Substitutes for Powdered Sugar
What Is Powdered Sugar?
Powdered sugar (aka confectioner’s or icing sugar) is just granulated sugar ground into a fine powder—with a pinch of cornstarch to prevent clumping. It’s essential for smooth icings and coatings.
Homemade Powdered Sugar Substitute
Make your own powdered sugar using:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon cornstarch (to prevent caking)
In a blender, grind both until they’re a fine dust. A food processor won’t work nearly as well. If you don’t need the cornstarch (for immediate use or due to allergies), just grind plain sugar and use right away
Sugar-Free Version (Low-Calorie / Diabetic)
Want a sugar-free option? Use an artificial sweetener like Splenda or NutraSweet instead of sugar. Blend:
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Sweetener + cornstarch
Blend in a blender until fine. Use it for sweetening, but scale back—sweeteners are more potent than sugar
Sugar-Free for Baking and Bulk
If you need a sugar-free substitute with volume (e.g., for fondant or baking):
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1 part sweetener
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2 parts powdered milk
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2 parts cornstarch
Blend together and use cup-for-cup where powdered sugar is called for
Using Stevia?
Try these stevia-based blends:
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2 packets stevia + 1 cup arrowroot or potato starch
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4 packets stevia + 1 cup arrowroot/potato starch + 1 cup whey protein
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4 packets stevia + 1 cup arrowroot/potato starch + 1 cup powdered milk
Pulse ingredients in a food processor until well mixed
Storage Tips
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DIY powdered sugar without cornstarch: use immediately—no shelf life
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With cornstarch or blended stevia mixes: store airtight; cool, dry shelves are best
Pro Tips
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Use a blender, not a processor, for ultra-fine texture
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Adjust sweetness—especially with sweeteners—based on taste
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Ideal for icings, coatings, even fondants if committed
Please advise how long the the sugar free powder sugar last. I plan to make up the one using stevia, arrowroot and protein powder. Can that be kept in a airtight jar on a shelf or in the fridge or when you make it up is just enough to use for that one time? Thanks for sharing your recipes.
what is your recipe for sugar-free powder sugar?
Can the sugar substitute be used for making sugar free fondant?
How much stevia in a packet
I do not use packets of Stevia…..can you please tell me how much is in one packet and how many packets to make one cup of Stevia. Thanks!
For people who don’t use packets, is a packet of Stevia 1 teaspoon? I’m blind, and the person that I’m asking for is also blind. They buy their Stevia in bags.
Awesome, thanks!
How long do you process it for in the food processor with just the Stevia and the Arrowroot powder? Also, if I am getting plain, natural, pure Stevia Extract in powder form (instead of packets), how many grams do I use to add to the Arrowroot powder?
my sugar free fudge calls for 1 cup sugar-free powdered sugar. What are the exact ingredients for 1 cup. (I wanted to use non-gmo corn starch)
OMG, this has to be the least expensive sugar free powdered sugar recipe w/out corn starch I’ve come across! Kids hate going w/out sweets, me too! Thanks!