When it comes to these two types of sugar, the biggest difference is in their texture. Powdered sugar is finer and will dissolve more easily, while confectioners sugar has a bit more of a grainy texture. Ultimately, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes, so use whichever you have on hand. Have you ever used powdered or confectioners sugar in your baking?
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Powdered Sugar?
- 2 What Is Confectioner’s Sugar?
- 3 Main Differences Between Powdered Sugar And Confectioners Sugar
- 4 Can I Substitute Powdered Sugar For Confectioners’ Sugar?
- 5 Benefits Of Powdered Sugar
- 6 What Foods Can Powdered Sugar Make?
- 7 Which sugar is best for cakes?
- 8 What Foods Can Confectioner’s Sugar Make?
- 9 FAQ: Powdered Sugar Vs Confectioners Sugar
- 9.1 What happens if you use larger granules of powdered sugar?
- 9.2 What is the difference between caster sugar and powdered sugar?
- 9.3 Is powdered sugar the same as confectioners sugar?
- 9.4 Can I use powdered sugar instead of confectioners?
- 9.5 Why does confectioners sugar taste different?
- 9.6 Can powdered sugar go bad?
- 9.7 Why does my powdered sugar taste weird?
- 9.8 Do you sift powdered sugar before measuring?
- 9.9 Which sugar is best for cookies?
- 9.10 Why are grocery store sugar cookies so good?
- 10 Conclusion: Powdered Sugar Vs Confectioners Sugar
What Is Powdered Sugar?
Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar, is a type of sugar that has been ground into a fine powder. It is used in a variety of desserts and confections, as well as in some savory dishes.
The main difference between powdered sugar and regular granulated sugar is the size of the sugar crystals. Powdered sugar has much smaller crystals, which makes it easier to dissolve in liquids. It also gives desserts and confections a smoother texture.
Powdered sugar is typically made from granulated sugar that has been ground into a fine powder. However, some brands may use beet sugar or cane sugar instead.

What Is Confectioner’s Sugar?
Confectioner’s sugar is a type of powdered sugar that has been blended with cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to prevent clumping and keeps the sugar from absorbent.
Confectioner’s sugar is also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar. It is a type of finely ground sugar that is used to make desserts and confections. The sugar is made by grinding granulated sugar into a fine powder and then adding cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Confectioner’s sugar is typically used in frostings, Icings, and glazes. It can also be used to dust baked goods or to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
The main difference between confectioner’s sugar and powdered sugar is the addition of cornstarch. Confectioner’s sugar is ideal for frostings and icings because it will not clump when mixed with liquids. Powdered sugar can be used in place of confectioner’s sugar, but it may produce a slightly grainy texture.
Powdered sugar vs confectioners sugar are two types of sugar that are often used interchangeably in baking recipes. The main difference between the two sugars is the texture – powdered sugar is finer and will dissolve more easily, while confectioners sugar has a bit more of a grainy texture. Ultimately, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes, so use whichever you have on hand. Have you ever used powdered or confectioners sugar in your baking? Let us know in the comments below!
Main Differences Between Powdered Sugar And Confectioners Sugar
Define
Powdered sugar – A type of sugar that has been ground into a fine powder.
Confectioners sugar – A type of powdered sugar that has been blended with cornstarch.
The main difference between these two types of sugar is in their texture. Powdered sugar is finer and will dissolve more easily, while confectioners sugar has a bit more of a grainy texture. Ultimately, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes, so use whichever you have on hand.
Components
Powdered sugar is typically made from granulated sugar that has been ground into a fine powder. However, some brands may use beet sugar or cane sugar instead. Confectioner’s sugar is a type of powdered sugar that has been blended with cornstarch.
Powdered sugar is used in a variety of desserts and confections, as well as in some savory dishes. Confectioner’s sugar is typically used in frostings, Icings, and glazes. It can also be used to dust baked goods or to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
Powdered sugar has much smaller crystals, which makes it easier to dissolve in liquids. It also gives desserts and confections a smoother texture. Confectioner’s sugar is also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar. It is a type of finely ground sugar that is used to make desserts and confections. The sugar is made by grinding granulated sugar into a fine powder and then adding cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Confectioner’s sugar is ideal for frostings and icings because it will not clump when mixed with liquids. Powdered sugar can be used in place of confectioner’s sugar, but it may produce a slightly grainy texture.
White Sugar
Powdered sugar is typically made from granulated white sugar. Granulated white sugar is the most common type of sugar and is produced by crushing sugar cane or sugar beets to extract the sweet juices, which are then filtered and crystallized.
Cane sugar and beet sugar are the two main types of white sugar. Cane sugar is made from sugar cane, while beet sugar is made from sugar beets. Both types of sugar are refined to remove any impurities and then granulated to create the crystals that we see in sugar.
The main difference between cane sugar and beet sugar is in their taste. Cane sugar has a sweeter taste, while beet sugar has
Temperature
Powdered sugar will melt at a higher temperature than granulated sugar. This is because the smaller particles of powder have a larger surface area, which makes them more likely to come into contact with water molecules.
When heated, the water molecules will break down the sugar crystals and turn them into a liquid. The melting point of sugar is dependent on the type of sugar that is used. For example, granulated sugar has a melting point of around 185°F, while powdered sugar has a melting point of around 200°F.
Flavor
Powdered sugar has a milder flavor than granulated sugar. This is because the smaller particles of powder have a larger surface area, which makes them more likely to come into contact with the tongue.
The tongue is covered in taste buds, which are responsible for detecting sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. When the sugar particles come into contact with the tongue, they stimulate the taste buds and send signals to the brain.
The brain then interprets these signals as a sweet flavor. The more sugar particles that come into contact with the tongue, the sweeter the flavor will be.
Powdered sugar is often used in recipes that call for a light, sweet flavor, such as cookies, cakes, and frostings. Granulated sugar is often used in recipes that call for a more intense sweet flavor, such as candy and some baked goods. The above article has shared with you the key differences between powdered sugar and confectioners sugar.
Can I Substitute Powdered Sugar For Confectioners’ Sugar?
Powdered sugar and confectioners’ sugar can be used interchangeably in most recipes. However, there are some subtle differences between the two that you should be aware of.
Powdered sugar is made from granulated sugar that has been ground into a fine powder. Confectioners’ sugar is also made from granulated sugar, but it also has cornstarch added to it. This cornstarch helps to prevent the sugar from clumping.
The main difference between powdered sugar and confectioners’ sugar is the texture. Powdered sugar has a finer, smoother texture than confectioners’ sugar. This is because the particles of sugar are smaller and the cornstarch has been removed.
Powdered sugar will also melt at a higher temperature than confectioners’ sugar. This is because the smaller particles of powder have a larger surface area, which makes them more likely to come into contact with water molecules.
When heated, the water molecules will break down the sugar crystals and turn them into a liquid. The melting point of sugar is dependent on the type of sugar that is used. For example, granulated sugar has a melting point of around 185°F, while powdered sugar has a melting point of around 200°F.
Benefits Of Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar has a number of benefits that make it a great choice for baking, cooking, and decorating.
- It dissolves easily in liquids, making it perfect for frostings, glazes, and other recipes that require a smooth consistency.
- It melts at a higher temperature than granulated sugar, so it can be used in recipes that require the sugar to be melted (such as candy).
- It has a milder flavor than granulated sugar, so it can be used in recipes that call for a light, sweet flavor.
- It is less likely to clump than confectioners’ sugar, so it can be stored for longer periods of time.
Powdered sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. If you’re looking for a sugar that will dissolve easily, melt at a high temperature, and have a mild flavor, then powdered sugar is the perfect choice for you.

