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process of homemade powdered sugar featuring a food processor showing the process and the result

Have you ever been mid-recipe only to realize you’re out of powdered sugar? Before you go to the store, did you know you can make powdered sugar, also known as confectioners sugar, at home with only 2 ingredients that you most probably have!

So, if you’re making frosting, glazes, or just need a little dusting on your desserts, let me show you how to make powdered sugar at home, easily, and in just a few minutes.

What You Need:

Granulated sugar (white sugar)
Cornstarch (Corn flour)
Blender or food processor

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make powdered sugar without a blender? You can use a spice grinder, a food processor, a mortar and pestle (but this one will be labor-intensive).
Is homemade powdered sugar different from store-bought? Homemade powdered sugar is very similar to store-bought, though it might have a slightly different texture depending on how finely it’s blended.
Can powdered sugar made at home be used immediately after making it? Yes, once you've blended your sugar to the right consistency and sifted it, the powdered sugar is ready to use in any recipe.
How can I make confectioners' sugar if I don't have cornstarch? You can make it just with granulated sugar; however, cornstarch helps to mimic the texture and prevent caking commonly found in store-bought varieties.
How long can I store homemade powdered sugar? Homemade powdered sugar can last a really long time if you store it the right way. Keep it in an airtight container and put it somewhere cool and dry, away from heat and any strong smells. While powdered sugar doesn't really go bad, it can get clumpy if it picks up moisture or it might get bugs if not stored properly. If you see clumps, bugs, or anything unusual, throw it out and make a fresh batch.

Here are the steps to make powdered sugar at home

Add granulated sugar to your blender or food processor, followed by the cornstarch or corn flour. Use 1 Tbsp of corn starch for every cup of granulated sugar.

Granulated sugar and a tablespoon of cornstarch being added to a food processor to show how to make powdered sugar

Blend on high for about 30 seconds to a minute. Stop and check if the sugar looks like a fine powder. If you still see sugar crystals, keep blending until it’s very fine. This really depends on your blender, the more powerful the blender, the less time it will take. If you have a small blender like the one I am using, be patient!
Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the sugar. This gets rid of any big pieces and makes sure your powdered sugar is super fine, just like the kind you buy.

Blending sugar and cornstarch together and then sifting it through a sieve to make homemade powdered sugar

Sift at least twice for best results.
Put your powdered sugar in a container that seals tight. Store it in a place that’s cool and dry so it stays good for a long time.

Sifting powdered sugar a second time to make sure it's really fine and smooth, an important step in making confectioner sugar at home

How to Make Powdered Sugar

Homemade Powdered Sugar Recipe

PREP TIME: 5 minutes | TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Tbsp Corn Starch

Instructions

Combine granulated sugar and corn starch in a blender or food processor.
Blend or process on high until the mixture is fine and powdery.
Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Store the powdered sugar in an airtight container until needed.

Quick Tips:

A strong blender or food processor does the best job at making the sugar really fine.
If you skip the cornstarch, that’s okay! Your powdered sugar will still work, especially if you use it right away.
Sifting the sugar is important—it makes sure your sugar is ready for baking and won’t have any lumps.