
The best powdered sugar substitute is granulated sugar blended with cornstarch: 2/3 cup sugar plus 1 tsp cornstarch for each 1 cup powdered sugar, blended until it feels like flour. Coconut sugar ground fine also works, and a powdered erythritol sweetener is the sugar-free option.
- Verdict —
- Works
- The tweak —
- Add granulated sugar and cornstarch to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes until very fine powder. Sift if needed to remove any remaining granules.
- Best for —
- frosting
One casethe full powdered sugar card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup powdered sugar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Granulated sugar + cornstarchfrosting | 2/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cornstarchWorks | Works |
| 2 | Granulated sugar + arrowroot powdercorn-free diets | 2/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp arrowroot powderTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Coconut sugar (ground fine)healthier baking | Same amount by volumeYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Stevia + cornstarchsweetening whipped cream | Follow the package conversion chart, then sweeten to tasteYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Erythritol + cornstarchketo diets | Same amount by volumeYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Monk fruit + cornstarchketo diets | Follow the package conversion chart, then sweeten to tasteYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 7 | Maple sugar (ground fine)maple-flavored recipes | Same amount by volumeYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 8 | Splenda + cornstarchsugar-free recipes | Blend with a little cornstarch, then sweeten to tasteYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 9 | Lakanto powdered sweetenerketo diets | Same amount by volumeYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 10 | Swerve confectionersketo diets | Same amount by volumeYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Granulated sugar + cornstarch
identical sweetness
The most accurate powdered sugar substitute. Blend granulated sugar with cornstarch until very fine for identical texture and sweetness.
- Best for
- frosting, icing, whipped cream, glazes, dusting desserts, royal icing, buttercream, exact texture match
- Texture
- fine powder, identical to powdered sugar
- Prep
- Add granulated sugar and cornstarch to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes until very fine powder. Sift if needed to remove any remaining granules.
Most accurate substitute. Cornstarch prevents clumping just like commercial powdered sugar. Blending adds volume: 2/3 cup granulated sugar makes a little over 1 cup, and 1 cup makes about 1 ¾ cups, so measure the powder after blending.
Granulated sugar + arrowroot powder
identical sweetness
Natural alternative to cornstarch-based powdered sugar. Arrowroot provides similar anti-caking properties without corn.
- Best for
- corn-free diets, natural recipes, allergen-free baking, frosting, icing, when avoiding cornstarch
- Texture
- fine powder, identical to powdered sugar
- Prep
- Blend granulated sugar with arrowroot powder in a food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine. Sift to ensure smooth texture.
Arrowroot works just like cornstarch to prevent clumping. Slightly more expensive. Measure the powder after blending, because blending adds volume.
Coconut sugar (ground fine)
caramel notes, less sweet
Natural, less processed alternative with subtle caramel flavor. Must be ground very fine to achieve powdered sugar texture.
- Best for
- healthier baking, natural recipes, when you want less processed sugar, frosting with caramel notes, glazes
- Texture
- fine powder when ground properly
- Prep
- Grind coconut sugar in a high-speed blender or food processor for 2-3 minutes until very fine powder. Sift to remove any remaining granules.
Slightly different flavor and color. May affect the appearance of white frostings. Less sweet than regular powdered sugar.
Stevia + cornstarch
very sweet, slight aftertaste
Sugar-free option for sweetness only. Pure stevia is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar and adds no bulk, so it cannot build a frosting or glaze the way powdered sugar does.
- Best for
- sweetening whipped cream, sweetening fillings and drinks, when avoiding sugar completely
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Use the amount your stevia package gives for the sugar in the recipe. A spoonful of cornstarch adds a little body; large amounts of raw cornstarch taste chalky. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Strength varies by product, so there is no single cup measure. Much sweeter than sugar - start with less and adjust. It sweetens but will not stiffen buttercream or royal icing. May have slight aftertaste.
Erythritol + cornstarch
slightly less sweet, cooling effect
Sugar-free alternative with almost no calories. Leaves a cooling aftertaste, strongest in uncooked frostings and glazes.
- Best for
- keto diets, low-carb baking, sugar-free frosting, diabetic-friendly recipes, when avoiding sugar
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Blend granulated erythritol with 1 tbsp cornstarch per cup in a food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine. Sift, then measure the powder cup for cup.
