The Sweet Hack For Stopping Powdered Sugar From Becoming A Melted Mess
Picture this: you've just pulled your gorgeous piping hot baked creation out of the oven. Its glorious appearance is missing only a light dusting of powdered sugar to complete its otherwise perfect appearance. In haste to achieve a bakery-worthy look, the blanket of powdered sugar you just dusted on top quickly melts, ruining your bake's final look. Powdered sugar is a versatile ingredient in baking, often used for that showstopping finish. However, one problem bakers face when working with powdered sugar is its tendency to melt. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this issue: cornstarch.
Cornstarch is a widely used ingredient in cooking and baking, and it can be particularly helpful when it comes to keeping powdered sugar from melting. It acts as an anti-caking agent when added to powdered sugar, preventing the fine sugar from clumping together and losing its powdery texture. In other words, your desserts will stay looking and tasting their best, even when exposed to heat.
When using powdered sugar goes wrong
As it is, most commercial powdered sugar already contains a small amount of cornstarch. It's adding an extra amount of cornstarch that can be the difference between a stunning presentation and a melted mess. When exposed to heat and moisture, powdered sugar can begin to dissolve, resulting in the dreaded melted pool of sugar that can ruin the texture and appearance of baked goods. This is particularly true in humid environments, as seen with classic powdered baked goods like beignets or bundt cakes.
To prevent this from happening, adding a small amount of cornstarch to the sugar can help to prevent it from melting. The cornstarch will absorb any excess moisture, which helps stabilize the sugar, keeping it dry and powdery. By using cornstarch as a preventative measure, you can ensure that your baked goods come out looking and tasting their best every time.
Reach for cornstarch for the perfect powdered sugar dusting
Using cornstarch to keep your powdered sugar from melting is as simple as adding a small amount to the powdered sugar and mixing well. The next time you need to finish a bake with powdered sugar, put this simple trick into practice by using about 1 teaspoon of cornstarch per 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Then run the mixture through a sieve to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed throughout the powdered sugar.
All in all, despite what you're baking, keeping a small portion of cornstarch around the house can come in handy for cases like this. After all, for some people, a baked good may not be finished until it's sprinkled with a little powdered sugar that doesn't melt off. However, powdered sugar doesn't have to just be used for dessert. It can be a great addition when making other foods for lunch or dinner, such as fried chicken.