Icing sugar is finely milled granulated sugar, carefully processed to create an ultra-smooth, powdery texture. It’s a staple ingredient in baking, especially when it comes to decorating cakes and desserts.
But what sets it apart from other sugars, and why does it work so well for decorating? Keep reading to find out.
How is icing sugar different from regular sugar?
The main difference comes down to texture. Tate & Lyle Icing Sugar is ground more finely than granulated or caster sugar, so it dissolves almost instantly. This makes it ideal for decoration, helping you to create smooth, professional-quality icing.
Fondant icing sugar, on the other hand, contains dried glucose syrup to create a thicker, glossier icing that’s well suited to glazing or coating bakes. It can also be used to make fondant, ideal for decorating cakes or sugar modelling.
What is icing sugar used for?
Thanks to its fine texture, icing sugar is wonderfully versatile with a variety of uses.
Buttercream icing
When combined with butter, icing sugar creates a smooth, creamy frosting that’s perfect for topping or filling cakes and cupcakes.
Top tip: Use a classic buttercream recipe as your base, then experiment with flavourings like vanilla or citrus for a subtle twist.
Glacé icing
Mixing icing sugar with water, or something a little more flavourful like lemon juice, produces a sweet icing ideal for drizzling over cookies, cakes, or cheesecake fillings.
Top tip: Pour or spread quickly as glacé icing begins to set as it’s exposed to air.
Royal icing
Made by combining icing sugar with egg whites or meringue powder, royal icing sets to a smooth but firm finish that’s perfect for decorating biscuits or adding delicate details to cakes.
It can be easily adjusted to suit different decorating techniques, whether that’s a firm consistency for precise piping or a smooth flood consistency for covering biscuits, giving you full creative control.
Top tip: Use gel food colouring to avoid thinning the consistency. If it becomes too runny, simply rebalance by adding extra sugar.
Light dusting and finishing
For a quick yet elegant touch, a light dusting of icing sugar can instantly elevate the look of any dessert.
Top tip: Try using a cookie cutter as a stencil to create a simple yet eye-catching finish.
Easy recipes to inspire your next bake
From quick weekend treats to celebration bakes, icing sugar works beautifully across all kinds of recipes.
Birthday sugar cookies
Make any birthday celebration extra special with these sugar cookies. Perfect as a sweet treat or thoughtful gift, they provide a smooth canvas for decorating with homemade, glossy royal icing.
Try our birthday sugar cookie recipe
Mini ricotta doughnuts
Light, fluffy, and irresistibly moreish, these mini ricotta doughnuts are ideal when you want something sweet without the fuss. A light dusting of icing sugar adds a delicate sweetness and gives them that classic bakery-style finish.
Try our mini ricotta doughnut recipe
Butterfly cakes
A timeless bake, these butterfly cakes are the perfect excuse to whisk up some soft, airy buttercream icing.
Make every bake a little more special
Whether you need to add some last-minute finishing touches, or would like a delicate sweet treat, you will find yourself reaching for Tate & Lyle Icing Sugar time and time again.
Ready to try more? Explore the full Tate & Lyle range to find the right sugar for your next bake.
