Homemade powdered sugar

Name: Homemade powdered sugar
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 0
Ingredients: Sugar 1 ¾ cup; Cornstarch 2 ½ tsp

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Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Vegetarian
Vegan

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 5 min
Makes: pieces
Cost: Very low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Rossella Cosentino

Homemade powdered sugar is kinda like magic—especially in Italian kitchens. Known as zucchero a velo, it’s in so many desserts, from tender canestrelli cookies to sweet whipped cream on fresh fruit. Really, you just need granulated sugar and a bit of cornstarch, so no need to run to the store. And look, with a good mixer, regular sugar turns into a soft, powdery cloud. Perfect for finishing desserts.

People across different regions might add their own twist, but the basics? They stay the same. Giving you a DIY powdered sugar that’s just like the store-bought kind. Some bakers say making it at home gives a fresher taste, plus, you get the bragging rights of having your own homemade icing sugar.

All over Italy, this trick pops up everywhere—glazing a cake, dusting crispy cookies, or whipping up chantilly cream. And the sauce? It’s all about versatility. Essential for those classic desserts that never go out of style. Ever heard someone say, “A little bit of powdered sugar and everything looks prettier”? For real, they’re talking about this magic touch.

Thing is, it’s a handy substitute for confectioners sugar when you’re out, and it’s fun watching sugar turn light and fluffy. Even if you’re just starting in baking, knowing how to make powdered sugar at home boosts your confidence. Plus, you control what goes in. Which is great, right? Next time you’re on a dessert mission or need a dusting for a favorite treat, whip up a quick batch of homemade 10X sugar—super super easy—and it makes those moist cakes and Italian pastries look and taste way way better.

So, whether you’re an experienced baker or just diving into sweets, this little trick is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Pretty much. Seriously good.

How to prepare Homemade powdered sugar

To prepare homemade powdered sugar, you will need a powerful blender with blades. Pour in the sugar 1 and the cornstarch 2. Blend everything for about 2 minutes 3. Then stop, to let the blades cool down, and blend again for a couple more minutes.

At this point, you will have obtained a fine, airy, and palpable powder 4. Transfer it to a bowl 5 and the powdered sugar is ready 6.

To obtain moisture-resistant powdered sugar

Chop 20 g (0.7 oz) of white chocolate, after grinding the sugar with the starch, add it to the mixture and continue to blend for a couple of minutes in several steps.

The combination of starch and white chocolate will allow the powdered sugar to resist moisture better, and it will last longer on desserts.

Storage

Homemade powdered sugar should be stored in an airtight jar, in a cool, dry place. It keeps well for a long time, even several months.

Advice

If after a few days the powdered sugar becomes compact, blend it again for a couple of minutes before using it!

You can use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar, but the final texture will be less palpable.

By adding the seeds of a vanilla pod to the mixture, you will get vanilla-flavored powdered sugar.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.