Is demerara sugar the same as turbinado

Is demerara sugar the same as turbinado
When it comes to baking, recipes mostly call for powdered/confectioners’ sugar, plain sugar or brown sugar. The textures and properties of these three types are taken into account when the recipe is formulated. But they are not the be-all and end-all of sugars, and a few of the “specialty” sugars (by which I mean that they’re less common here in the US) are gaining in popularity and are becoming more widely available, especially as more consumers become interested in less-processed sweeteners.

Turbinado sugar is a type of relatively unprocessed cane sugar, unrefined and crystallized through evaporation. The crystals tend to be large and have an off-white color. Sugar in the Raw is this type of sugar and you may have seen it at coffee shops, even if you haven’t noticed the name “turbinado” before. It works in place of plain sugar in just about all recipes.

Demerara sugar is similar to turbinado sugar in that it also has large, irregular grains and a light brown color. It is unrefined and produced in such a way as to turn out very large crystals, larger even than those of turbinado sugar. The sugar still has lots of natural molasses flavoring, which makes it a popular sweetener for teas. It works in most recipes that call for plain sugar, although the resulting cookies will sometimes have a slightly crunchier texture and cakes may have a less-fine crumb.

Muscovado sugar is another type of unrefined sugar, a dark brown sugar. Unlike many brown sugars that are white sugars with molasses added back, it is darkly flavored from sugarcane juice left in during the production process. It tends to be sticky and can be used just like brown sugar.

Chances are you’ve never heard of Turbinado sugar. You may have seen it at the grocery store or even as “sugar in the raw” at your local coffee shop.

Is demerara sugar the same as turbinado

It is a coarse, brown sugar that comes in large crystals. Raw turbinado sugar is sometimes marketed as a healthier alternative to regular sugar, but the truth is that it is still somewhat processed and and is still in fact, sugar.

What is turbinado sugar?

Turbinado sugar comes from the first pressing of sugar cane, extracting some of the juice. It is still minimally processed and has a higher molasses content that other sugar varieties.

It retains some of the natural molasses flavors from the sugarcane and has a subtle caramel flavor and the signature camel colored hue. It is also much coarser than white regular sugar or even traditional brown sugar or dark brown sugar, which have a finer grind.

Is demerara sugar the same as turbinado sugar?

They are similar and can often be used interchangeably, but the main difference is that turbinado sugar crystals are slightly finer than Demerara. It is also less sticky, with its crystals having the same dry granules as white sugar.

Can I substitute turbinado sugar for white sugar?

The short answer is yes, but you’ll need to make some adjustments. It can’t be swapped 1 cup for 1 cup.

It is a coarse sugar so you might need more for the same amount of sugar. Unless you are dusting, then you might need less. It really depends on the recipe, but overall turbinado less less per volume because of large grains.

Is demerara sugar the same as turbinado

It also doesn’t dissolve well, so beware that you might have a little crunch from swapping it out. It does do well in hot beverages like morning coffee or tea and also in sauces where like barbeque sauce, where the sugar will be melted. Be mindful that using it in things like cookie dough or pastry dough might add a little extra crunch because it won’t fully dissolve.

Is it healthier?

I’ll leave this one up to interpretation. It is less processed, but it is still sugar. Some beleive that it is metabolized slower.

Is it the same as brown sugar?

No. Turbinado comes from raw sugar cane while brown sugar is processed white sugar with molasses. They are the same golden color, but vary in taste, texture (brown sugar is moist) and crystal size.

Brown sugar has a more subtle molasses flavor and is wet like sand because of extra moisture.

How do I use turbinado sugar?

It is the best as a finishing sugar for muffins, strudels, pastries, creme brulee, in spice rubs,  and other baked goods.

Since it is coarse, it doesn’t dissolve into batters like granulated sugar. It will leave a crunchy texture. If that is what you are looking for, great!

Recipes with turbinado sugar

  • Easy Apple Dumplings
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • Danish Pastry 
Is demerara sugar the same as turbinado
Easy Apple Strudel

Is demerara sugar the same as turbinado

Can you substitute turbinado sugar for demerara?

Substitutes for demerara sugar include any type of brown sugar, particularly light brown sugar, turbinado sugar, or muscovado sugar in equal amounts. (Dark brown sugars will add a stronger molasses flavor.) You can also use granulated sugar, but there will be a flavor and texture difference.

Is sugar in the Raw the same as demerara sugar?

What Is Demerara Sugar? Demerara sugar is partially-refined raw sugar that is made from the first pressing of sugar cane. Once the extracted cane juices evaporate, you're left with large grain sugar that has a golden brown color and a subtle molasses flavor.

What is another name for turbinado sugar?

Turbinado sugar (also known as raw sugar) is an ingredient you might have only seen at the condiment bar at your local cafe just waiting to be dusted over your morning oatmeal or stirred into a latte. Darker and less fine than regular granulated sugar, this ingredient definitely differs from the classic.

What is demerara sugar vs turbinado?

Demerara and Turbinado These are both minimally refined cane sugars (so some of the molasses is removed, but most is left behind). These two taste slightly different, with demerara having a molasses-like flavor while turbinado is a bit subtler and more caramel-like.