Out of Powdered sugar, one case
Powdered sugar substitute - for confectioners sugar
7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade powdered sugar
Per 1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch
The best powdered sugar substitutes are homemade powdered sugar (blend granulated sugar + cornstarch), powdered erythritol, or powdered monk fruit sweetener. For 1 cup powdered sugar, blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp cornstarch.
- Best for —
- frosting
One casethe full sugar card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup powdered sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade powdered sugarfrosting | 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch |
| 2 | Powdered erythritolfrosting | Same amount |
| 3 | Powdered monk fruit sweetenerfrosting | ½ cup |
| 4 | Powdered steviafrosting | 1 tsp |
| 5 | Powdered allulosefrosting | Same amount |
| 6 | Powdered coconut sugarfrosting | Same amount |
| 7 | Powdered xylitolfrosting | Same amount |
Homemade powdered sugar
identical to powdered sugar
Make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder.
- Best for
- frosting, glazes, dusting, all recipes
Best substitute, blend in food processor until fine powder, add cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Powdered erythritol
similar, slight cooling effect
Powdered erythritol that measures like powdered sugar but has zero calories and carbs. Good for low-carb and diabetic-friendly recipes.
- Best for
- frosting, glazes, low-carb baking, diabetic-friendly recipes
- Texture
- similar to powdered sugar
Zero calories, zero carbs, no aftertaste, may have slight cooling effect.
Powdered monk fruit sweetener
similar, no aftertaste
Natural powdered sweetener that's often blended with erythritol for better texture. No aftertaste and works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- frosting, glazes, all recipes, natural baking
- Texture
- similar to powdered sugar
Natural, no aftertaste, zero calories, often blended with erythritol.
Powdered stevia
very sweet, slight aftertaste
Natural powdered sweetener that's much sweeter than powdered sugar. Best used in small amounts or combined with other sweeteners.
- Best for
- frosting, glazes, small amounts, low-calorie recipes
- Texture
- similar to powdered sugar
Extremely sweet, natural, zero calories, may have aftertaste.
Powdered allulose
identical to powdered sugar
Powdered allulose that tastes identical to powdered sugar but has zero net carbs. Good for keto and diabetic baking.
- Best for
- frosting, glazes, all recipes, keto baking
Tastes like sugar, zero net carbs, helps with browning, more expensive.
Powdered coconut sugar
caramel, slightly different
Natural powdered sugar from coconut palm with caramel-like flavor. Slightly less sweet but works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- frosting, glazes, natural baking, sauces
- Texture
- similar to powdered sugar
Natural, caramel flavor, slightly less sweet, may not dissolve completely.
Powdered xylitol
similar to powdered sugar
Natural powdered sweetener with low glycemic impact. Has some carbs but minimal effect on blood sugar when used in moderation.
- Best for
- frosting, glazes, small amounts, natural baking
Natural, low glycemic index, may cause digestive issues in large amounts.
How it behaves in this recipe
Powdered sugar is unique because it's finely ground and often contains cornstarch to prevent clumping. It's essential for smooth frostings, glazes, and dusting. The best substitutes should provide the same fine texture and sweetness without clumping.
Tips for substituting powdered sugar
12 tips- Make homemade powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch in a food processor
- Use 1 teaspoon cornstarch per cup of sugar to prevent clumping
- Blend for 2-3 minutes until the sugar becomes a fine powder
- Sift homemade powdered sugar to remove any remaining granules
- Powdered erythritol works well as a 1:1 replacement in most recipes
- Stevia is extremely sweet - use only 1 teaspoon for every 1 cup of powdered sugar
- Monk fruit sweetener is often blended with erythritol for better texture
- Allulose tastes identical to powdered sugar and works in all recipes
- Coconut sugar may not dissolve completely in liquids - best for dry applications
- Store powdered sugar substitutes in airtight containers to prevent clumping
- For frosting, powdered sweeteners work best for smooth texture
- For glazes, liquid sweeteners may need to be reduced or thickened
Notes on powdered sugar
- Use natural flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder to enhance sweetness
- Try sugar-free syrups and flavorings for glazes and toppings
- Use unsweetened chocolate and add powdered sugar alternatives to taste
- Experiment with sugar-free extracts and natural flavorings
- Consider using nut butters for natural sweetness and texture
- Use fresh fruits or fruit purees to add natural sweetness and moisture
Questions
8 questionsWhat is the best substitute for powdered sugar?
The best powdered sugar substitute is homemade powdered sugar made by blending 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a food processor until fine.
Can I make powdered sugar at home?
Yes, blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a food processor for 2-3 minutes until it becomes a fine powder. Sift to remove any remaining granules.
Can I use powdered erythritol instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, powdered erythritol works well as a 1:1 replacement for powdered sugar. It has zero calories and carbs but may have a slight cooling effect.
What about powdered monk fruit sweetener?
Powdered monk fruit sweetener works well but is often blended with erythritol for better texture. It has no aftertaste and is natural.
Can I use powdered stevia for frosting?
Yes, but stevia is extremely sweet, so use only 1 teaspoon for every 1 cup of powdered sugar. It may have a slight aftertaste.
Is powdered allulose a good substitute?
Yes, powdered allulose tastes identical to powdered sugar and works in all recipes. It has zero net carbs and is good for keto baking.
What about powdered coconut sugar?
Powdered coconut sugar works well but has a caramel flavor and may not dissolve completely in liquids. It's best for dry applications like dusting.
Do I need to adjust recipes when using powdered sugar substitutes?
Most powdered sugar substitutes work as 1:1 replacements. However, stevia is much sweeter, so use only 1 teaspoon for every 1 cup of powdered sugar.