Even though I like to bake and cook a lot, I rarely use powdered sugar. It is only when I’m in the mood for some sinful calories that I decide to prepare a recipe that requires this ingredient.
That’s why I wasn’t very familiar with powdered sugar, and I rarely keep it in the kitchen. When I need it, I just go to the grocery store and buy it.
Cups In A Pound Of Powdered Sugar
But how much? This is tricky because it depends on the recipe and even on the type of powdered sugar.
This information alone is enough to give you a headache but lucky you, I baked donuts last week, so I’ve done all the research for you.
Related: How Long Do Donuts Last and How to Store Them?
In this article, I’ll explain how many cups in a pound of powdered sugar, and give you some other useful tips too.
What makes powdered sugar special?
It’s not just sugar. Powdered sugar is finely granulated sugar that is also often referred to as confectioner’s sugar. It contains 3% cornstarch, which prevents lumps. Its smooth texture is a perfect match for icing, frosting, and other cake and candy embellishments.
The sweetness it provides is subtle, and my favorite thing to do with it is dusting it on baked products such as brownies, donuts, and cakes.
I was surprised to learn that powdered sugar is being grounded into three different degrees of fineness: XXX, XXXX, and 10X, with the last one being the finest.
The 10X is most frequently used for whipping creams and confections, while the first two are often used by industrialized bakers.
Related: Want To Know Does Brown Sugar Go Bad? Here’s Your Answer!
How many cups in a pound of powdered sugar?
How many cups of powdered sugar are there in a pound? is the important topic that has to be addressed presently.
This knowledge will be useful, especially for recipes that call for exact measurements.
The solution is not that easy, though.
Why? The quantity of cups varies depending on whether the powdered sugar is sifted or unsifted because not all powdered sugars are created equal.
Powdered sugar that hasn’t been sifted is thought to come in at around three and 3/4 cups per pound. A pound of powdered sugar equals four and a half cups when unsifted.
Additionally, the volume varies since sugar with finer granules has a greater volume. If you sift the sugar just before measuring, you will enhance its volume.
Make sure you pay attention to the sort of sugar that is called for while reading recipes.
See also: My Favorite Bundt Pans in 2022
How to measure powdered sugar?
So, you have bought your pound or more of sugar, and now you need to measure it and use it in a recipe?
For that, you will need measuring cups or spoons, a bowl, and a knife.
- You need to scoop the sugar with a measuring cup and then sweep the mounds with the back of the knife to make sure the sugar is leveled off.
- After, simply transfer the sugar into the bowl.
- Repeat the process until you get the exact amount your recipe requires.
Handy Guide For Precise Measuring: How Many Oz In A Quart
Should you sift the powdered sugar?
If the package was on the shelf or in your pantry for a long time, the sugar might develop hardened lumps from absorbed moisture from the air.
This could completely ruin your recipe (particularly frostings and icings), so if you notice any lumps, be prepared to sift the sugar.
Precise Measuring: Tablespoons to Ounce
How to sift powdered sugar?
This is a fairly easy process.
You need to prepare a hand-cranked sifter, a wide bowl, and a fine mesh strainer.
- To sift the sugar, hold the sifter above the bowl, power a spoonful of powdered sugar in it, and shake the strainer gently.
If you don’t have a sifter, you can remove the hardened lumps by stirring the powdered sugar with a wire whisk or a fork.
Related: Top-Rated Flour Sifters Available on the Market
Final Words
When the recipe requires a certain number of powdered sugar cups, you need to know how many pounds to buy.
I hope this text has helped you solve the mystery that has been tormenting the bakers and cooking enthusiasts for centuries now.
Just remember that there is a big difference between sifted and unsifted sugar (approximately two-quarters of a cup).
Further Reading: How Many Cups In A Liter: Handy Guide For Precise Measuring