When we think about baking, we know that we will need all kinds of utensils and ingredients to bake incredible cakes, pies, cupcakes, bread, donuts, and more, from molds, rolling pins, cookie cutters, bowls, flour, yeast, baking powder, essence vanilla, chocolate chips and more; however, the essential ingredient in confectionery is sugar, since it gives flavor, texture and even color.
For example, in the case of salty and sweet bread, sugar becomes an almost magical ingredient since the yeast needs sugar to grow, resulting in fluffy and delicious bread.
If you are starting in the world of baking or want to improve your technique, it is essential that you learn about the different types of sugar, how they are used, and which is the best for every kind of preparation; you will be surprised!
Four types of sugar for baking
Now that you know the importance of sugar in the chemical reactions in baking, we explain how to use these four different types of sweeteners in the kitchen; you will become an expert!
White sugar
Also known as granulated sugar, this sweetener is ideal for preparing delicious desserts. Still, it is also suitable for preparing fresh water and hot drinks, as it dissolves quickly. On the other hand, it is also your best option to sprinkle churros, cakes, donuts, and more. This sugar is ideal for making butter cookies, jams, compotes, pancakes, cakes, candies, and more.
White sugar is the perfect option for adding dough and mixtures since the size of the sugar crystals are small. She also notes that this sugar “helps the cookies spread, gives the cookies a crunchy texture, and crystallization causes cracks to form on the surface.”
Powdered sugar
This type of sugar is one of the most used in the world of confectionery, as it gives the perfect texture to glazes and frostings thanks to its wonderful surface. It is produced by pulverizing it and adding cornstarch to prevent lumps from forming.
Like white sugar, powdered sugar dissolves quickly, making it ideal for making icings and icing and dusting, and decorating bread, cakes, and pancakes. The chef explains that icing sugar is used in various preparations, from Danish cookies, royal icing, cakes, macaroons, glazes, and decorating. In addition, it is an excellent option if we want to guarantee the homogeneity of our preparations.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar cannot be missing from your kitchen if you like to bake frequently, as it gives a delicious caramel flavor to your preparations. On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that this type of sugar is produced by adding molasses to white sugar.
It is usually used in preparations such as brownies, cookies, and blondies, which need a chewy or crunchy texture. According to chef Jessica Gavin, brown sugar will give cookies and pancakes a golden color.
Brown sugar
Although it is very similar to brown sugar, they are not the same and are not interchangeable, as muscovado sugar contains a higher amount of molasses, so it has a more chewy texture, a deeper color, and a more robust flavor.
This type of sugar is used in preparing BBQ sauce and rubs for meat, but also to prepare classics such as gingerbread cookies and Christmas fruit cake, among others. In this regard, chef Yamilette explains that it is commonly used to make chocolate chip cookies since it provides the necessary moisture that this type of cookie requires; since being a less processed sugar, it retains a more natural flavor. Therefore, it is perfect for rubs when preparing a seasoning for meats.
