Grocery · 32 oz
Confectioners' Sugar for Baking
What it is
This is a finely ground sugar, also known as icing sugar. It is made by milling granulated sugar with a small amount of cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to prevent clumping and keeps the sugar free-flowing. Its incredibly smooth texture makes it ideal for creating delicate baked goods and smooth frostings. It dissolves easily, contributing to a silky finish in recipes.
How people cook with it
Powdered sugar is a staple in many kitchens, essential for sweetening and finishing a wide range of desserts.
- Making smooth frostings
- Dusting pastries
- Creating glazes
- Sweetening meringues
This fine sugar is perfect for creating smooth, lump-free icings and frostings for cakes, cookies, and pastries. It can be sifted over baked goods like donuts, muffins, and pies for a delicate sweet finish. It also dissolves readily into liquids, making it suitable for light glazes and for sweetening delicate desserts where a grainy texture would be undesirable. It's often used in recipes that require a very smooth consistency, such as certain types of cookies and candies.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar is much finer and contains cornstarch. This fineness allows it to dissolve more readily and create a smooth texture, whereas granulated sugar can remain slightly gritty in some applications. Its powdered form also makes it ideal for dusting and creating smooth icings.
Who it is for
Home bakers and pastry chefs use this sugar to achieve smooth textures and delicate finishes in their creations.
How to keep the rest
To keep this sugar fresh and free of lumps, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly after each use to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause it to harden.