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    Home > Technique and White Papers

    Published: Apr 21, 2022 · Modified: Sep 28, 2022 by Helen S Fletcher · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

    Three Easy Sugar Fixes

    Granulated sugar
    Granulated Sugar

    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.

    how to bake better custard
    Baking gets better when you subscribe

    Baking gets better when you subscribe to receive this PDF on getting the most out of baking including information on equipment, ingredients and baking equipment.

    Light Brown Sugar
    Light Brown Sugar

    For dark brown sugar, remove 2 tablespoons sugar and substitute 2 tablespoons molasses.

    Homemade brown sugar
    Dark Brown Sugar

    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.

    Powdered Sugar
    Powdered Sugar

    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 make a larger amount than needed and  keep a container of superfine sugar in my pantry so it’s ready when I need it.

    This weighs 200 grams per cup or 7 ounces, the same as granulated sugar.

    Bakers Sugar
    Bakers 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.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cheryl says

      July 17, 2023 at 8:28 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        July 18, 2023 at 8:46 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Mary Howard says

      August 10, 2022 at 6:02 pm

      Is there a way to substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        August 10, 2022 at 10:57 pm

        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.

        Reply
    3. Grace says

      August 10, 2022 at 1:01 am

      You are my hero!

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        August 10, 2022 at 5:07 am

        Thanks Grace.

        Reply
    4. Carol McNally says

      April 21, 2022 at 7:54 am

      Thanks so much for this post!! It was extremely helpful to know how to make a sugar that I’m out of when baking.

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        April 21, 2022 at 5:41 pm

        You're so welcome Carol.

        Reply
    5. nikkipalssbcglobalnet says

      April 21, 2022 at 7:11 am

      Is the super fine sugar measured 1:1 the same way as regular granulated sugar?

      Reply
      • Fern says

        April 21, 2022 at 11:54 am

        I also want to know about the measurements of granulated to superfine sugar.

        Reply
        • Helen S Fletcher says

          April 21, 2022 at 5:42 pm

          The same as granulated. 1 cup weighs 200 grams or 7 ounces just as granulated.

          Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        April 21, 2022 at 5:41 pm

        Yes Nikki it is. It is just superfine.

        Reply

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