Three easy sugar fixes may just get you through that recipe that needs one of these and guess what? You're out! If you saw Monday's post - Sugar, The Sweetest Part of Baking, you know there are many different sugars both dry and liquid. But all that knowledge doesn't help when there isn't any. Any one of these remedies may just help.
BROWN SUGAR
Brown sugar is simply granulated sugar that has been coated in molasses. The darker the sugar, the more molasses and deeper the taste. It’s easy to duplicate at home.
For each cup of light brown sugar, measure 1 cup granulated sugar. Remove 1 tablespoon and substitute 1 tablespoon light or dark molasses. If using weights, weigh 185 grams granulated sugar and add 1 tablespoon molasses.
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For dark brown sugar, remove 2 tablespoons sugar and substitute 2 tablespoons molasses.
There is no need to mix the sugar and molasses together. Just add them to the recipe where the brown sugar is called for. If using a scale, weigh 175 granulated sugar (6 ounces) and add 2 tablespoons molasses.
POWDERED SUGAR (CONFECTIONERS SUGAR)
Powdered, confectioners or icing sugar as it is can also be referred to, dissolves instantly in liquid. It is used for quick glazes, frosting for a cake or cookies and in some baked cookies for a softer texture. It can also be used as part of the sugar in meringues.
Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in a blender (do not use a food processor, it won’t work). Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch. The cornstarch will keep the sugar from clumping. Blend until powdered. Because this is lighter than granulated sugar, a cup will weigh 130 grams or 4 ½ ounces.
SUPERFINE SUGAR (BAKER’S SUGAR)
Superfine or Baker’s Sugar is a staple in bakeries. It is simply granulated sugar that has been ground very, very fine so it dissolves quicker and easier. While it can be hard to find in grocery stores, it is a cinch to make at home. Egg whites in particular, especially for meringues, call for superfine or baker’s sugar. It's also very useful when creaming butter and sugar or combining eggs or yolks with sugar
Simply place granulated sugar in a processor bowl and process 10 to 20 seconds until very, very fine. I process a 4 pound bag of sugar and keep it in a container so I have it whenever I need it. That's so much easier than doing it every time.
This weighs 200 grams per cup or 7 ounces, the same as granulated sugar.
Three Easy Sugar Fixes Not Just in a Pinch
These Three Easy Sugar Fixes can be used in a pinch or really anytime. I especially keep a container of Bakers Sugar in my pantry. I noticed this week when shopping that they are selling Bakers Sugar - at really inflated prices.
Mary Anne Henn says
I have been using your pie crust pastry recipe for years. Best one I have ever used. Never fails!
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Mary Ann - Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know.
Jason L. says
Hi Helen, would a blender work for the superfine sugar? I have used my Cuisinart food processor for it in the past, and it scratched the heck out of the plastic mixing bowl.
BTW, your website, books, and pamphlets are great! I'm a big fan.
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Jason - thank you for your kind words. Generally, a blender is a different machine than a food processor. You can try a small amount of sugar and just use quick pulses to see if that works. I wouldn't run the machine flat out because you will get powdered sugar.
Cheryl says
I would like to know if it would be okay to just use super fine sugar whenever you are using the creaming method? I love your blog.
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Cheryl, Thanks for the kind words. Yes, you absolutely can as long as it is not powdered sugar. You can use super fine or baker's sugar anywhere granulated sugar is called for.
Mary Howard says
Is there a way to substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar? Thank you.
Helen S Fletcher says
Either one can be used. It doesn't really matter. Both are a combination of granulated sugar and molasses. The light brown sugar has less molasses than the dark.
Grace says
You are my hero!
Helen S Fletcher says
Thanks Grace.
Carol McNally says
Thanks so much for this post!! It was extremely helpful to know how to make a sugar that I’m out of when baking.
Helen S Fletcher says
You're so welcome Carol.
nikkipalssbcglobalnet says
Is the super fine sugar measured 1:1 the same way as regular granulated sugar?
Fern says
I also want to know about the measurements of granulated to superfine sugar.
Helen S Fletcher says
The same as granulated. 1 cup weighs 200 grams or 7 ounces just as granulated.
Helen S Fletcher says
Yes Nikki it is. It is just superfine.