Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

hi,
I was taking the video tutorial of the moist chocolate cake, is there any substitute for 720g golden caster sugar? Can we used crushed white sugar instead?

Thanks,
Mariah

CakeFlix Guidance

What is the best caster sugar substitute?

If you cannot find caster sugar, look for white superfine sugar, which is the same type of fine crystalline sugar under a different name. Alternatively, briefly pulse white granulated sugar in a food processor to make the crystals smaller. Use the same weight your recipe specifies.

For example, replace 200g of caster sugar with 200g of finely processed granulated sugar. Measure by weight, as different crystal sizes can pack differently into a cup.

Our guide to what caster sugar is and how to use it explains why crystal size matters in baking.

Can you use granulated sugar instead of caster sugar?

Granulated sugar can work in some cakes and biscuits, particularly recipes where the sugar dissolves in liquid or melted ingredients. However, its larger crystals may leave a coarser texture if they do not dissolve sufficiently.

For delicate sponges, meringues and pavlovas, stick with the specified sugar where possible. Avoid trying to compensate by beating the finished cake batter for longer, as this can affect the result.

How do you make caster sugar at home?

Put granulated sugar into a suitable food processor or blender and pulse in short bursts. Stop when the crystals look finer, before they become powder.

Allow any sugar dust to settle before opening the lid, then weigh out the amount needed. Equipment varies, so check the texture rather than relying on a fixed processing time.

Nigella’s advice on replacing caster sugar also explains this practical alternative.

Can golden caster sugar replace white caster sugar?

Golden caster sugar is usually a straightforward replacement in everyday cakes and biscuits, using the same weight. It may add a slightly warmer colour and subtle flavour.

The reverse also works in many recipes. For the original chocolate cake question above, white caster sugar is a practical alternative to golden caster sugar. Read more about golden caster sugar and its substitutes.

Can you use icing sugar or brown sugar instead?

Icing sugar is not a reliable direct replacement. Its powdery texture, and any added anti-caking ingredients, can change how the recipe behaves.

Soft brown sugar can suit some bakes, but its moisture and molasses content affect flavour, colour and texture. Honey and syrups also need recipe adjustments.

For an important cake, test your substitution first. Our free cake calculators help with quantities, while the CakeFlix Diploma offers structured learning to develop your baking and decorating skills.

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Hi Mariah

I have replace the golden caster sugar with white caster sugar and the cake had the same result, kind regards Grace

As long as all the sugar melts down and doesn’t leave a grainy texture, any sugar can be used. I use soft dark brown, soft light brown and whizz granulated sugar in the food processor to reduce the size of the sugar crystals.
You can also whizz normal sugar around in a coffee grinder in short bursts until you have the granule size you want.