Substitute for Powdered sugar
Out of powdered sugar mid-recipe? Here is the exact swap, measured — not "about a cup of something similar" — plus every alternative that genuinely works.
For 1 cup of powdered sugar
½ cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp cornstarch
Blend to a fine powder — the volume roughly doubles as it aerates, so this yields about what you asked for.
Data & method: Ratios follow standard US test-kitchen practice (King Arthur Baking's ingredient guides are the primary cross-check). Every number is checked by an automated test against its source. How we calculate →
Scaled to what your recipe calls for
Blended granulated sugar + cornstarch, computed for the amounts recipes actually use:
| Recipe needs | Use instead |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup of powdered sugar | ⅛ cup granulated sugar + ½ tsp cornstarch |
| ½ cup of powdered sugar | ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch |
| ¾ cup of powdered sugar | ⅜ cup granulated sugar + 1½ tsp cornstarch |
| 1 cup of powdered sugar | ½ cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp cornstarch |
| 1½ cup of powdered sugar | ¾ cup granulated sugar + 3 tsp cornstarch |
| 2 cup of powdered sugar | 1 cup granulated sugar + 4 tsp cornstarch |
Need a different amount — or a different ingredient?
The calculator scales every option to your exact amount, for all 17 staples we cover.
Best swap Blended granulated sugar + cornstarch
½ cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp cornstarch
Blend to a fine powder — the volume roughly doubles as it aerates, so this yields about what you asked for.
Other swaps bakers look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of powdered sugar?
The best swap for 1 cup of powdered sugar is ½ cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp cornstarch — blend to a fine powder — the volume roughly doubles as it aerates, so this yields about what you asked for.
How much substitute do I use for a different amount of powdered sugar?
Scale the parts linearly. The table on this page covers the common amounts, and the calculator scales every option to exactly what your recipe calls for — never a vague "adjust to taste".