Confectioners Sugar substitute

Best substitute

Homemade Powdered Sugar

Use the same amount as the confectioners sugar you are replacing

Best for frostings

The best substitutes for confectioners sugar are homemade powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or coconut sugar powder.

Other confectioners sugar substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Granulated Sugar
Use 1 cup granulated for every 1 cup confectioners
Regular white sugar that can be used in some applications, though it won't dissolve as easily or create smooth textures.
What changes
Best for
baking, when texture isn't critical, cookies, cakes, when you can dissolve it completely
Taste
sweet
Texture
granular
Prep. Use directly in recipes where sugar will dissolve completely, such as in batters or when heated.
Won't work for dusting or frostings that need smooth texture. Must be completely dissolved in liquids.
3Coconut Sugar Powder
Use the same amount
Finely ground coconut sugar that can be used as a healthier alternative with a slight caramel flavor.
What changes
Best for
healthier baking, when you want caramel notes, dairy-free recipes, paleo baking
Taste
sweet with caramel notes
Texture
powdery
Prep. Use directly as a 1:1 replacement. Available at health food stores or make by grinding coconut sugar very fine.
Has a slight caramel flavor and brown color. May not work for white frostings or when you need pure white color.
4Erythritol Powder
Use the same amount
Sugar alcohol that's low-calorie and doesn't spike blood sugar.
What changes
Good for diabetic-friendly recipes.
Best for
diabetic-friendly baking, low-carb recipes, keto baking, sugar-free frostings
Taste
sweet with cooling effect
Texture
powdery
Prep. Use powdered erythritol directly as a 1:1 replacement. Available at health food stores or online.
Cooling effect on the tongue. May need to adjust other ingredients for best texture. Use powdered erythritol specifically.
5Stevia Powder
Use ¼ cup stevia powder for every 1 cup confectioners
Natural sweetener that's much sweeter than sugar.
What changes
Use in very small amounts.
Best for
diabetic-friendly recipes, low-carb baking, sugar-free applications, when you need intense sweetness
Taste
very sweet with slight aftertaste
Texture
powdery
Prep. Use 1/4 the amount of confectioners sugar. Mix well with other dry ingredients to distribute evenly.
Much sweeter than sugar - use 1/4 the amount. May have a slight aftertaste. Mix with other ingredients to mask taste.

What is Confectioners Sugar?

Confectioners Sugar is Finely ground sugar mixed with cornstarch, also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar, used for frostings, glazes, and dusting desserts.

Cooking tips

Confectioners sugar dissolves instantly in liquids, making it perfect for glazes and frostings
The cornstarch in confectioners sugar helps prevent clumping and gives smooth texture
Sift confectioners sugar before using to remove any lumps
For dusting desserts, use a fine-mesh sieve for even distribution
Confectioners sugar works best in cold applications like frostings and glazes
Store confectioners sugar in an airtight container to prevent clumping
For royal icing, confectioners sugar is essential for the right consistency
You can make your own by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch
Confectioners sugar is perfect for making smooth, lump-free frostings
For a healthier option, try coconut sugar powder or erythritol powder

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between confectioners sugar and regular sugar?

Confectioners sugar is granulated sugar that's been ground very fine and mixed with cornstarch. It dissolves instantly and creates smooth textures perfect for frostings and glazes.

Can I make confectioners sugar at home?

Yes! Blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor until very fine and powdery.

Why does confectioners sugar have cornstarch in it?

The cornstarch prevents clumping and helps create the smooth, fine texture that makes confectioners sugar perfect for frostings and dusting desserts.

Can I use confectioners sugar in place of regular sugar in baking?

It depends on the recipe. Confectioners sugar works well in some baked goods but may affect texture. It's best for frostings, glazes, and dusting rather than general baking.

Related substitutes

More sweeteners substitutes

Confectioners Sugar substitute

Other confectioners sugar substitutes

2Granulated Sugar

3Coconut Sugar Powder

4Erythritol Powder

5Stevia Powder