Confectioners Sugar

Let's begin by talking about what is confectioners sugar. It is nothing but granulated sugar which is ground mechanically to obtained a powdered form of sugar. This is also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar which is used to make various dessert toppings like cake frosting, decorative icing, sugar glazes and other sauces. Confectioners sugar not only provides sweetness to the preparation but also helps in giving it a thicker consistency. Since it is made from granulated table sugar, confectioners sugar is not exactly used as a substitute for table sugar, but there are many confectioners sugar substitutes which can be prepared if icing sugar is not to be used.

However, there are other ingredients which are mixed along with powdered sugar which are cornstarch, calcium phosphate or wheat flour for various reasons like anti-caking agent and flowing ability, due to which confectioners sugar can't withstand longer duration of heat. This is why it is used to prepare only cold glazes and icings and not any heated products like sauces. Mentioned below are a few uses of this sugar.

Confectioners Sugar Icing

One of the most popular uses of confectioners sugar is to prepare various types of icings for cakes, cookies and other baked desserts. The icing that is prepared from powdered sugar can be as basic as a preparation of milk and confectioners sugar, mixed together and sprinkled on cookies and cakes. But there are many other ways of preparing confectioners sugar frosting, since different cake recipes require different colors and flavors of icing on them. Here are a few icing recipes mentioned below, just for you.

Basic Confectioners Sugar Icing
Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt

Directions
In a mixing bowl, add all the above mentioned ingredients and beat them together for about 5 minutes either manually or with an electric beater. Add some more milk if you think the powdered sugar icing is slightly thick and beat again. When you get the desired consistency of the confectioners sugar frosting, you can either refrigerate it, and then use, or use immediately as topping for cake and cookie recipes.

Butter Cream Icing
Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups confectioners sugar
• ⅓ cup butter
• 4 tablespoons milk or light cream
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
In a mixing bowl, add the butter, vanilla and salt and beat till you get a smooth fluffy mixture. Then add the confectioners sugar, cream and milk while you beat the mixture continuously. Add some more milk if you think the icing is not the desired consistency. You can spread this delicious butter cream icing on cupcakes or cakes.

Confectioners Sugar Glaze

The confectioners sugar glaze is another great preparation of confectioners sugar used for many bakery products and desserts. This glaze can be simply sprinkled on chocolate donuts, cookies, cakes, breads, braids, etc. Adding a simple glaze to any of these food recipes can alter their tastes by slightly giving them the sweetness of sugar and make them look attractive. If you don't want to use powdered sugar, there are powdered sugar substitutes which can also be prepared and used. Take a look at the very basic recipe of powdered sugar glaze and how to use it, mentioned below.

Powdered Sugar Glaze
Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups sifted confectioners sugar
• ¼ cup milk or warm water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions
In a mixing bowl, add in all the ingredients and mix them very well. You can either beat them with a manual or an electric beater so to achieve the right consistency. Don't make it as thick as icing, since in case of glaze, you only have to sprinkle it over the desserts. Use it freshly made.

With these great recipes and uses of confectioners sugar, hope you use them in some of your delicious dessert recipes. So go ahead and give that sweet tooth of yours a treat!