Granulated sugar and powdered sugar is two different form of sugar. Granulated sugar forms larger crystals and have powdered sugar form very fine particle of sugar that have been ground down and mixed with cornstarch. Because powdered sugar have air trapped between the fine particles of sugar, powdered sugar takes up more space in a given area than granulated sugar.
Consequently, powdered sugar have a greater volume than granulated sugar. To understand how to use powdered sugar in place of granulated sugar, you must understand the difference between the volume and weight of powdered sugar and granulated sugar. Volume is the amount of space the powder take up in a measuring cup.
Granulated Sugar vs Powdered Sugar
The weight of a powder is how heavy it is when weighed on a scale. Because powdered sugar takes up less space than granulated sugar, you will use too much powdered sugar if you use volume measurement to replace granulated sugar with powdered sugar. One cup of granulated sugar weigh the same than 1¾ cups of powdered sugar.
To ensure that the recipe uses the correct amount of sugar, use an scale to measure the weight of the powdered or granulated sugar. Powdered sugar contain cornstarch, which thickens mixtures. Cornstarch are helpful in recipes such as frostings and glazes.
However, cornstarch can cause cookies to dry out. Similarly, adding cornstarch to hard candy will make it look cloudy rather than clear. Because cornstarch can change the texture of food, you must decide whether the recipe need powdered sugar for its thickening properties or granulated sugar for structural properties.
To make powdered sugar at home, use a blender or spice grinder to grind granulated sugar until it becomes fine powder. To prevent the powdered sugar from clumping together when making it at home, add one tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of granulated sugar that you put in the blender. Homemade powdered sugar will behave similar to powdered sugar that you find in grocery stores.
There is various types of sugar used in cooking and baking. Granulated sugar is used in recipes that need structure from the sugar, while powdered sugar is used for recipes that require the sugar to be smooth when it sets. Other type of sugar include superfine sugar, which dissolve quickly in liquids, and brown sugar, which adds moisture and flavor to recipes.
Depending on the way that the sugar should behave in the recipe, you can choose the type of sugar that you will use in your recipe. To preserve the lifespan of granulated and powdered sugar, store the sugars in air tight containers. Powdered sugar can absorb moisture in the air and odors from the air.
To keep granulated and powdered sugar from clumping and smelling of other food in the cupboard, store them in air-tight containers. If powdered sugar have clumped, sift it before using it. If you are going to use powdered sugar as a replacement for granulated sugar, or vice versa, follow the rules for the conversion of these two types of sugar.
Powdered sugar have a different volume than granulated sugar. Consequently, you cant substitute one for the other using volume measurement. Using powdered sugar in place of granulated sugar will result in the recipe have too much sugar.
Using granulated sugar in place of powdered sugar will alter the texture of the food. To ensure that the recipe has the correct amount and type of sugar, check the density of the sugar that you are using and ensure that the amount of sugar is correct for the recipe.