🍯 Sweeteners

Powdered Sugar Substitute Guide

Discover the best powdered sugar substitutes for frosting, icing, baking, and more. Complete guide with ratios, health alternatives, and specific use cases.

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Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Granulated Sugar + Cornstarch

1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch = 1 cup powdered sugar

The most accurate powdered sugar substitute. Blend granulated sugar with cornstarch until very fine for identical texture and sweetness.

Best for:

frostingicingwhipped creamglazesdusting dessertsroyal icingbuttercreamexact texture match

Most accurate substitute. Cornstarch prevents clumping just like commercial powdered sugar. Use 1:1 ratio by volume.

Granulated Sugar + Arrowroot Powder

1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp arrowroot powder = 1 cup powdered sugar

Natural alternative to cornstarch-based powdered sugar. Arrowroot provides similar anti-caking properties without corn.

Best for:

corn-free dietsnatural recipesallergen-free bakingfrostingicingwhen avoiding cornstarch

Arrowroot works just like cornstarch to prevent clumping. Slightly more expensive but natural alternative.

Coconut Sugar (Ground Fine)

1:1 by volume

Natural, less processed alternative with subtle caramel flavor. Must be ground very fine to achieve powdered sugar texture.

Best for:

healthier bakingnatural recipeswhen you want less processed sugarfrosting with caramel notesglazes

Slightly different flavor and color. May affect the appearance of white frostings. Less sweet than regular powdered sugar.

Stevia + Cornstarch

1/4 cup stevia powder + 3/4 cup cornstarch = 1 cup powdered sugar

Sugar-free alternative perfect for diabetic-friendly and low-carb recipes. Much sweeter than sugar, so use sparingly.

Best for:

diabetic-friendly recipeslow-carb bakingketo dietssugar-free frostingwhen avoiding sugar completely

Much sweeter than sugar - start with less and adjust. May have slight aftertaste. Perfect for sugar-free diets.

Erythritol + Cornstarch

1 cup erythritol + 1 tbsp cornstarch = 1 cup powdered sugar

Sugar-free alternative with minimal calories and no blood sugar impact. Has cooling effect when consumed in large amounts.

Best for:

keto dietslow-carb bakingsugar-free frostingdiabetic-friendly recipeswhen avoiding sugar

May have cooling effect in large amounts. Less sweet than sugar - may need to increase amount slightly.

Monk Fruit + Cornstarch

1/4 cup monk fruit powder + 3/4 cup cornstarch = 1 cup powdered sugar

Natural sugar-free alternative with no calories and no blood sugar impact. Very sweet, so use sparingly.

Best for:

keto dietsdiabetic-friendly recipessugar-free frostingnatural sugar alternativeslow-carb baking

Very sweet - start with less and adjust. Natural alternative with no aftertaste. More expensive than other options.

Maple Sugar (Ground Fine)

1:1 by volume

Natural sweetener with distinctive maple flavor. Must be ground very fine to achieve powdered sugar texture.

Best for:

maple-flavored recipesfall bakingnatural recipesfrosting with maple notesglazes

Adds maple flavor and may affect color. More expensive than regular powdered sugar. Less sweet than regular sugar.

Splenda + Cornstarch

1/2 cup Splenda + 1/2 cup cornstarch = 1 cup powdered sugar

Artificial sweetener alternative for sugar-free recipes. Provides sweetness without calories or blood sugar impact.

Best for:

sugar-free recipesdiabetic-friendly bakinglow-calorie frostingwhen avoiding sugarartificial sweetener preference

May have slight aftertaste. Less sweet than sugar - may need to increase amount. Check for any dietary restrictions.

Lakanto Powdered Sweetener

1:1 by volume

Pre-made sugar-free powdered sweetener that mimics powdered sugar. Contains erythritol and monk fruit extract.

Best for:

keto dietssugar-free recipesconveniencefrostingicingwhen you want pre-made option

Ready to use. May have cooling effect. More expensive than making your own. Check ingredients for dietary restrictions.

Swerve Confectioners

1:1 by volume

Pre-made sugar-free powdered sweetener specifically designed to replace powdered sugar. Contains erythritol and natural flavors.

Best for:

keto dietssugar-free recipesconveniencefrostingicingwhen you want pre-made option

Ready to use. May have cooling effect. More expensive than making your own. Popular in keto community.

Summary

Complete guide to powdered sugar substitutes for frosting, icing, baking, and more. 15+ alternatives including keto, diabetic-friendly, and natural options with exact ratios and preparation methods.