Has a cooling aftertaste. About 70% as sweet as sugar - may need to increase amount slightly. Can turn gritty again as a glaze or frosting sits.
Monk fruit + cornstarch
very sweet, no aftertaste
Sugar-free alternative with no calories. Pure monk fruit extract is far sweeter than sugar and adds no bulk; blends bulked with erythritol measure like sugar.
- Best for
- keto diets, diabetic-friendly recipes, sugar-free frosting, natural sugar alternatives, low-carb baking
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Check which kind you have. Blend a granulated monk fruit and erythritol blend with 1 tbsp cornstarch per cup until very fine and measure it cup for cup. Use pure extract only by the package conversion. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Strength varies by brand, so there is no single cup measure for pure extract. Start with less and adjust. More expensive than other options.
Maple sugar (ground fine)
maple flavor, less sweet
Natural sweetener with distinctive maple flavor. Must be ground very fine to achieve powdered sugar texture.
- Best for
- maple-flavored recipes, fall baking, natural recipes, frosting with maple notes, glazes
- Texture
- fine powder when ground properly
- Prep
- Grind maple sugar in a high-speed blender for 2-3 minutes until very fine powder. Sift to remove any remaining granules.
Adds maple flavor and may affect color. More expensive than regular powdered sugar. Less sweet than regular sugar.
Splenda + cornstarch
sweet with slight aftertaste
Artificial sweetener alternative for sugar-free recipes.
- Best for
- sugar-free recipes, diabetic-friendly baking, low-calorie frosting, when avoiding sugar, artificial sweetener preference
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Blend Splenda Granulated with a spoonful of cornstarch in a blender until it is a very fine powder. Sift to ensure even distribution. Adjust sweetness as needed.
May have slight aftertaste. Splenda Granulated is as sweet as sugar cup for cup, which makes it sweeter by the cup than powdered sugar - start with less than the recipe calls for and taste. It is very light, so it will not stiffen a frosting. Check for any dietary restrictions.
Lakanto powdered sweetener
sweet with slight cooling effect
Pre-made sugar-free powdered sweetener that mimics powdered sugar. Contains erythritol and monk fruit extract.
- Best for
- keto diets, sugar-free recipes, convenience, frosting, icing, when you want pre-made option
- Texture
- fine powder, identical to powdered sugar
- Prep
- Use directly as powdered sugar substitute. May need to adjust sweetness.
Ready to use. May have cooling effect. More expensive than making your own. Check ingredients for dietary restrictions.
Swerve confectioners
sweet with slight cooling effect
Pre-made sugar-free powdered sweetener specifically designed to replace powdered sugar. Contains erythritol, oligosaccharides and natural flavors.
- Best for
- keto diets, sugar-free recipes, convenience, frosting, icing, when you want pre-made option
- Texture
- fine powder, identical to powdered sugar
- Prep
- Use directly as powdered sugar substitute. May need to adjust sweetness.
Ready to use. May have cooling effect. More expensive than making your own. Popular in keto community.
Tips for substituting powdered sugar
10 tips- Always sift powdered sugar substitutes to remove lumps before using
- For frosting, add liquid gradually to achieve smooth consistency
- Sugar-free alternatives may need adjustment in sweetness - taste as you go
- Store homemade substitutes in airtight containers to prevent clumping
- Blend longer for finer texture - aim for powder consistency
- Test a small batch before making large quantities
- Consider the flavor profile when choosing substitutes
- For white frostings, use white sugar-based substitutes
- Sugar-free options may affect texture in baked goods
- Natural alternatives may have different colors and flavors
Notes on powdered sugar
- FrostingGranulated Sugar + Cornstarch, Coconut Sugar (Ground Fine), Swerve ConfectionersFor smooth frosting, sift your substitute to remove any lumps. Add liquid gradually to achieve desired consistency.Ratios: Measure blended sugars cup for cup after blending. Stevia and pure monk fruit sweeten but do not stiffen a frosting, so use a powdered erythritol sweetener for sugar-free frosting.
