Caster sugar substitutes
Caster sugar substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Granulated sugar (ground)
Same amount as the caster sugar
Pulse granulated sugar in a blender or use superfine sugar as the best substitutes for caster sugar.
Caster sugar is granulated sugar ground extra fine, so it sweetens like ordinary sugar but dissolves almost instantly - which is why it is the sugar for meringues, and why creaming it into softened butter works so well: the dry crystals tear air into the fat, and that air is most of the lift in a creamed cake.
- The tweak —
- Process granulated sugar in food processor or blender for 30-60 seconds until fine.
- Best for —
- most recipes
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Sweetnessprimary
- Aerationsecondary
- Browning & colorsecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of caster sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Granulated sugar (ground)most recipes | Same amount |
| 2 | Powdered sugarwhen you want very fine texture | Same amount |
| 3 | Superfine sugarwhen you can find it in stores | Same amount |
| 4 | Brown sugar (ground)when you want molasses flavor | Same amount |
| 5 | Coconut sugar (ground)when you want natural option | Same amount |
Granulated sugar (ground)
Same sweetness as caster sugar
Regular granulated sugar processed to fine consistency.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Browning & color
- Best for
- most recipes, when you want similar texture, baking, when you want to make it yourself
- Texture
- Fine granules, similar to caster sugar
- Prep
- Process granulated sugar in food processor or blender for 30-60 seconds until fine.
Most accurate substitute, easy to make at home.
Powdered sugar
Same sweetness as caster sugar
Very fine sugar with cornstarch added.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Browning & color
- Misses
- Aeration — not covered
- Best for
- when you want very fine texture, frostings, when you want cornstarch, desserts
- Texture
- Very fine powder, finer than caster sugar
Contains cornstarch, may affect texture in some recipes.
Superfine sugar
Same sweetness as caster sugar
Commercially available fine sugar, same as caster sugar.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Browning & color
- Best for
- when you can find it in stores, all uses, when you want convenience, baking
- Texture
- Same fine texture as caster sugar
Same as caster sugar, just different name.
Brown sugar (ground)
Same sweetness with molasses flavor
Ground brown sugar for different flavor profile.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Browning & color
- Best for
- when you want molasses flavor, baking, when you want different flavor, desserts
- Texture
- Fine granules, similar to caster sugar
- Prep
- Process brown sugar in food processor until fine, breaking up any clumps.
Adds molasses flavor, may affect color of final product.
Coconut sugar (ground)
Similar sweetness with caramel notes
Natural alternative with different flavor profile.
- Covers
- Sweetness
- Aeration
- Browning & color
- Best for
- when you want natural option, baking, when you want different flavor, healthier recipes
- Texture
- Fine granules, similar to caster sugar
- Prep
- Process coconut sugar in food processor until fine, breaking up any clumps.
Natural alternative, slightly different flavor.
Questions
2 questionsWhat's the difference between caster sugar and granulated sugar?
Caster sugar is just regular granulated sugar that has been ground to a finer consistency.
Can I make caster sugar at home?
Yes, pulse regular granulated sugar in a food processor or blender for a few seconds.
Tips for substituting caster sugar
3 tips- Caster sugar is very fine granulated sugar
- It dissolves quickly, making it good for meringues and cocktails
- Also known as superfine sugar in the US