🍯 Sweeteners

Granulated Sugar vs Caster Sugar: Complete Guide

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

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Quick Answer

Granulated sugar and caster sugar are very similar: both are refined white sugars with 1:1 substitution ratio. For caster sugar, use granulated sugar. For granulated sugar, use caster sugar. Both work interchangeably in most recipes.

Best Substitutes

Caster Sugar → Granulated Sugar

1:1

Granulated sugar provides similar sweetness to caster sugar with slightly coarser texture. Perfect for when you want the same functionality with standard refined white sugar.

Best for:

bakingcookingwhen you want similar resultsgeneral usemost caster sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Granulated sugar has similar sweetness but slightly coarser texture than caster sugar. Ideal for most applications where caster sugar is called for.

Granulated Sugar → Caster Sugar

1:1

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

Best for:

bakingcookingwhen you want finer texturegeneral usemost granulated sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Caster sugar has similar sweetness but finer texture than granulated sugar. Ideal for most applications where granulated sugar is called for.

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 similar sweetness to both caster and granulated sugar with finer texture. Good for when you want extra-fine consistency.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want finer texturefrostingmost sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Powdered sugar has similar sweetness but finer texture than both caster and granulated sugar. Ideal for recipes where you want extra-fine consistency.

Brown Sugar

1:1

Brown sugar provides similar sweetness to both caster and granulated sugar with added molasses flavor. Good for when you want added depth and moisture.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want molasses flavormoisturecaramel notesmost sugar recipes

Use in equal amounts by volume. Brown sugar has a slightly different flavor but similar sweetness. Pack brown sugar when measuring for best results.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For caster sugar vs granulated sugar, use 1:1 ratio - they're essentially identical
  • 💡When making caster sugar cookies, use granulated sugar for the same results
  • 💡For granulated sugar in cakes, use caster sugar for finer texture
  • 💡In caster sugar meringues, use granulated sugar for similar results
  • 💡For granulated sugar in brownies, use caster sugar for finer consistency
  • 💡When making caster sugar macarons, use granulated sugar for similar texture
  • 💡For granulated sugar in pavlova, use caster sugar for stability
  • 💡In caster sugar cheesecake, use granulated sugar for structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute granulated sugar for caster sugar?

Yes, granulated sugar and caster sugar are essentially identical. Use equal amounts by volume. Both have the same sweetness and can be used interchangeably.

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

Caster sugar has finer grains than granulated sugar, making it dissolve faster. Both can be used interchangeably in most recipes with 1:1 substitution.

Can I use caster sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, caster sugar works perfectly as a granulated sugar substitute. Use equal amounts by volume. Both have identical sweetness and functionality.

Are caster sugar and granulated sugar the same?

Caster sugar and granulated sugar are essentially the same in terms of sweetness and functionality. Both are refined white sugars that can be used interchangeably.

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

For alternatives, use superfine sugar for identical results, powdered sugar for finer texture, or brown sugar for molasses flavor.

Summary

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