What Can I Bake With Powdered Sugar?

Powdered sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods, from cakes and cookies to bread and pastries.

If you have a box of powdered sugar in your pantry and you’re wondering what to do with it, this article is for you.

1.What is Powdered Sugar?

Powdered sugar is a type of sugar that is finely ground into a powder. It is made by grinding granulated sugar into a fine powder and then mixing it with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent caking.

Powdered sugar is commonly used in baking to sweeten frostings, glazes, and fillings, and it can also be used as a decorative topping for baked goods.

2. How to Store Powdered Sugar?

Powdered sugar should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Exposure to moisture can cause the sugar to clump or harden, so it’s important to keep it dry.

If your powdered sugar has become clumpy or hard, you can sift it through a fine-mesh strainer to break up any lumps.

3. Powdered Sugar Substitutes

If you don’t have powdered sugar on hand, there are a few substitutes that you can use. One option is to make your own powdered sugar by grinding granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it becomes a fine powder.

Another option is to use a combination of granulated sugar and cornstarch to mimic the texture of powdered sugar.

4. Baked Goods That Use Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar can be used in a variety of baked goods, from cakes and cookies to bread and pastries. Here are a few recipes that use powdered sugar:

5.1 Cakes

Powdered sugar is commonly used to sweeten frosting for cakes, but it can also be used as an ingredient in cake batter. Here’s a recipe for a powdered sugar pound cake:

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.

5. Baked Goods That Use Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar can be used in a variety of baked goods, from cakes and cookies to bread and pastries. Here are a few recipes that use powdered sugar:

5.1 Cakes

Powdered sugar is commonly used to sweeten frosting for cakes, but it can also be used as an ingredient in cake batter. Here’s a recipe for a powdered sugar pound cake:

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract.
6. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.

5.2 Cookies

Powdered sugar can also be used in cookie dough to create a delicate, crumbly texture. Here’s a recipe for powdered sugar cookies:

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5.3 Bread

Powdered sugar can also be used in bread dough to create a slightly sweet flavor and tender texture. Here’s a recipe for powdered sugar bread:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the warm water, melted butter, and eggs to the bowl.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a loaf pan.
7. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
8. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.

5.4 Pastries

Powdered sugar can also be used to dust pastries for a sweet finish. Here’s a recipe for powdered sugar puff pastry:

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Brush the melted butter over the surface of the pastry.
4. Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the surface of the pastry.
5. Fold the pastry in half and press the edges together to seal.
6. Cut the pastry into strips and twist each strip.
7. Place the twisted pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
9. Let the pastry cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQs

Conclusion

Powdered sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods to add sweetness, texture, and flavor. From cakes and cookies to bread and pastries, there are endless possibilities for incorporating powdered sugar into your baking.

Whether you’re using store-bought powdered sugar or making your own, be sure to measure carefully and follow your recipe closely for best results.