10 Best Ingredients to Use Instead of Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar substitutes can save your recipe when you suddenly run out of this baking staple.

Holiday baking or last-minute dessert preparations often lead home cooks to seek quick alternatives.

The fine texture and sweetness of traditional powdered sugar serve specific purposes in frostings, glazes, and dusting applications.

Regular granulated sugar rarely works as a direct replacement due to its coarse texture and different melting properties.

Several alternatives exist that mimic both the sweetness level and fine consistency needed for successful recipes.

These options range from pantry staples to more health-conscious choices that might actually enhance your finished treats.

With a few simple adjustments to ratios and techniques, you can achieve results nearly identical to those made with conventional powdered sugar.

Keep reading to learn which substitute will work best for your specific recipe needs.

When and Why to Substitute Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is used for its quick-dissolving sweetness and smooth texture, but there are times you might need or want to use a substitute that fits your needs just as well:

• Out of Stock: If you run out of powdered sugar, blending regular white sugar with a bit of cornstarch makes a homemade swap that works in most recipes.
• Health Concerns: Some people want less-processed sugar or lower-glycemic sweeteners, so they swap powdered sugar for coconut sugar, stevia blends, or monk fruit for a lighter treat.
• Texture Issues: Certain recipes need powdered sugar for a silky finish, but for things like crunchy cookies, a substitute like finely ground granulated sugar still works.
• Dietary Restrictions: For those who can’t have corn (because of the added cornstarch), a DIY mix with arrowroot or tapioca starch helps avoid allergens.
• Special Recipes: When icing, glazing, or dusting, sometimes a colored or flavored sugar makes desserts pop, so swapping in a special blend adds personality and fun.
• Convenience: Making your own saves time when you don’t want to run to the store, and lets you control exactly what goes in your sugar mix.

Substitutes of Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar not being on hand can be fixed with something that supports the same purpose in the mix. Each following step moves forward without pause.

Dry Milk Powder

Dry milk powder has several alternatives to consider for your cooking and baking needs.

Regular milk stands out as the top substitute since it contains identical ingredients with added moisture, making it perfect for most recipes.

Evaporated milk works well when your recipe already includes water or another liquid, resulting in a creamy consistency with less sweetness than the original.

For those looking at sugar substitutions, granulated sugar can replace powdered sugar in equal amounts, though the texture will be noticeably grainier and slightly less sweet.

Many people find these substitutions helpful when facing pantry shortages or dietary restrictions.

The key to successful substitution lies in understanding how each alternative affects the final texture and taste of your dish.

Mixture Of Hot Cocoa

Substituting hot cocoa mix for powdered sugar works surprisingly well when you're in a pinch making chocolate treats.

Most cocoa mixes already contain sugar and cocoa, giving your desserts that rich chocolate flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.

For best results, a quick run through a food processor helps achieve that fine texture similar to conventional powdered sugar.

Many home bakers actually prefer this swap because it adds an extra chocolate dimension to brownies, cookies, and frostings.

The slight difference in texture rarely affects the final product, so this clever kitchen hack can save you a trip to the store next time you're halfway through a recipe.

Sugar Granules

Powdered sugar creates a smoother texture in frostings and glazes than its granulated counterpart, though substituting is possible when you're in a pinch.

For best results, replace one cup of powdered sugar with one cup of granulated sugar while keeping in mind that the end product might have a slightly grainy consistency.

This swap works particularly well in cookie recipes where texture differences are less noticeable than in delicate icings or buttercreams.

Some bakers prefer to make homemade powdered sugar by processing granulated sugar in a blender until fine, then adding a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar stands out as an excellent lower glycemic substitute for regular sugar in many recipes, making it especially valuable for those following the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet.

You can easily transform coconut sugar into powder form using a high-powered blender or coffee grinder until it reaches a fine consistency, then let it settle to a light brown color before storing in an airtight container.

Unlike powdered sugar (also called icing sugar or confectioners sugar in different parts of the world), which is readily available in most grocery stores, coconut sugar can be harder to find but offers health benefits that make the search worthwhile.

Xylitol Powder

Xylitol stands out as a versatile artificial sweetener available in both crystal and powder forms, making it an excellent substitute for powdered sugar in baking and cooking.

Many people enjoy adding this alternative sweetener to their morning coffee, tea, cereal, or fresh fruits for a similar sweetness with fewer calories.

The sweetness level of xylitol closely matches that of 10X sugar, though it's less sweet than erythritol which possesses beneficial antioxidant properties.

