Grocery
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 into a powder. A small amount of cornstarch is often added to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture. Its delicate consistency makes it ideal for creating smooth frostings and glazes.
How people cook with it
Powdered sugar is a staple in many baking applications. It dissolves easily, making it perfect for delicate confections.
- Sweetening frostings
- Dusting baked goods
- Making glazes
- Thickening sauces
When baking, powdered sugar is often sifted to remove any lumps before being incorporated into recipes. It's commonly used to create smooth, creamy frostings for cakes and cupcakes. It can also be mixed with a liquid to form a simple glaze for pastries or cookies. For a decorative finish, it can be lightly dusted over pies, tarts, or muffins using a fine-mesh sieve. Its fine texture allows it to blend seamlessly into batters and doughs where a smooth sweetness is desired.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar has a much finer texture due to its milling process. This difference in particle size means it dissolves more readily and creates a smoother finish in frostings and glazes. Granulated sugar, with its larger crystals, can sometimes leave a slightly gritty texture in uncooked applications.
Who it is for
Bakers and home cooks often reach for powdered sugar when they need a smooth, sweet finish for their desserts.
How to keep the rest
To keep powdered sugar fresh and free-flowing, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will prevent it from absorbing moisture and forming hard clumps. If clumping does occur, sifting it can often restore its smooth texture.