Sugar

Saccharum officinarum Sweetener

Sugar Sweetener

At a Glance

  • Category Sweetener

The Forktionary Angle

"From balancing savory dishes to perfecting pastry, explore how sugar's chemical properties transform texture, flavor, and shelf-life in the kitchen."

Definition

A common crystalline carbohydrate, primarily sucrose, extracted from sugarcane or beets, used universally as a sweetener and preservative.

Browning Point (Caramelization) 320°F (160°C)
Primary Function in Baking Sweetening, tenderizing, browning
Solubility in Water 180g per 100ml (20°C)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sugar are:

Sweet neutral

Chef’s Secret

A pinch of sugar in tomato sauces or dishes with acidic ingredients can balance flavors, reducing harshness without making the dish sweet.

Best Substitutes

Honey

0. sugar, add liquid
Ratio 75:1

Maple Syrup

0. sugar, add liquid
Ratio 75:1

Agave Nectar

0. sugar
Ratio 5:1

Stevia

very small amount, to taste

Buying Guide

Granulated white sugar is versatile. Consider brown sugar for moisture/molasses flavor, or powdered sugar for dusting.

Recipes Using Sugar

Fruit Occasion Brunch Quick Breads

Avocado Banana And Mango Muffins

Escape to the tropics with these decadent Avocado Banana Mango Muffins! A surprisingly delicious combination of creamy avocado, sweet banana, and tangy mango creates a moist and flavorful muffin perfect for breakfast or a snack. This recipe, inspired by the Kiwi Gardens B&B in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offers a healthy twist on a classic treat. Save time by using frozen mango chunks! Get ready to impress your taste buds with this unique and unforgettable muffin recipe.

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Easy 60 Minutes Or Less Apples Time To Make

Apple Dumpling Cobbler

Warm up your autumn with this easy Apple Dumpling Cobbler recipe! Perfectly spiced apples nestled in buttery crescent roll dough, topped with a sweet and cinnamon-spiced crumble. Ready in under an hour, it's the ultimate comfort dessert for apple season.

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Low Sodium For 1 Or 2 Course Beginner Cook

5 Minute Chocolate Cake

Indulge in this decadent, moist chocolate cake ready in just 5 minutes! This single-serving mug cake is the perfect quick treat for chocolate cravings. No oven needed – just a mug and your microwave!

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Fruit Number Of Servings Preparation Nuts

Apple Date Nut Bars

Healthy and delicious Apple Date Nut Bars! This easy recipe combines the sweetness of apples and dates with crunchy walnuts for a guilt-free treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bars are packed with flavor and nutrients. Get the recipe now!

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Chocolate Preparation Cakes 3 Steps Or Less

Best Chocolate Mayo Cake With Cocoa Mayo Frosting

Indulge in this unbelievably moist and decadent chocolate cake, perfect for when you're short on butter and eggs! Made with pantry staples, this recipe delivers rich chocolate flavor in both the cake and the creamy cocoa mayo frosting. A true miracle whip can be substituted for mayo in the cake (but not the frosting!), making this a surprisingly simple yet scrumptious dessert. Get ready to impress!

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Course Low In Something Time To Make Occasion

Bananas Baked With Custard

Indulge in this irresistible Bananas Baked with Creamy Custard recipe! Perfectly baked bananas nestled in a rich, velvety custard, topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg. A simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

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Vegetables Asian Greens North American

Asian Chopped Vegetable Salad

This vibrant Asian Chopped Vegetable Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Inspired by a 1999 Better Homes and Gardens recipe, this salad offers a delicious contrast to rich proteins like grilled kalbi. The crunchy vegetables and zesty dressing create a symphony of textures and tastes in your mouth. Easy to make and even better the next day (though colors may slightly fade), this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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30 Minutes Or Less Healthy 2 Main Ingredient Course

Banana Coffee Biscuits

Indulge in the delightful surprise of Banana Coffee Biscuits! This unique recipe, adapted from Cooking Light's 1992 cookbook, blends the sweetness of banana with the rich aroma of coffee for a truly unforgettable treat. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, these biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unusual yet irresistible combination.

