6 Ways to Sift Powdered Sugar With or Without a Sifter

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you're about to use powdered sugar in a recipe or to top some desserts, how can you get rid of large clumps? After sitting in your pantry, powdered sugar (or confectioners sugar) can cake together, but there are so many ways you can make it light and airy again even without a sifter. Keep reading to find out what you can use in your kitchen to get rid of the lumps in your sugar so it's ready to use!

1

Fine-mesh sieve

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl. Scoop your powdered sugar into the sieve and gently tap the side. Keep tapping the sieve until all of the sugar dusts into the bowl and it’s completely sifted. [1]
    2. Advertisement
2

Whisk or fork

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pour the amount of powdered sugar you need for a recipe into a bowl. Gently stir the sugar with a wire whisk or fork to remove the clumps. Stir gently so that the sugar stays in the bowl instead of wafting up into the air. [2]
3

Blender

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Scoop out as much powdered sugar as you need and put it into your blender. Press the “Pulse” button on your blender a few times to break the clumps apart so your powdered sugar is light and fluffy. Wait for the sugar to settle to the bottom of the blender before taking off the lid. [3]
    2. Advertisement
4

Tea strainer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-4-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-4-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-4-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-4-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tea strainers work best for dusting powdered sugar on small baked goods. A tea strainer is a small mesh ball normally used for loose-leaf tea, but it works great for dusting powdered sugar without a sifter. Just load a spoonful of powdered sugar into the strainer and seal it shut. Hold the tea strainer over cookies or cake and lightly tap the side to sift the perfect amount of powdered sugar.
5

Sugar dusting wand

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A dusting wand gives you more control over where you’re sifting the sugar. A sugar dusting wand has a scoop with a mesh lid that lets you easily apply powdered sugar as a finishing touch on desserts. Scoop out some powdered sugar with the dusting wand and twist the handle to close the mesh lid. Flip the wand over and gently tap the side to apply a dusting of sugar onto your baked goods. [4]
    2. Advertisement
6

Flour sifter

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Sift-Powdered-Sugar-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A flour sifter effectively breaks the clumps apart when you crank it. A flour sifter looks like a metal barrel with a fine mesh inside and a crank on the outside. Hold the sifter over a bowl and load your powdered sugar into the mesh. Turn the crank handle to break down the clumps and push the powdered sugar through the mesh. [5]
    • Some flour sifters have a lever you squeeze on the handle instead of a crank. That way, you can use it with one hand instead of having to use two hands.

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you freeze a cake with a powdered sugar topping?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the sugar particles are really small, so they will not taste like anything after you take the cake out of the freezer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Can I sift icing sugar and leave it in an airtight container till I need it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you may have to resift it if it sits for too long.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Sift out powdered sugar before you measure it for your recipes. [6]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • You can make your own powdered sugar by putting 1 cup (200 g) of white granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of cornstarch into a blender for 1 minute. [7]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Sift Flour Without a Sifter
      How to
      Measure a Tablespoon with and without Measuring Spoons
      How to
      Safely Boil Water in the Microwave
      How to
      Make Olive Oil
      How to
      Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs Every Time
      How to
      Poach an Egg Using a Microwave
      How to
      Season a Stainless Steel Pan with Oil
      How to
      Pan-Fry the Perfect Steak on the Stovetop
      The Quickest Way to Make a Reduction for Any Recipe
      How to
      Make Diffuser Oil
      The Best Way to Cook Rice in the Microwave
      How to
      Preheat an Oven
      How to
      Parboil Potatoes Perfectly Every Time
      How to
      Thaw Ground Turkey
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://cookieandkate.com/how-to-make-powdered-sugar/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ty25hWc0MpI?t=11
      3. ↑ https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-make-powdered-sugar/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/nVIRhpvNUio?t=42
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/BSSsXKUCv0A?t=209
      6. ↑ https://cookieandkate.com/how-to-make-powdered-sugar/
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/8WjgiK5x-zs?t=40

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 140,036 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Maddy Brown

        May 11, 2016

        "The sifting without a sifter method helped me out big time!"
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement