All you need to know about icing sugar (2024)

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Here are all the facts you need to know about icing sugar in Australia! Find out how to use icing sugar, what makes it different from icing sugar mixture and get lots of recipes to use up a bag of icing sugar.

All you need to know about icing sugar (5)

Pure White Frosting

All you need to know about icing sugar

Icing sugar is an important part of any baker’s pantry – however, in different countries it goes by different names, and not all icing sugar is made the same. Find out the difference between icing sugar and icing sugar mixture, how to keep icing sugar soft and how to make it at home.

What is icing sugar in Australia?

Icing sugar is made by crushing or pulverising pure white sugar into powder using a blender. Around the world icing sugar is also known as confectioner’s sugar and powdered sugar.

Its powdered form dissolves instantly, making it perfect for things like icing, whipped cream and sugar cooking. You’ll also often see it dusted on top of baked goods and desserts for a pretty and sweet finish.

What’s the difference between icing sugar and icing sugar mixture?

You’ll find two major types of powdered sugar in the baking aisle, pure icing sugar and icing sugar mixture. Icing sugar mixture is blended with cornflour to stop lumps. Pure icing sugar has nothing added, which means it can become lumpy and needs to be sifted. The two are usually interchangeable, except when cake decorating. Cornflour in icing sugar mixture holds moisture which can cause mould to grow on your decorations, so you should always use pure icing sugar.

What is soft icing sugar?

Soft icing sugar is another name for icing sugar mixture which is blended with cornflour to stop lumps. Soft icing sugar shoudn't be used for decorations as the cornflour holds moisture which can cause mould.

How do you keep icing sugar soft?

Icing sugar will absorb ambient moisture, causing it to harden and form lumps. To avoid this, store icing sugar in a dry, airtight container in a cool, dark place. Don’t store it in the fridge. Only use dry spoons and cups to portion out the icing sugar

How do you soften hard icing sugar?

If the lumps are small, use a large spoon or fork to break it into smaller pieces. Pour into a sifter placed over a large bowl and continue breaking up the lumps.

If there are too many lumps or they’re too large, blitz it in a food processor until the lumps have broken down and sift it again to ensure all the lumps are gone.

Can you make icing sugar at home?

Yes! If you have a food processor or high-speed blender, simply process white sugar until finely ground to the texture of flour. You can sift through some cornflour to make icing sugar mixture, about 1tbsp of cornflour to each cup of sugar.

Recipes with icing sugar

Now you know all about it, it's time to get cooking with it.

GET THE RECIPE: Pure White Frosting by Copha

Icing sugar is perfect for icings and frostings because it dissolves instantly. Mix it with Copha to make the purest white icing with a neutral flavour - ideal for snowy decorations or as a base for bright colours.

GET THE RECIPE: White Forest Crackle Cheesecake Log by Copha

Chocolate crackles are traditionally made with icing sugar, and this festive cheesecake twist on choc crackles is the same. Dust the finished log with more icing sugar for a freshly snowed-on look.

GET THE RECIPE: Traditional Sponge Cake with Jam and Cream by Australian Eggs

Icing sugar is added to the cream filling on this sponge to sweeten it, plus gently dusted over the top for an elegant final touch.

All you need to know about icing sugar (8)

Traditional Sponge Cake with Jam and Cream

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All you need to know about icing sugar (11)

Gingerbread House

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Lavender and Vanilla Coconut Ice

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Passionfruit Yoyo's

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All you need to know about icing sugar (18)

Layered Chocolate Crackle Slice

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Shortbread stars with lemon butter filling

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All you need to know about icing sugar (23)

Classic Vanilla Slice with Passionfruit Icing

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All you need to know about icing sugar (26)

Cherry Coconut Cheesecake with Chocolate Crackle Base

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All you need to know about icing sugar (29)

Caramilk Crackle Banoffee Pie

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More Tips & Advice

Types of sugar and how to substitute themThere are many different types of sugar available in Australian supermarkets. Find out the differences between the different types of sugar, including white, caster, brown, raw, muscovado, palm sugar and more. Plus, find out the best substitutes for each type of sugar.
How to make royal icingThis very easy royal icing needs only two ingredients, egg whites and sugar! Make this royal icing to pipe onto biscuits, gingerbread, shortbread and more.

