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
1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch
The best powdered sugar substitutes are granulated sugar + cornstarch (1:1 + 1 tbsp cornstarch), coconut sugar (ground fine), and stevia + cornstarch for sugar-free options. Choose based on your recipe needs and dietary preferences.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Granulated sugar + cornstarchfrosting | 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch |
| 2 | Granulated sugar + arrowroot powdercorn-free diets | 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp arrowroot powder |
| 3 | Coconut sugar (ground fine)healthier baking | Same amount by volume |
| 4 | Stevia + cornstarchdiabetic-friendly recipes | ¼ cup stevia powder + ¾ cup cornstarch |
| 5 | Erythritol + cornstarchketo diets | 1 cup erythritol + 1 tbsp cornstarch |
| 6 | Monk fruit + cornstarchketo diets | ¼ cup monk fruit powder + ¾ cup cornstarch |
| 7 | Maple sugar (ground fine)maple-flavored recipes | Same amount by volume |
| 8 | Splenda + cornstarchsugar-free recipes | ½ cup Splenda + ½ cup cornstarch |
| 9 | Lakanto powdered sweetenerketo diets | Same amount by volume |
| 10 | Swerve confectionersketo diets | Same amount by volume |
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. Use 1:1 ratio by volume.
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 but natural alternative.
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 alternative good for diabetic-friendly and low-carb recipes. Much sweeter than sugar, so use sparingly.
- Best for
- diabetic-friendly recipes, low-carb baking, keto diets, sugar-free frosting, when avoiding sugar completely
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Mix stevia powder with cornstarch until well combined. Sift to ensure even distribution. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Much sweeter than sugar - start with less and adjust. May have slight aftertaste. Good for sugar-free diets.
Erythritol + cornstarch
slightly less sweet, cooling effect
Sugar-free alternative with minimal calories and no blood sugar impact. Has cooling effect when consumed in large amounts.
- Best for
- keto diets, low-carb baking, sugar-free frosting, diabetic-friendly recipes, when avoiding sugar
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Blend erythritol with cornstarch in a food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine. Sift to ensure smooth texture.
May have cooling effect in large amounts. Less sweet than sugar - may need to increase amount slightly.
Monk fruit + cornstarch
very sweet, no aftertaste
Natural sugar-free alternative with no calories and no blood sugar impact. Very sweet, so use sparingly.
- Best for
- keto diets, diabetic-friendly recipes, sugar-free frosting, natural sugar alternatives, low-carb baking
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Mix monk fruit powder with cornstarch until well combined. Sift to ensure even distribution. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Very sweet - start with less and adjust. Natural alternative with no aftertaste. 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. Provides sweetness without calories or blood sugar impact.
- Best for
- sugar-free recipes, diabetic-friendly baking, low-calorie frosting, when avoiding sugar, artificial sweetener preference
- Texture
- fine powder
- Prep
- Mix Splenda with cornstarch until well combined. Sift to ensure even distribution. Adjust sweetness as needed.
May have slight aftertaste. Less sweet than sugar - may need to increase amount. 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 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), Stevia + CornstarchFor smooth frosting, sift your substitute to remove any lumps. Add liquid gradually to achieve desired consistency.Ratios: Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes. For stevia-based options, start with ¼ the amount and adjust to taste.
- 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: Use 1:1 ratio. 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: Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes. For sugar-free options, follow package instructions.
- GlazeGranulated Sugar + Cornstarch, Coconut Sugar (Ground Fine), Stevia + CornstarchMix with liquid gradually to achieve smooth consistency. Sift substitute before using. Adjust thickness with liquid.Ratios: Use 1:1 ratio. For sugar-free options, start with less and adjust to taste.
- KetoErythritol + Cornstarch, Monk Fruit + Cornstarch, Lakanto Powdered Sweetener, Swerve ConfectionersAll options are zero or very low carb. May have cooling effect. Adjust sweetness as needed.
- DiabeticStevia + Cornstarch, Erythritol + Cornstarch, Monk Fruit + Cornstarch, Splenda + CornstarchAll options have minimal to no blood sugar impact. 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 granulated sugar per 1 cup powdered sugarPowdered sugar contains cornstarch, so you need more granulated sugar for same sweetness. Reduce other liquids slightly.
- Granulated to powdered1 cup powdered sugar per 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarchBlend until very fine. Sift to remove any remaining granules. Use 1:1 ratio by volume.
- Cane sugar to powdered1 cup powdered sugar per 1 cup cane sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarchSame process as granulated sugar. Cane sugar may have slightly different flavor.
- Brown sugar to powdered1 cup powdered sugar per 1 cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarchWill have molasses flavor. May affect color of final product. 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
Erythritol or monk fruit 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 + cornstarch (1:1 + 1 tbsp cornstarch). It provides identical texture and sweetness. For sugar-free options, use stevia + cornstarch or erythritol + cornstarch.
Can I substitute granulated sugar for powdered sugar?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the ratio. Use 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar for every 1 cup powdered sugar, and reduce other liquids slightly since powdered sugar contains cornstarch.
Can I substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar?
Yes, but powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may affect texture. Use 1 cup powdered sugar for every 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar, and you may need to adjust liquid amounts.
What can I substitute for powdered sugar in frosting?
For frosting, use granulated sugar + cornstarch (1:1 + 1 tbsp), coconut sugar (ground fine), or stevia + cornstarch 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?
Yes, healthy options include coconut sugar (ground fine), maple sugar (ground fine), or stevia + cornstarch for sugar-free. These are less processed and have different nutritional profiles.
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?
Diabetic-friendly options include stevia + cornstarch, erythritol + cornstarch, monk fruit + cornstarch, or Splenda + cornstarch. All have minimal to no blood sugar impact.
Can I substitute stevia for powdered sugar?
Yes, mix ¼ cup stevia powder with ¾ cup cornstarch to replace 1 cup powdered sugar. Stevia is much sweeter, so start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I substitute Splenda for powdered sugar?
Yes, mix ½ cup Splenda with ½ cup cornstarch to replace 1 cup powdered sugar. Splenda is less sweet than sugar, so you may need to adjust the amount.
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 cup powdered sugar for every 1 ¾ cups 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 cup powdered sugar for every 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar and stir well to dissolve.
What can I use as a substitute for powdered sugar in macarons?
For macarons, use granulated sugar + cornstarch (1:1 + 1 tbsp) for best results. 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 1 cup powdered sugar for every 1 ¾ cups brown sugar, but expect different flavor and color.
What is the best powdered sugar substitute for glaze?
For glaze, use granulated sugar + cornstarch (1:1 + 1 tbsp) for best results. 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 cup powdered sugar for every 1 ¾ cups caster sugar and adjust liquid amounts if needed.