Superfine sugar is an ingredient often found in the culinary world. More popular in baking than anything else. It is easy to work with when making desserts and can make or break many recipes.
That said, superfine sugar isn’t always present in the everyday pantry. So, when your cookbook calls for it, you might find yourself in a significant situation.
Luckily, you can use many superfine sugar substitutes to craft that delicious creation you have your heart set on.
What Is Superfine Sugar Exactly?
We often think of powdered sugar when thinking about the superfine variety. But this isn’t the case. Superfine sugar is your average granular crystals you crush into tinier than average pieces.
Superfine sugar (aka caster sugar) is popular ingredient bakers use to make light recipes and drinks. This option melts quicker and provides a more lightweight texture. You can use it to make almost any sweet treat.
There isn’t anything much difference between superfine and regular sugar. The only contrast is the grain size. It has a crunchier texture than regular sugar and is the main ingredient in baking rather than cooking.
What Recipes Do You Use Superfine Sugar in?
Superfine sugar is easy to dissolve, makes creamy dishes creamier, and mixes well in drinks.
Using superfine sugar in recipes like angel food cake helps provide an airy texture to it. It can blend well in creams, bases, sauces, and other thin recipes. And with the same great sweet flavor profile as granulated sugar.
The Best 5 Superfine Sugar Substitutes to Try
Now that you know what superfine sugar is let us look at a few ingredients you can use in place of it.
Remember, each alternative option will provide a different flavor, texture, or both. Choose the best ingredient for your recipe that will have a minor effect on the outcome.
1. Use Regular White Granulated Sugar
If your recipe calls for superfine sugar, but you don’t have any in stock, use granulated sugar instead. Granulated sugar will have larger crystals. But it can still get the job done, like superfine sugar.
This option will have larger granules, but you will still use the same amount called for in the recipe. There is no need to reduce the measurements.
- Tip: You can use granulated sugar in any recipe that calls for superfine sugar; it might turn out less light and airy.
2. Brown Sugar Can Also Work in Some Situations
Brown sugar is an unrefined or partially refined sugar mixed with molasses. This added flavor is the reason for the light brown coloring of the product.
Brown sugar can take the place of superfine sugar in many recipes if you are okay with a mild smokey taste.
You must put brown sugar into a mixer or food processor like confectionary sugar. If you don’t do this, the particles will be too large.
Use brown sugar as an alternative to superfine sugar. It will give your upcoming culinary creation a crispy sweet flavor.
- Tip: Brown sugar has a distinct taste and damp texture that can impact some recipes in a negative way. Ruining foods like sugar cookies or pound cakes.
3. Artificial Sweeteners
Many artificial sweeteners come in fine powder or granules. These are great for people with diabetes. Or for those looking to enjoy their favorite desserts without the added calories and carbs.
Many artificial sweeteners on the market can act as superfine sugar replacements. Remember that some options can be a little sweeter than regular sugar. And you might not need as much as the recipe calls for.
Types of artificial sweeteners you can use in place of superfine sugar include,
- Surculous
- Stevia
- Aspartame
- Tip: Artificial sweeteners, like Surculos, heats up quicker than regular sugar. It is essential to keep an eye on the oven often.
4. Powder Sugar
Powdered sugar isn’t always our top choice regarding superfine sugar substitutes. Yet, if you are in a jam and all you have on hand is powdered sugar, it can get the job done.
Powdered sugar is cane sugar that goes through a process that beats it down until it becomes a fine powder.
This particular type of sugar is super absorbent and dissolves with ease. This is an excellent alternative to superfine sugar in recipes for drinks, icing, marang, etc.
- Tip: Powdered sugar won’t give baked goods the same crispiness as superfine sugar.
5. Liquid Sugars Such as Honey or Agava Syrup Can Work Very Well
Many liquid sugars are available and can work well when you run out of superfine sugar.
Honey is one of the more popular options available. But you can also use other ingredients, such as maple syrup, agave syrup, or molasses.
Remember to add extra liquid to the recipe when using this option. This might need some additional dry ingredients added to balance the texture.
- Tip: Every form of liquid sugar will offer a different flavor profile. These flavors will impact the taste of your recipe.
Make Your Own Superfine Sugar
One of the best ways to substitute superfine sugar is by making your own. As mentioned above, this product is the smaller version of your basic table sugar.
To make superfine sugar, add the sugar needed into a blender. Then mix it until the particles are a much smaller size.
You can use this in the same ratio as superfine sugar since that’s what it is. This sugar offers the same level of sweetness as the superfine option. And it dissolves into other ingredients, such as butter, much like the original.
Great Recipes to Try, Using Superfine Sugar or One of its Substitutes
Superfine sugar is popular in various recipes, from baked goods to mixed drinks. There are many great options available, but; we only had room to provide a few of our favs.
Below are three recipes you should try. You can make them if you have a little superfine sugar (or an alternative) lying around.
Homemade Limeaid
If you are looking for a cool and tasty treat for the summer, consider creating this fruity drink.
Ingredients:
- 5 Fresh limes (Juiced)
- ½ -¾ cups of Super Fine Sugar
- 8 cups of cold water
Directions:
Mix the cold water, superfine sugar, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
Sugared Fruit
This is a fantastic recipe to place on your holiday menu this year. Choose your favorite fruits and make them the sweetest treat on the table.
Ingredients:
- Egg White
- Fruit (berries work well)
- Superfine sugar
Directions:
Dip your favorite fruits into the egg white, then coat each piece in the superfine sugar. Allow the fruit to dry, creating a solidified, sweet, and delicious dessert.
The Perfect Cheesecake
Cheesecakes are a fan favorite amongst groups of friends or as a dessert around the family table.
Making the Crust
- 2 Tbsp of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of melted unsalted butter
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
Fillings
- Four 8-ounce servings of softened cream cheese
- 1¼ cups of superfine sugar
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 2 TSP of vanilla extract
- Five large eggs
Topping
- Two teaspoons of confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup of sour cream
Directions:
To make the crust combine all three ingredients until blended together. Then press the mixture into the pie dish. Next, make the filling by beating the cream cheese with a mixer, then adding in the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla.
Next, add one egg at a time until the mixture is smooth and creamy, and pour it into the pie crust. Place this pan into the oven at 350°F for 60-70 min or until the top turns a light brown.
Last, combine the toppings and spread them across the cheesecake once it has cooled. Leave the final product on a wire rack.
Summing Things Up
If you don’t have any superfine sugar on hand, don’t worry. We have a great list of superfine sugar substitutes in the article above. Any of these options can provide the flavor you need for a delicious dish.
FAQs
Which Superfine Sugar Alternative is Best in Frosting?
Powdered sugar is the best substitute in frostings for baked goods. Regular confectionary sugar would work well too. Frosting needs a light sugar that will dissolve fast.
Is Superfine Sugar and Powdered Sugar the Same Thing?
It can be easy to confuse superfine sugar with powdered sugar. Yet, the two sugars are very different. This is because they are both tiny particles.
Superfine sugar is still a form of granulated sugar with crystal particles. Powdered sugar results from granular sugar crushed into a fine, white, powdery texture.
Is Superfine Sugar Actually Important for Recipes That Call for It?
Most recipes call for superfine sugar because of its size and ability to dissolve fast.
This type of sugar is necessary for many dishes, often in sauces, syrups, drinks, etc.
Is Superfine Sugar as Sweet as Granular Sugar?
Superfine sugar comes from granular sugar. Because of this, it offers the same flavor profile. Superfine sugar is as sweet as granular sugar.
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