Powdered sugar is a common ingredient in baking and cooking. Most recipes mention its amount in cups. When baking, it’s important to use all ingredients in the right quantity, including powdered sugar.
One pound of powdered sugar is equal to 4 cups. This sugar variant has a different texture than other types. Powdered sugar itself can be categorized into sifted and regular. It’s important to follow the recommendation in the recipe for the type of powder needed for the best results.
Keep reading to learn more about the measurement of powdered sugar in cups.
How Many Cups in a Pound of Powdered Sugar?
One pound of powdered sugar consists of four cups. This is how much a standard box of a pound of powdered sugar contains. Powdered sugar is lighter and fluffier than other types of sugar. Thus, a pound of it contains more number of cups.
It’s important to remember that this measurement is the most accurate for powdered sugar when it is gently poured into the cups without crushing it. After measuring this ingredient, you must whisk it. This will break any clumps in the sugar.
How Many Cups Are in a Pound of Sifted and Unsifted Powdered Sugar?
As mentioned above, powdered sugar can be sifted regularly or unsifted. Sifted powdered sugar is lighter and fluffier than unsifted one. It is suitable for baked goods and light and airy batters. Unsifted powdered sugar usually contains lumps. It’s not as light as its sifted counterpart.
A pound of unsifted and sifted powdered sugar does not equal the same number of cups. The exact measurement is given below.
- One pound of unsifted (regular) powdered sugar is equal to 31/2 or 4 cups.
- One pound of sifted powdered sugar is equal to 41/2 cups.
How to Measure Powdered Sugar?
To measure powdered sugar accurately, you must first ensure that you have the right tools. By that, we mean the necessary measuring spoons and cups. Don’t try to make do with other utensils. You won’t get the right amount, and it will negatively impact your baking outcome.
Take out your dry measuring cups and spoons. Use the spoon and level method of measuring. Do not scoop the sugar out of the box with your measuring cup. You will end up with almost 50% more than the required amount. Instead, spoon out the sugar from the container and fill the cup with it. Then, use the back of a knife to level off the top of the cup.
If the recipe calls for it, you might need to sift your powdered sugar. If the sugar is extra lumpy, sifting it is necessary to avoid pockets of powdered sugar in whipped cream.
Note that if your recipe calls for 1 cup powdered (or confectioners’) sugar, sifted, it means that you need to sift the sugar after measuring. On the other hand, if it calls for 1 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar, it means that the sugar is sifted before you measure it.
How to Make Powdered Sugar?
Powdered sugar is used for many different things in baking. Some of the most common uses of this type of sugar are to make royal icing and decorate cakes and cookies. You don’t always have to rely on store-bought powdered sugar. It’s possible to make it at home with just two ingredients. Here’s what you need.
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Blender
Once you have all the things above, follow this process.
- Transfer a cup of granulated sugar to a high-speed blender. A blender blends granulated sugar faster and more effectively because the sugar remains in contact with the blades.
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch. It will keep the sugar from clumping.
- Put a lid on the blender. Then, blend the mixture for about 45 seconds.
5 Most Common Uses of Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is commonly used for the following applications:
- Frosting and icing: Things like whipped cream, icing, fondant, and buttercream frosting have powdered sugar as one of their main ingredients. This is because this type of sugar dissolves quickly. It also produces smooth consistency, which is very important for these things.
- Baked treats: Powdered sugar is also used to make baked goods like meringues, cookies, fudge, and candy. All of these things require superfine sugar, which is what powdered sugar is.
- Decoration: Another common use of powdered sugar is as a dusting on top of cookies, waffles, cakes, cupcakes, etc.
- Sweetener: Powdered sugar is also made with arrowroot powder. It’s used as a sweetener for beverages like coffee and tea.
- Substitute for granulated sugar: Finally, powdered sugar is used as a replacement for granulated sugar while baking. The typical measurement uses one and three-quarters of a cup of powdered sugar for a cup of sugar.
How to Know Whether You Need Powdered Sugar or Granulated Sugar?
If you are confused about whether to use powdered or granulated sugar while baking, make two different cookie doughs, one made of granulated sugar and the other from powdered sugar. The final bake made using granulated sugar cookie dough will be crisp with a defined structure.
On the other hand, the product made using powdered sugar dough will have a tender texture. That’s why this sugar is commonly used for frostings and icings.
Powdered Sugar Substitutes
Several options can serve as a replacement for powdered sugar. These include the following:
- Coconut sugar: Combine a cup of coconut sugar with a tablespoon of arrowroot or cornstarch powdered to make a powdered sugar substitute.
- Dry milk powder: Dry milk powder has a texture similar to powdered sugar. You also have the option to add a sweetener to the powder if needed.
- Hot cocoa mix: Hot cocoa mix, when ground, becomes very fine. They can be substituted for powdered sugar in recipes.
Final Words
That’s pretty much all that you need to know about powdered sugar. Use the measurements above to take the right portion of this ingredient for your recipes. Experiment with powdered sugar to make different baked goods and relish the taste of the final products!
