When we think of baked goods, the first thing that comes to mind is sweetness, because whether a bake tastes good or not depends a great deal on how sweet it is. So today, let's look at the different sugars used in baking.
When we talk about sugar or sweeteners, we next think of cooking, whether rich, sweet or savoury dishes, desserts or baked goods. Most of us only know a few types of sugar, and they tend to look fairly similar. Anyone who wants to learn baking will naturally wonder which type of sugar to use for different bakes and desserts.
What Is Sugar?
Sugar is a crystalline compound that dissolves easily in water and provides carbohydrates. The sugar used in baking is sucrose, better known as white granulated sugar, which is made from sugar cane. There are also several other kinds of sugar used in baking.
Sugars Used in Baking
Sugar is a key ingredient in baking, and there are three main types used for desserts and baked goods.
1. Granulated White Sugar
Granulated white sugar comes in a regular fine grade and a coarse grade. Most baking uses fine granulated sugar, because finer sugar blends well with the other ingredients. Coarse sugar is harder to mix in and does not combine as well, as it dissolves slowly and stays in crystals; even during baking, the heat is not enough to melt it. Coarse granulated sugar is therefore mostly used for sprinkling on top or decorating baked goods.
2. Brown Sugar (Yellow or Brown Sugar)
Brown sugar is not often used as an ingredient in baked goods; it is more commonly used to make caramel. It contains minerals and a high level of moisture because it is unrefined, or raw, sugar. Brown sugar ranges from light to dark brown, is a fine powder that clumps easily, and is therefore used more for caramel than mixed into bakes.
3. Icing Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar)
Icing sugar is a powder as fine as baking flour. It is finely ground sugar mixed with cornflour to stop it from clumping and crystallising. Icing sugar is mostly used to decorate or dust the tops of baked goods and desserts.
So when you buy sugar, choose the type that suits the bake you are planning to make.
