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Sweeteners & chocolate · Sugars

Icing sugar

White sugar ground to a fine powder, usually with a little starch; for icings, frostings and dusting.

Also called: powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar, pudra şekeri

A kind of sugar

48 recipes with it

What it is

Icing (powdered, confectioners') sugar is granulated sugar milled to a fine powder, with a little cornstarch or other anti-caking agent in most brands. It dissolves instantly and gives a smooth, non-gritty finish, so it is used where texture matters. It is not interchangeable with granulated sugar in creamed cakes, which need the crystals to trap air.

How it’s used

  • Glacé icing and buttercream
  • Dusting cakes, crêpes and pastries
  • Royal icing
  • Sweetening whipped cream
  • Shortbread and melt-in-the-mouth cookies

Characteristics

Texture
Very fine, soft powder.
When cooked
Sift before using; clumps when exposed to moisture.
Sold as
powder
Cooking uses
Suitable for baking, Used as a garnish

Storage

Pantry-stable. Airtight and dry.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
389 kcal
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrate
99.77 g
Fat
0 g
Fibre
0 g
Sugars
97.81 g

USDA FoodData Central: Sugars, powdered.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Sugar — Blend granulated sugar with a little cornstarch in a dry, high-speed blender until powdery.

Related ingredients

Recipes with icing sugar

See all 48

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