- IcingGranulated Sugar + Cornstarch, Erythritol + Cornstarch, Lakanto Powdered SweetenerIcing needs very fine texture. Blend longer and sift multiple times for smooth results. Add liquid gradually.Ratios: Measure the blended powder 1:1 for the powdered sugar. For sugar-free options, taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Whipped creamGranulated Sugar + Cornstarch, Coconut Sugar (Ground Fine), Maple Sugar (Ground Fine)Add substitute gradually while whipping. Stop when soft peaks form. Don't over-whip with sugar-free alternatives.Ratios: Use 1-2 tablespoons per cup of cream. Adjust to taste preference.
- BakingGranulated Sugar + Cornstarch, Coconut Sugar (Ground Fine), Maple Sugar (Ground Fine)For baking, ensure substitute is very fine. May need to adjust liquid amounts. Sugar-free options may affect texture.Ratios: Measure the blended powder 1:1 for the powdered sugar. For sugar-free options, follow package instructions.
- GlazeGranulated Sugar + Cornstarch, Coconut Sugar (Ground Fine), Erythritol + CornstarchMix with liquid gradually to achieve smooth consistency. Sift substitute before using. Adjust thickness with liquid.Ratios: Measure the blended powder 1:1 for the powdered sugar. For sugar-free options, start with less and adjust to taste.
- KetoErythritol + Cornstarch, Monk Fruit + Cornstarch, Lakanto Powdered Sweetener, Swerve ConfectionersThe sweeteners add no sugar; any cornstarch blended in adds a few grams of carbohydrate per cup. Erythritol-based options have a cooling effect. Adjust sweetness as needed.
- DiabeticStevia + Cornstarch, Erythritol + Cornstarch, Monk Fruit + Cornstarch, Splenda + CornstarchThese sweeteners are sugar-free, but any cornstarch blended in is a carbohydrate. Consult healthcare provider for specific dietary needs.
- Sugar freeStevia + Cornstarch, Erythritol + Cornstarch, Monk Fruit + Cornstarch, Splenda + CornstarchAll options contain no sugar. May have different sweetness levels - adjust accordingly.
- NaturalCoconut Sugar (Ground Fine), Maple Sugar (Ground Fine), Granulated Sugar + ArrowrootLess processed alternatives. May have different flavors and colors. Adjust recipes as needed.
- Powdered to granulated1 ¾ cups powdered sugar per 1 cup granulated sugarPowdered sugar is lighter by the cup, so it takes about 1 ¾ cups to match 1 cup granulated sugar. The cornstarch in it can change the texture of baked goods.
- Granulated to powdered1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch makes about 1 ¾ cups powdered sugarBlend until very fine. Sift to remove any remaining granules. Blending adds volume, so measure the powder after blending and use that 1:1.
- Cane sugar to powdered1 cup cane sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch makes about 1 ¾ cups powdered sugarSame process as granulated sugar. Cane sugar may have slightly different flavor.
- Brown sugar to powderedBlend 1 cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch, then measure 1:1Brown sugar is moist, so the powder stays slightly damp and clumps; use it straight away. Will have molasses flavor and a tan color. Use in recipes where brown sugar flavor is desired.
Blender method
Steps
- Add sugar and cornstarch to high-speed blender
- Blend on high for 1-2 minutes
- Stop and scrape sides if needed
- Continue blending until very fine
- Sift to remove any remaining granules
- Best for
- Large batches, most consistent results
Food processor method
Steps
- Add sugar and cornstarch to food processor
- Process for 1-2 minutes
- Stop and scrape sides
- Continue processing until very fine
- Sift to remove any remaining granules
- Best for
- Medium batches, good control
Mortar pestle method
Steps
- Add small amounts of sugar to mortar
- Grind with pestle until very fine
- Add cornstarch and continue grinding
- Sift to remove any remaining granules
- Repeat for larger batches
- Best for
- Small batches, traditional method
Substitute is lumpy or grainy
- Solution
- Blend longer, sift multiple times, or use a finer mesh sieve
Sugar-free substitute is too sweet
- Solution
- Reduce amount by 25-50% and adjust to taste
Substitute is not sweet enough
- Solution
- Increase amount gradually or add more sweetener
Cooling effect
- Problem
- Erythritol, including monk fruit blends made with it, causes cooling sensation
- Solution
- Use less of the sweetener or try a different sugar-free option
Substitute changes color of final product
- Solution
- Use white sugar-based substitutes or accept the color change
Questions
20 questionsWhat is the best substitute for powdered sugar?
