Icing sugar
Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar or confectioners’ sugar, is a staple ingredient in many baking and dessert recipes. It is made from granulated sugar that has been ground into a fine powder and mixed with cornstarch to prevent clumping. Here are some key points about icing sugar:
- Uses: Icing sugar is most commonly used to make frostings and glazes for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. It is also used as a topping for donuts, cookies, and other baked goods.
- Sweetness: Icing sugar is much sweeter than granulated sugar due to its fine texture. This makes it ideal for making sweet toppings and glazes.
- Consistency: Icing sugar is available in different grades, ranging from fine to coarse. The finest grade is ideal for making smooth and silky frostings, while coarser grades are better for making thicker glazes.
- Dissolving: Icing sugar can be difficult to dissolve in liquids because of its fine texture. To prevent clumping, it is best to sift the sugar before adding it to a recipe or to sprinkle it over the surface of a dessert.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have icing sugar on hand, you can make a quick substitute by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder. However, keep in mind that the substitute may not have the same smooth and silky texture as pure icing sugar.
Overall, icing sugar is an essential ingredient in many sweet recipes, offering a quick and easy way to add sweetness and a smooth texture. Whether you’re making frosting for a cake, glazing a donut, or dusting a cookie, icing sugar is a versatile and convenient ingredient to have on hand