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Healthy Course Healthy Main Dish

America's Test Kitchen Thin Crust Pizza

Achieve pizzeria-style thin crust pizza at home with this foolproof recipe from America's Test Kitchen! Our easy-to-follow instructions and perfectly balanced dough recipe will yield a crispy, flavorful crust every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade pizza.

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Sweet 15 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood Thai

Banana In Coconut Cream

Indulge in this dreamy Thai-inspired dessert! Sweet and creamy banana slices simmered in rich coconut milk, infused with warm cinnamon. This recipe is surprisingly healthy, packed with bone-strengthening phosphorus and calcium, heart-healthy potassium, and vitamins A and B6. Banish those leg cramps and treat yourself to a taste of paradise – it's quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious!

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Course Occasion To Go Cookies And Brownies

Apricot Cornmeal And Sage Cookies

These delightful Apricot Cornmeal & Sage Cookies offer a unique twist on classic baking! Inspired by a 1997 Gourmet Magazine recipe, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of sweet apricots, subtly earthy sage, and the pleasant texture of cornmeal, all baked to golden perfection. A perfect treat for coffee hour, afternoon tea, or any occasion when you crave something truly special and memorable. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these extraordinary cookies!

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Low Cholesterol Low Protein Time To Make Dietary

Amazing Cranberry Sauce

Elevate your holiday table with this unbelievably delicious cranberry sauce! Forget canned cranberry sauce – this simple recipe uses fresh cranberries and a touch of citrus for a vibrant flavor explosion. It's so easy to make, and the leftovers are magically transformed into a delightful raspberry jello dessert! Prepare to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable cranberry sauce.

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Equipment Holiday Event

Souper Easy Sweet Sour Meatballs

These incredibly tasty sweet and sour meatballs are ridiculously easy to make, disappearing faster than you can say 'leftovers'! Perfect for meal prepping – double the recipe and freeze individual portions for busy weeknights. Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll have everyone asking for more!

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Fruit Time To Make Cookies And Brownies 60 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Almond Cream Cheese Squares

These decadent Apricot Almond Cream Cheese Squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a friend's recipe, these rich and buttery bars feature a flaky crust, a luscious apricot cream cheese filling, and a delightful almond topping. Perfect for parties (mini muffin cups are a fantastic serving idea!), these squares are best made ahead and chilled overnight to allow the flavors to fully meld. The versatile base recipe can be adapted for countless other desserts! Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to create this impressive treat.

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Desserts Preparation Desserts Course

Banana Split

Warm banana bread meets classic banana split in this decadent dessert! Imagine fluffy banana bread infused with the sweetness of fresh bananas, rich chocolate ganache, tangy crushed pineapple, crunchy candied walnuts, and a dollop of whipped cream. It's easier to make than a traditional banana split and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Course Time To Make Breakfast 5 Ingredients Or Less

Old Style Pancakes

These aren't your average pancakes! This treasured recipe, passed down from my great-grandmother, includes a secret ingredient for extra fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Get ready to taste a piece of family history with this easy-to-follow recipe. (Shh...don't tell anyone about the beer!)

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Dietary Course Main Dish Diabetic

Asian Black Pepper Crab

Experience the ultimate seafood feast with this Asian Black Pepper Atlantic Blue Crab recipe! We use only the freshest, live Atlantic blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) – the 'beautiful swimmers' – known for their rich, unctuous, mildly sweet, and briny flavor. Learn how to prepare these prized crustaceans, ensuring a succulent and unforgettable meal. This recipe celebrates the recent comeback of the Atlantic blue crab population, reminding us of the importance of sustainable seafood choices. Discover the story behind these incredible crabs in William W. Warner's 'Beautiful Swimmers,' a must-read for seafood enthusiasts. Serve this sensational dish al fresco for the ultimate summer experience!

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Number Of Servings Dietary Cakes Time To Make

Brownie Fudge Layer Cake Light

Indulge in this decadent yet surprisingly light Brownie Fudge Layer Cake! This easy recipe from r. Reisman delivers rich chocolate flavor without the guilt. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a weekend treat. Get ready to impress!

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