When using xylitol in recipes, you might notice slightly drier baked goods since it doesn't caramelize the same way traditional sugar does.

Stevia

Stevia offers a remarkable natural alternative to regular sugar with zero calories and a sweetness level that's 200-300 times more potent than table sugar.

This plant-based sweetener has gained popularity among health-conscious people, especially those managing diabetes or trying to reduce their calorie intake.

You can find stevia in various forms including liquid drops, powders, and even as plants for your garden, making it incredibly versatile for different cooking needs.

Most people appreciate that stevia doesn't cause the blood sugar spikes associated with traditional sweeteners, though some may notice a slight aftertaste when using larger amounts.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar serves as a fantastic substitute for powdered sugar in many recipes, offering a rich depth of flavor that enhances desserts and baked goods.

Many home bakers prefer this swap because it adds a subtle caramel-like taste to cookies, cakes, and breads without requiring special ingredients.

The standard substitution ratio is straightforward – just use the same amount of brown sugar as the powdered sugar called for in your recipe.

This alternative works particularly well in heartier treats like banana bread and chocolate chip cookies where its moisture and flavor complement other ingredients.

Dextrose Powder (D-Glucose)

Dextrose Monohydrate serves as one of the essential components in table sugar, typically available as finely ground crystals resembling powdered sugar in both texture and function.

Unlike other sweeteners, dextrose absorbs liquids more readily, requiring additional moisture in recipes to maintain proper consistency.

Many bakers need to adjust their recipes when using this substitute because dextrose is approximately 70% less sweet than conventional powdered sugar.

For equal sweetness in your baking projects, the measurement must be increased accordingly to achieve desired results.

This sugar alternative works particularly well in recipes where quick absorption is beneficial, making it popular among home bakers looking for different sugar options.

Powdered Sugar, 6X Or 4X

Substituting regular 10X powdered sugar in recipes offers the finest texture and best dissolving properties for smooth icings and delicate desserts.

Other variants with larger crystal sizes, like 6X or 4X, can work in a pinch when you're out of the finer 10X version.

These coarser alternatives may create slightly grittier results in frostings, so keep that in mind when decorating special cakes or pastries.

The numbering system tells the whole story- higher numbers mean finer sugar, making 10X the gold standard for professional-looking results.

Snow Powder

Snow sugar stands out from regular confectioners sugar because it resists melting, making it perfect for cake decorations that need to stay beautiful longer.

Making your own version at home is straightforward - just mix one cup of glucose with two tablespoons of tapioca starch, arrowroot, or cornstarch, plus one tablespoon of titanium dioxide.

This special sugar works best in refrigerated desserts where you want the white dusting to remain visible for hours.

The subtle sweetness offers a more delicate flavor than traditional powdered sugar, though this means it may not provide enough sweetness for certain recipes.

Tips for Making Your Own Powdered Sugar

Making your own powdered sugar at home is easy and practical, especially when you're out of the store-bought kind. Follow these simple tips for smooth results:

• Choosing Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar works best. It’s easy to grind and dissolves quickly.
• Blender or Grinder: Use a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder to turn sugar into a fine powder quickly.
• Add Starch: Add a little cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to keep your homemade powdered sugar from clumping.
• Blending Time: Pulse the sugar in short bursts until you get a soft, fluffy powder. Usually, it takes just a minute or two.
• Test Texture: Check the sugar's texture by rubbing it between your fingers. If it feels gritty, blend a little longer.
• Store Properly: Keep your homemade powdered sugar in an airtight container to prevent moisture and lumps.

Powdered Sugar Alternatives: Reader FAQs

1. Can I make my own powdered sugar at home?

Yes, blend granulated sugar with a bit of cornstarch in a high-speed blender until fine and powdery for a quick homemade version.

2. Are there low-carb or sugar-free powdered sugar alternatives?

Yes, powdered erythritol, stevia blends, and monk fruit sweeteners are good options for low-carb or sugar-free recipes.

3. Will substitutes work for dusting desserts or making glaze?

Most substitutes work for dusting and glazes, but some (like coconut sugar) may have a darker color and more caramel-like flavor.

4. Can I use brown sugar as a powdered sugar substitute?

Brown sugar can be powdered and used in recipes, but it will add a deeper flavor and darker color to frostings and baked goods.

5. Do I need to add cornstarch to homemade powdered sugar?

Adding a small amount of cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon per cup) helps prevent clumping and mimics commercial powdered sugar.

6. Are powdered sugar substitutes suitable for all baking recipes?

Most substitutes work well, but results may vary in delicate recipes where texture and color are important.