Asked on 6/12/2013 12:00:00 AM by bjerke420
Hi,
Thanks for the question. Powdered sugar is simply granulated sugar that has been crushed into a fine powder. Cornstach is often added to powdered sugar to prevent clumping. You can make powdered sugar from granulated sugar by simply blending 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until a fine powder.
1 3/4 cup powdered sugar can be substituted for 1 cup granulated sugar but the sucess of the recipe really depends on how you are using the sugar. If it is in a baked good, you should be ok but if you are trying to make a sweet sauce then the starch in the powdered sugar may cause it to thicken more quickly then you would like.
Answered on 6/4/2013 12:00:00 AM by kolson
Full question
I just have the normal sugar and I've read we need to have icing sugar in the no bake Nutella Cheesecake. Can you please explain the difference to me?
Our answer
There are several different types of sugar, but the most commonly used ones in baking and desserts are caster/granulated sugar and icing sugar (also called confectioner's sugar or powdered sugar). In the UK granulated sugar can be quite coarse so the finer-grained caster sugar is used in baking as the smaller granules dissolve more quickly. In many other countries the regular granulated sugar is fine enough to be used in most baking.
Icing sugar is very finely ground white sugar. It is ground to a powder and commercial varieties often have small amounts of cornflour (cornstarch) or another anti-caking agent added to stop it forming into clumps. This sugar dissolves instantly and is used in glace icings, simple buttercreams and some meringues. It is also often sprinkled or dusted over desserts just before serving for an attractive presentation. Icing sugar can usually be bought in most supermarkets but if it is difficult to find then you can grind regular sugar down to a fine powder in a food procesor or a clean coffee grinder.
Can I Substitute Regular Sugar for Powdered Sugar? And Other Essential Sugar Questions Answered
Here’s what to do if you run out of powdered sugar.
Published on December 9, 2021
It's easy to take powdered sugar for granted...until you don't have it. The quietly dependable ingredient can add just the right touch of airy sweetness to your baked goods and frostings. When it isn't there, it really puts a damper on your baking plans. This is especially true when you're pressed for time and can't drop everything for an emergency trip to the store. If this has ever happened to you, you probably eyeballed your pantry in search of any easy substitution. If you're out of powdered sugar but you've got regular sugar on hand, you may be wondering if the two are interchangeable. To find out if you can substitute powdered sugar and regular sugar, we consulted with Felicia Howard of Felicia's Cake Factory in Macon, Georgia, and Will Drake of Hero Doughnuts and Buns with locations in Birmingham, Atlanta, and Charleston.
What is the Difference Between Regular Sugar and Powdered Sugar?
According to Howard, powdered sugar (sometimes referred to as confectioners' sugar) is a form of sugar that has been crushed very finely. The result, as the name implies, is a fluffy substance much more powdery than gritty regular or granulated sugar. The texture of powdered sugar is perfect for frosting or dusting the top of pastries.
Can You Substitute Regular Sugar for Powdered Sugar?
Drake says substituting regular sugar for powdered sugar isn't ideal. "Regular sugar has a larger crystal size than powdered sugar," he explains. "This means, cup for cup, there would be more sugar in a cup of powdered sugar than in a cup of regular sugar." In addition to inconsistent measurements, regular sugar won't dissolve and mix as well into recipes like frosting and icing. You'll end up with a grainy, unappealing texture. Lastly, store-bought powdered sugar generally includes corn starch, which prevents it from caking together. This can lead to unpredictable outcomes when you interchange the two.
Can You Make Powdered Sugar From Regular Sugar?
If you find yourself in a pinch and in need of powdered sugar, it's easy to convert regular sugar into powdered sugar. According to Drake, simply take regular sugar and run it through a blender or food processor until it's fluffy and fine. When you're through, take a small amount and rub it between your fingers to make sure the grit is gone and you've achieved the right consistency. "You can sub this out for any recipe calling for powdered sugar if you need to" he says. "I've done this before and it really works."
What is the Best Substitute for Regular Sugar?
If you've run out of regular sugar, the best substitute is brown sugar. Brown sugar can be substituted for regular sugar on a one-to-one basis, so no fancy math or guesswork is necessary. Be aware, however, that brown sugar has a rich, molasses flavor. It lends itself beautifully to chocolate chip cookies or even banana bread, but may not work as well for lighter, delicate recipes like tea cakes or lemon bars.