What Foods Can Powdered Sugar Make?
Powdered sugar can be used to make a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including:
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Frostings
- Glazes
- Candies
Powdered sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. If you’re looking for a sugar that will dissolve easily, melt at a high temperature, and have a mild flavor, then powdered sugar is the perfect choice for you.
Which sugar is best for cakes?
Powdered sugar or confectioners sugar will work well for cakes. However, if you want a finer, smoother texture, then confectioners sugar is the better choice. If you want a more intense sweet flavor, then granulated sugar is the better choice.
How do you make powdered sugar at home?
To make your own powdered sugar, simply place granulated sugar in a blender or food processor and pulse until it forms a fine powder. You can also place the sugar in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush it into a powder.
If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can make powdered sugar by grinding the granulated sugar in a coffee grinder. Simply place the sugar in the grinder and pulse until it forms a fine powder.
You can also use a mortar and pestle to grind the sugar into a powder. Simply place the sugar in the mortar and use the pestle to grind it into a fine powder.

What Foods Can Confectioner’s Sugar Make?
Confectioner’s sugar can be used to make a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including:
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Frostings
- Glazes
- Candies
Confectioner’s sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. If you’re looking for a sugar that will dissolve easily, melt at a high temperature, and have a mild flavor, then confectioner’s sugar is the perfect choice for you.
FAQ: Powdered Sugar Vs Confectioners Sugar
What happens if you use larger granules of powdered sugar?
If you use larger granules of powdered sugar, the texture will be coarser and the sugar will melt at a lower temperature.
What is the difference between caster sugar and powdered sugar?
Caster sugar is a type of granulated sugar that has been ground to a fine powder. Powdered sugar is also a type of granulated sugar that has been ground to a fine powder, but it also contains cornstarch.
Is powdered sugar the same as confectioners sugar?
No, they are not the same. Confectioners sugar contains cornstarch, which gives it a finer, smoother texture.
Can I use powdered sugar instead of confectioners?
Yes, you can use powdered sugar instead of confectioners. However, the texture will be coarser and the sugar will melt at a lower temperature.
Why does confectioners sugar taste different?
Confectioners sugar contains cornstarch, which gives it a finer, smoother texture. This also results in a milder flavor.
Can powdered sugar go bad?
Powdered sugar can go bad if it is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. However, it will last for months if stored properly.
Why does my powdered sugar taste weird?
If your powdered sugar tastes weird, it may be because it has absorbed moisture from the air. To avoid this, store your sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Do you sift powdered sugar before measuring?
No, you do not need to sift powdered sugar before measuring. However, if your sugar is clumpy, you may want to give it a quick pulse in the food processor to break up the clumps.
Powdered sugar or confectioners sugar will work well for cookies. However, if you want a finer, smoother texture, then confectioners sugar is the better choice.
Grocery store sugar cookies are typically made with confectioners sugar, which gives them a finer, smoother texture.
Conclusion: Powdered Sugar Vs Confectioners Sugar
Powdered sugar and confectioners’ sugar are both versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes. However, there are some subtle differences between the two that you should be aware of. Powdered sugar has a finer, smoother texture than confectioners’ sugar, and it will also melt at a higher temperature. If you’re looking for a sugar that will dissolve easily, melt at a high temperature, and have a mild flavor, then either type of sugar is a great choice.
Echo Reed is the owner and head chef of darkhorse restaurant. She has been working in the culinary world for over a decade, and opened her own establishment in 2018. Echo is known for her unique style and approach to cooking, which has won her critical acclaim from food critics and diners alike.