Sanding sugar’s sparkle makes desserts pop.
Finding a substitute can seem tough. Luckily, we’ve got you covered.
Ever been in the middle of baking and realized you’re out of sanding sugar?
It happens to the best of us. No need to run to the store mid-recipe.
We’ve discovered five awesome alternatives that keep your treats looking and tasting fantastic.
These swaps are probably already in your kitchen.
And they’ll save your dessert without skipping a beat.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Sanding Sugar
If you’re looking for a sanding sugar alternative, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are five substitutes that will give your desserts the perfect sweetness and texture.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Substitute Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Sugar | Crunchy sugar crystals with a subtle sweetness | Use as a 1:1 substitution for sanding sugar |
| Demerara Sugar | Golden-brown sugar with a rich caramel flavor | Use as a 1:1 substitution for sanding sugar or adjust to desired sweetness |
| Granulated Sugar | Fine sugar crystals with a mild sweetness | Use as a 1:1 substitution for sanding sugar or adjust to desired sweetness |
| Rainbow Sprinkles | Colorful and festive sugar decorations | Use as a topping for added sweetness and visual appeal |
| Homemade Sanding Sugar | Customizable sugar mixture made by coloring granulated sugar | Use as a 1:1 substitution for sanding sugar or adjust to desired color and texture |
When it comes to creating sweet treats and substituting sanding sugar, consider the following options:
1 – Pearl Sugar
Sugar has been an integral part of baking and confectionery recipes for centuries.
However, not all sugar is created equal.
Pearl sugar, also known as nib sugar or hail sugar, is a type of coarsely ground sugar used in various sweet and savory dishes.
Unlike other types of sugar, pearl sugar does not melt when exposed to heat.
This makes it ideal for use in baked goods such as pastry doughs and cookies and for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
Pearl sugar is also a popular ingredient in Swedish Lundgaard cream puffs and Belgian waffles.
The large crystals add a lovely crunch to these sweet treats.
It has a subtle sweetness that works well as a 1:1 substitution for sanding sugar, adding both visual appeal and a slight crunch.
2 – Demerara Sugar
Demerara sugar is a type of unrefined cane sugar that originates from the Demerara region of Guyana.
It has large, light brown crystals and a distinctive molasses flavor.
Demerara sugar is often used as a substitute for sanding sugar, a type of refined sugar used to decorate baked goods.
Sanding sugar has smaller crystals and a more delicate flavor, so it can be difficult to find a good replacement.
However, Demerara sugar works well as a substitute because it has a similar color and texture.
In addition, the molasses flavor of Demerara sugar can enhance the flavor of some baked goods.
It can be used as a 1:1 substitution for sanding sugar, providing a similar level of sweetness and adding a hint of caramel taste to your treats.
3 – Granulated Sugar
It’s not uncommon to find a recipe for “sanding sugar,” only to realize that you don’t have any on hand.
Fortunately, granulated sugar makes an excellent substitute.
The two types of sugar are very similar in texture and particle size, so they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
The main difference is that sanding sugar is usually colored, and white granulated sugar is not.
However, this is not a major concern when using sugar as a topping or decoration.
While it has a finer texture compared to sanding sugar, it offers a mild sweetness. Use it as a 1:1 substitution or adjust the quantity to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
4 – Rainbow Sprinkles
Who doesn’t love rainbow sprinkles? They’re colorful, fun, and make any dessert feel just a little bit more special.
But did you know that rainbow sprinkles can also be used as a substitute for sanding sugar? If you’re out of sanding sugar and need to decorate a cake or cookie, just reach for the sprinkles.
The small size of the sprinkles makes them perfect for creating a smooth, even surface on your desserts.
Plus, the colors add an extra touch of fun.
While they won’t provide the same texture as sanding sugar, they will add sweetness and visual appeal to your treats.
5 – Homemade Sanding Sugar
If you love the look of sparkling Sanding Sugar but don’t want to buy it, you can easily make your own at home.
All you need is some granulated sugar and a food-grade glitter.
Simply mix the two ingredients in a bowl, and voila – you’ve got homemade sanding sugar.
You can use this sparkly sugar to decorate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.
It’s also a great way to add extra pizzazz to plain yogurt or oatmeal.
Just be sure to store your sanding sugar in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Use it as a 1:1 substitution for sanding sugar or adjust the color and texture to your liking.
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