🍯 Sweeteners

Superfine Sugar Substitute: for Baking & Cocktails

Find the best substitutes for superfine sugar in baking and cocktails. Learn how to make superfine sugar at home and discover alternatives that work perfectly.

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Quick Answer

The best substitute for superfine sugar is granulated sugar processed in a food processor for 30-60 seconds until fine. For cocktails, use simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water). Powdered sugar works for some baking but contains cornstarch.

Best Substitutes

Processed Granulated Sugar

1:1

Regular granulated sugar processed in a food processor or blender until fine. This is the closest substitute to superfine sugar.

Best for:

bakingmeringuesangel food cakemousseswhipped cream

Process for 30-60 seconds until crystals are fine. Works in all recipes calling for superfine sugar.

Simple Syrup

1 cup superfine sugar = 1/2 cup simple syrup

Equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved. Perfect for cocktails and beverages where quick dissolving is needed.

Best for:

cocktailsbeveragescold drinkssmoothiesiced tea

Make 1:1 simple syrup (1 cup sugar + 1 cup water). Use half the amount of superfine sugar called for.

Powdered Sugar

1:1

Confectioners' sugar that's been ground very fine. Contains cornstarch which may affect some recipes.

Best for:

frostingglazessome baked goodswhipped creammousses

Contains cornstarch which can make baked goods denser. Not ideal for meringues or delicate cakes.

Brown Sugar (Processed)

1:1

Brown sugar processed to fine consistency. Adds molasses flavor and moisture.

Best for:

cookiescakesmuffinsquick breadscaramel desserts

Adds molasses flavor and extra moisture. Process in food processor until fine before using.

Coconut Sugar (Processed)

1:1

Natural coconut sugar processed to fine consistency. Similar to brown sugar but with coconut flavor.

Best for:

natural bakingcookiescakesmuffinshealthier desserts

Process in food processor until fine. Slightly less sweet than regular sugar.

Turbinado Sugar (Processed)

1:1

Raw sugar processed to fine consistency. Has slight molasses flavor and golden color.

Best for:

natural bakingcookiescakesmuffinsartisanal desserts

Process in food processor until fine. Adds slight molasses flavor and golden color.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡To make superfine sugar at home: Process granulated sugar in a food processor for 30-60 seconds until fine
  • 💡For cocktails, simple syrup is often better than superfine sugar as it dissolves instantly in cold liquids
  • 💡Superfine sugar dissolves faster than regular sugar, making it ideal for meringues and delicate baked goods
  • 💡When substituting powdered sugar, remember it contains cornstarch which can affect texture in some recipes
  • 💡For meringues and angel food cakes, processed granulated sugar works best as a superfine sugar substitute
  • 💡In cocktails, use 1/2 cup simple syrup for every 1 cup superfine sugar called for
  • 💡Brown sugar substitutes will add molasses flavor and extra moisture to your recipes
  • 💡Process any granulated sugar substitute in a food processor to achieve superfine consistency
  • 💡Superfine sugar is also called caster sugar in the UK and Australia
  • 💡For cold beverages, always use simple syrup instead of trying to dissolve sugar crystals
  • 💡Store homemade superfine sugar in an airtight container to prevent clumping
  • 💡When making simple syrup, heat gently and stir until all sugar is completely dissolved

Frequently Asked Questions

What is superfine sugar and why is it different from regular sugar?

Superfine sugar (also called caster sugar) has smaller crystals than regular granulated sugar, making it dissolve faster. This makes it ideal for meringues, angel food cakes, and cocktails where quick dissolving is important.

Can I substitute regular sugar for superfine sugar?

Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar for superfine sugar in a 1:1 ratio. For best results, process the regular sugar in a food processor for 30-60 seconds to make it finer.

What's the best substitute for superfine sugar in baking?

The best substitute is regular granulated sugar processed in a food processor until fine. This gives you the same texture and dissolving properties as superfine sugar.

Can I use powdered sugar instead of superfine sugar?

Powdered sugar can work in some recipes, but it contains cornstarch which can make baked goods denser. It's not ideal for meringues or delicate cakes where texture is crucial.

What's the best superfine sugar substitute for cocktails?

Simple syrup is the best substitute for superfine sugar in cocktails. Use 1/2 cup simple syrup for every 1 cup superfine sugar called for. It dissolves instantly in cold liquids.

How do I make superfine sugar at home?

Process regular granulated sugar in a food processor or blender for 30-60 seconds until the crystals are fine. Store in an airtight container to prevent clumping.

Can I substitute brown sugar for superfine sugar?

Yes, but brown sugar will add molasses flavor and extra moisture to your recipe. Process it in a food processor first to achieve a finer consistency similar to superfine sugar.

Why do some recipes specifically call for superfine sugar?

Recipes call for superfine sugar when quick dissolving is important, such as in meringues, angel food cakes, or when making whipped cream. The fine crystals dissolve faster than regular sugar.

Is superfine sugar the same as caster sugar?

Yes, superfine sugar and caster sugar are the same thing. Caster sugar is the British term for superfine sugar.

Can I use superfine sugar substitute in meringues?

Yes, processed granulated sugar works well in meringues as a superfine sugar substitute. The key is ensuring the sugar crystals are fine enough to dissolve completely in the egg whites.

Summary

Discover the best substitutes for superfine sugar in baking and cocktails. Learn how to make superfine sugar at home and find alternatives that work perfectly for meringues, angel food cake, and drinks.