🍯 Sweeteners

Caster Sugar vs Icing Sugar: Complete Substitution Guide

Learn the differences between caster sugar and icing sugar, and find the best substitutes for each. Complete comparison guide with ratios and techniques.

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Quick Answer

Caster sugar and icing sugar are different: caster sugar has fine grains while icing sugar is powdered. For caster sugar, use superfine sugar. For icing sugar, use powdered sugar. Both can be substituted with 1:1 ratio.

Best Substitutes

Caster Sugar → Icing Sugar

1:1

Icing sugar provides similar sweetness to caster sugar with finer texture. Perfect for when you want the same functionality with powdered consistency.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want finer texturefrostingmost caster sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Icing sugar has similar sweetness but finer texture than caster sugar. Ideal for recipes where you want powdered consistency.

Icing Sugar → Caster Sugar

1:1

Caster sugar provides similar sweetness to icing sugar with coarser texture. Good for when you want the same functionality with fine-grained sugar.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want coarser texturegeneral usemost icing sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Caster sugar has similar sweetness but coarser texture than icing sugar. Ideal for recipes where you want fine-grained sugar.

Superfine Sugar

1:1

Superfine sugar provides identical sweetness and texture to caster sugar. Good for when you want the exact same functionality with fine-grained sugar.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want identical resultsfine texturemost sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Superfine sugar has identical sweetness and texture to caster sugar. Ideal for all applications where fine sugar is needed.

Powdered Sugar

1:1

Powdered sugar provides identical sweetness and texture to icing sugar. Good for when you want the exact same functionality with powdered consistency.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want identical resultspowdered texturemost sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Powdered sugar has identical sweetness and texture to icing sugar. Ideal for all applications where powdered sugar is needed.

Granulated Sugar

1:1

Granulated sugar provides similar sweetness to both caster and icing sugar with coarser texture. Good for when you want standard refined white sugar.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want coarser texturegeneral usemost sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Granulated sugar has similar sweetness but coarser texture than both caster and icing sugar. Ideal for recipes where you want standard sugar.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For caster sugar vs icing sugar, use 1:1 ratio - they have different textures but similar sweetness
  • 💡When making caster sugar cookies, use icing sugar for finer texture
  • 💡For icing sugar in cakes, use caster sugar for structure
  • 💡In caster sugar meringues, use icing sugar for smoother texture
  • 💡For icing sugar in brownies, use caster sugar for better structure
  • 💡When making caster sugar macarons, use icing sugar for smooth texture
  • 💡For icing sugar in pavlova, use caster sugar for stability
  • 💡In caster sugar cheesecake, use icing sugar for finer consistency

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute caster sugar with icing sugar?

Yes, caster sugar and icing sugar can be substituted. Use equal amounts by volume. Icing sugar has finer texture than caster sugar but similar sweetness.

What's the difference between caster sugar and icing sugar?

Caster sugar has fine grains while icing sugar is powdered. Both have similar sweetness but different textures. Caster sugar dissolves faster than granulated sugar but slower than icing sugar.

Can I use icing sugar instead of caster sugar?

Yes, icing sugar works as a caster sugar substitute. Use equal amounts by volume. Icing sugar has finer texture but similar sweetness to caster sugar.

What can I use instead of caster sugar or icing sugar?

For alternatives, use superfine sugar for caster sugar, powdered sugar for icing sugar, or granulated sugar for both with coarser texture.

Can I substitute powdered sugar for caster sugar?

Yes, powdered sugar works as a caster sugar substitute. Use equal amounts by volume. Powdered sugar has finer texture but similar sweetness to caster sugar.

Summary

Learn the differences between caster sugar and icing sugar, and find the best substitutes for each. Complete comparison guide with ratios and techniques.