How to make gingerbread cookie icingGet the simple recipe for gingerbread icing and check out more Christmas and gingerbread ideas!
Passionfruit icing for vanilla slice, cakes and moreLearn how to make a simple, 3-ingredient passionfruit icing for vanilla slice, cakes, cupcakes, slices and more. Get the passionfruit icing recipe here!

All you need to know about icing sugar (2024)

FAQs

All you need to know about icing sugar? ›

Around the world icing sugar is also known as confectioner's sugar and powdered sugar. Its powdered form dissolves instantly, making it perfect for things like icing, whipped cream and sugar cooking. You'll also often see it dusted on top of baked goods and desserts for a pretty and sweet finish.

What is the difference between powdered sugar and icing sugar? ›

You may have heard powdered sugar is also called confectioner's sugar or icing sugar. Like caster sugar, this kind of sugar is extremely fine. Most powdered sugar also contains cornstarch to help prevent clumps during mixing and baking.

What is icing sugar made out of? ›

Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar or confectioner's sugar, is made by finely grinding granulated sugar until it is a very fine powder.

What are the disadvantages of icing sugar? ›

While powdered sugar is a source of quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content, it lacks significant nutritional value. Consuming large amounts of sugar can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Why does icing sugar taste different? ›

You have many of the hydrogen bonding sites, polar sites, on the sugar molecules hanging out in mid-air instead of being neatly associated like in its crystal form. You are tasting these unbalanced charges as metallic. The starch added for anticaking also reduces sweetness and coats the tongue.

Why use icing sugar instead of sugar? ›

It really depends on what you're making. Confectioners sugar is much much finer than granulated sugar, so you usually use confectioners sugar as a garnish or topping, as it sticks together and forms a really nice layer. Usually, granulated sugar is used in batters, or things that are baked.

What is the American version of icing sugar? ›

Powdered sugar, also called confectioners' sugar and icing sugar is a finely ground sugar produced by milling granulated sugar into a powdered state.

Which icing sugar goes hard? ›

However, pure icing sugar is the best choice if you are making icing that is meant to set hard such as glace icing or a royal icing. If you used icing sugar mixture in these types of recipes the cornflour in the icing sugar mixture will prevent it from setting hard and the icing will remain soft.

What is a healthy substitute for icing sugar? ›

If you're looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar is a bit less sweet and has a lower glycemic index than traditional white sugars, and can serve as the primary swap ingredient. Just blend the coconut sugar until it becomes a fine powder.

What do you do with icing sugar? ›

In general, icing sugar is used in recipes as a finisher. You'd use it to make frostings, icings, and glazes, such as royal icing or buttercream frosting. You can also sprinkle or coat the finished baked good with some icing sugar, such as a sprinkle atop a German pancake or coating cookies like our chai snowballs.

What's the difference between icing sugar and frosting? ›

You'll be glad to know there is a distinction between the two. In broad terms, frosting is thick and fluffy, and is used to coat the outside (and often the inner layers) of a cake. Icing is thinner and glossier than frosting, and can be used as a glaze or for detailed decorating.

What are the hazards of icing sugar? ›

Repeated exposure to the powder and dust may result in increased nasal and respiratory secretions and coughing, but not irreversible health effects. Skin Skin contact may cause mechanical irritation resulting in redness and itching. Repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Eye May be irritating to eyes.

What is the difference between icing sugar and pure icing sugar? ›

You'll find two major types of powdered sugar in the baking aisle, pure icing sugar and icing sugar mixture. Icing sugar mixture is blended with cornflour to stop lumps. Pure icing sugar has nothing added, which means it can become lumpy and needs to be sifted.

Is icing sugar healthier than normal sugar? ›

Nope. Sugar is sugar. Avoid any processed sugars where ever possible. And since confectioners sugar is mostly used in high fat pastries, give it an even wider avoidance.

Can I substitute powdered sugar for icing sugar? ›

Yes! Powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar (including confectioners sugar and confectioner's sugar too), icing sugar, and 10X (a reference to the size of the particles) are all the same.

What is icing sugar called in America? ›

Powdered sugar, also called confectioners' sugar and icing sugar is a finely ground sugar produced by milling granulated sugar into a powdered state.

Does powdered sugar make icing thicker or thinner? ›

Your frosting is runny because it has too much liquid in it. Add some powdered sugar to thicken it up.

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