Mei Lin Zhang
Sugar exists in different forms. These forms inform its difference hence its various names. The names are; granulated sugar, powdered sugar, icing sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Meanwhile, sugar is categorized into two main groups. That is the granulated sugar ad powdered sugar. So, what is the difference? And how can you substitute one for the other? Find out below:
Difference between granulated sugar and powdered sugar
Essentially, powdered sugar is the ground version of granulated sugar. While powdered sugar has fine particles that are smoothly blended, granulated sugar has large particles. Two spoonfuls of granulated sugar can equal four spoonfuls of powdered sugar.
Confectioners’ sugar
You may have heard plenty at times of products marketing their brands for having used confectioners’ sugar; as much as this is true, it is just that you may not have known that confectioners’ sugar simply goes by other names such as icing sugar. Confectioners’ sugar is powdered sugar from grinding granulated sugar into small particles.
Can you use powdered sugar in place of granulated sugar? The answer is yes. You can substitute one for the other. Also, the different types of sugar mentioned earlier are differentiated by how many times they were further ground from being granulated to powder.
Making powdered sugar
The DIY project requires you to make powdered sugar from granulated sugar. The processed powdered sugar is prepared by mixing ground sugar with corn starch. The mixture is meant to prevent the caking of sugar when exposed to air. However, if you are in the middle of your cooking or baking and you need the sugar in urgently, then you would not need to store it for future consumption. This is the process; simply add granulated sugar into your blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a fine powder.
However, you should note that the amount you use for granulated sugar should be less than what you need in the recipe. As earlier indicated, one cup of powdered sugar can be produced from half a cup of granulated sugar. This is important so you don’t produce too much-powdered sugar, which you may fail to store well. Contrarily, you can store it in an airtight container, but it is not guaranteed that it will not be cake b the time you need to bake it again.
Granulated sugar is used mostly with beverages, and in this case, coffees and teas are the most considered ones. So, when substituting this purpose of granulated sugar at home, try not to make them sweeter than they should. Start with small amounts as you add gradually to achieve the desired taste.
Another point to note about powdered sugar is that they are not the best to be used in products that require aeration, such as butter-based dishes.
FAQs
What happens if I use powdered sugar instead of regular sugar?
Using powdered sugar instead of regular granulated sugar can change the texture and sweetness of your recipe. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch, which can affect the structure of baked goods. It also has a finer texture, which might impact the overall result.
Can you make a substitute for powdered sugar?
Yes, you can make a substitute for powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with a small amount of cornstarch until it reaches a fine texture. Alternatively, a coffee grinder or food processor can pulverize granulated sugar into a powdered consistency.
What is a substitute for granulated sugar in a recipe?
Substitute granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or other liquid sweeteners. Remember that the liquid content might affect the overall moisture of your recipe.
Does powdered sugar measure the same as granulated?
Powdered sugar is denser than granulated sugar due to the addition of cornstarch. When measuring powdered sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar, you’ll generally use a slightly larger amount by volume to achieve the same level of sweetness.
The bottom line
Granulated sugar and powdered sugar – whichever the degree of grinding can be used interchangeably. You only need to find when to use it and on what food.
