Out of Powdered Sugar? These Substitutes Are Total Lifesavers

Powdered sugar, or confectioners’ sugar, is a pantry staple that adds sweetness and a smooth texture to baked goods. What if you run out or need a lower-calorie option? Several powdered sugar substitutes may already be in your pantry.

Some powdered sugar replacements are natural sweeteners, while others add sweetness without the calories. Other substitutes impact the texture or the browning of your baked goods, so it’s important to know how to use them. No matter what your purpose is, this article will help you find the right substitute.

Why You Need Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar gives certain qualities to desserts and other baked goods. Here are some reasons why you need it:

• It adds a sweet flavor to frostings, cookies, and cakes.
• Powdered sugar helps tenderize baked goods like muffins and cakes by interfering with gluten formation, which results in a softer, more tender cake.
• It adds structure to whipped cream and meringues.
• Powdered sugar helps thicken frostings and icings.

Common Powdered Sugar Substitutes

Powdered sugar substitutes can change the recipe’s texture, flavor, or consistency. Having the exact ingredient a recipe calls for is ideal, but it is not always possible due to dietary restrictions, health concerns, allergies, or simply not having it on hand. In these cases, these options are great choices.

Granulated Sugar and Cornstarch

Granulated sugar and cornstarch are the basis for homemade powdered sugar. To make your own, you will need 2 cups of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. After using a blender to grind it into a fine powder, this will make about 3 ¾ cups of powdered sugar. It works well in quick breads and muffins.

Granulated Sugar and Tapioca Starch

If you want a corn-free alternative or happen to have tapioca starch instead, blend 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch in a high-speed blender for 30 to 50 seconds. For every 1 cup of sugar, you will get 1 ¾ cups to 2 cups of powdered sugar substitute. This option works well for icings and creamy glazes. Because it absorbs liquids quickly, it doesn’t work well when sprinkled over wet toppings.

Granulated Sugar and Potato Starch

Another corn-free alternative is granulated sugar and potato starch. Blend 1 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of potato starch in a high-speed blender for about a minute. For every cup of sugar, you will get 1 ¾ cups to 2 cups of powdered sugar replacement. This option works well for buttercream, frosting, and dusting the top of cakes and other baked goods.

Coconut Sugar and Cornstarch

For a healthier option, try coconut sugar and cornstarch. According to Medical News Today, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and is less sweet than table sugar, but it has the same amount of calories and carbohydrates. It has a darker color and a slight caramel taste, but the flavor is comparable to regular sugar. 

You can make your powdered sugar substitute by blending 1 cup of coconut sugar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a high-speed blender. This mixture can be used as a replacement for 1 ¾ cup to 2 cups of powdered sugar. Powdered coconut sugar can be used in any recipe that calls for powdered sugar, such as cookies or frosting.

Powdered Stevia

Based on a Healthline article, stevia is a low-calorie sweetener that has antidiabetic properties, so it works well for diabetics or others who are watching their sugar intake or trying to lose weight. To use it as a substitute for powdered sugar, combine 1 cup of powdered stevia with 1 tablespoon of your preferred starch. Powdered stevia works well in any recipe where you would use powdered sugar, like buttercream or cakes.

Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener

A 2023 Healthline report states that powdered monk fruit sweetener tastes like regular powdered sugar, has zero calories, and is rich in antioxidants called mogrosides. It can be used as a 1-for-1 replacement for powdered sugar. It works in any recipe that uses powdered sugar, such as cookies or icing. 

Splenda and Cornstarch

A 2024 Very Well Health study considers Splenda a zero-calorie sweetener, as the majority of it leaves your body after digestion, so it is a great choice for diabetics and others who are watching their sugar intake or calories. Blend three-quarters cup of Splenda with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Use half a cup of Splenda powdered sugar for every cup of regular powdered sugar your recipe calls for. It works best for dusting cakes or rolling cookies. 

Powdered Allulose

According to WebMD, allulose has 90% fewer calories than sugar, making it a game-changing option for those watching their calories. It browns quicker than regular sugar, so you should watch your baked goods closely, but it does not crystallize when it cools like some sugar substitutes. Allulose works best when combined with another sweetener, such as monkfruit. For the best results, blend half a cup of allulose with half a cup of monkfruit sweetener and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into a fine powder. Use as a 1-for-1 replacement for powdered sugar.

Powdered Milk

A Good Housekeeping article states that powdered milk has a consistency similar to powdered sugar without the added sugar. You will need to add cornstarch for consistency and stevia or granulated sugar for sweetness. To make this powdered sugar substitute, blend 1 cup of dry milk powder, 1 cup of cornstarch, and half a cup of sweetener. It works as a 1-for-1 substitute for powdered sugar. 

Hot Cocoa Mix

Hot cocoa mix is the chocolate version of powdered milk. Before using, place the hot cocoa mix in the blender to grind it down to a finer powder. Hot cocoa mix can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute for powdered sugar. It can’t be used for every recipe, but it works great in ones that contain chocolate, like chocolate cake, brownies, or chocolate frosting. 

Xylitol

Healthline also states that xylitol is a sugar-free substitute that looks and tastes like sugar but has fewer calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. When blended, it can be used in place of powdered sugar as a 1-for-1 replacement. Powdered xylitol works in frostings, cakes, cookies, and other recipes that require powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

Swapping powdered sugar for a substitute can be a great choice for health or preference. However, these replacements may affect the final product’s texture and flavor. To achieve the best results, follow the recipe carefully and remember that the final product may not turn out exactly like the original.

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This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article, made available via Food Drink Life, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The Content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary changes. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.