The best substitute is granulated sugar blended with cornstarch: 2/3 cup sugar plus 1 tsp cornstarch for each 1 cup powdered sugar, blended until it feels like flour. For sugar-free options, use a powdered erythritol sweetener such as Swerve or Lakanto, or erythritol blended with cornstarch.
Can I substitute granulated sugar for powdered sugar?
Only where the sugar is baked or cooked and the crystals can dissolve. Use a little over half as much: 1 cup granulated sugar equals about 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar. In frosting, glaze or whipped cream it stays gritty, so blend it to a powder first.
Can I substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar?
Yes, but powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may affect texture. Use 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar, and you may need to adjust liquid amounts.
What can I substitute for powdered sugar in frosting?
For frosting, use granulated sugar blended with cornstarch (2/3 cup sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch per cup of powdered sugar), coconut sugar (ground fine), or a powdered erythritol sweetener for sugar-free. Sift well and add liquid gradually for smooth consistency.
What can I substitute for powdered sugar in whipped cream?
For whipped cream, use granulated sugar + cornstarch, coconut sugar (ground fine), or maple sugar (ground fine). Add gradually while whipping and stop at soft peaks.
Is there a healthy substitute for powdered sugar?
Coconut sugar and maple sugar, ground fine, are less refined, but they are still sugar. For sugar-free, use a powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
What is a keto substitute for powdered sugar?
Keto options include erythritol + cornstarch, monk fruit + cornstarch, Lakanto Powdered Sweetener, or Swerve Confectioners. All are zero or very low carb.
What is a diabetic substitute for powdered sugar?
Sugar-free options include powdered erythritol sweeteners such as Swerve or Lakanto, erythritol blended with cornstarch, and Splenda blended with cornstarch. Any cornstarch blended in is still a carbohydrate, so check with your healthcare provider about what fits your diet.
Can I substitute stevia for powdered sugar?
Only for sweetness. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and has no bulk, so it cannot stiffen a frosting or glaze. Follow the conversion chart on the package, start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I substitute Splenda for powdered sugar?
Yes, for sweetness. Blend Splenda Granulated with a spoonful of cornstarch until very fine. It is sweeter by the cup than powdered sugar and much lighter, so start with less than the recipe calls for and sweeten to taste; it will not stiffen a frosting.
How do I make powdered sugar substitute without a blender?
Use a mortar and pestle for small amounts, or a food processor. You can also buy pre-made sugar-free powdered sweeteners like Lakanto or Swerve.
Can I substitute powdered sugar for regular sugar in cookies?
Yes, but powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may affect texture. Use 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup regular sugar and adjust liquid amounts if needed.
What is the best powdered sugar substitute for baking?
For baking, use granulated sugar + cornstarch for best results. Coconut sugar (ground fine) or maple sugar (ground fine) work well for natural alternatives. Ensure the substitute is very fine.
Can I substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar in lemonade?
Yes, but powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may make the lemonade cloudy. Use 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar and stir well to dissolve.
What can I use as a substitute for powdered sugar in macarons?
For macarons, use granulated sugar blended with cornstarch (2/3 cup sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch per cup of powdered sugar). The texture is critical for macarons, so ensure the substitute is very fine and sifted well.
Is there a sugar-free substitute for powdered sugar?
Yes, sugar-free options include stevia + cornstarch, erythritol + cornstarch, monk fruit + cornstarch, Splenda + cornstarch, or pre-made options like Lakanto or Swerve.
What is a natural substitute for powdered sugar?
Natural options include coconut sugar (ground fine), maple sugar (ground fine), or granulated sugar + arrowroot powder. These are less processed than commercial powdered sugar.
Can I substitute powdered sugar for brown sugar?
Yes, but powdered sugar is white and contains cornstarch, while brown sugar has molasses flavor. Use about 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup packed brown sugar, but expect different flavor and color.
What is the best powdered sugar substitute for glaze?
For glaze, use granulated sugar blended with cornstarch (2/3 cup sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch per cup of powdered sugar). Mix with liquid gradually to achieve smooth consistency. Sift the substitute before using.
Can I substitute powdered sugar for caster sugar?
Yes, but powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may affect texture. Use 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup caster sugar and adjust liquid amounts if needed.