Pearl Sugar

Our answer

Pearl sugar, sometimes called nibbed sugar, is larger crystals of white sugar that are sprinkled on baked goods. They provide crunch as well as sweetness. There are several sources on-line but we appreciate that the cost of the shipping can be as high as the cost of the sugar itself. If you are close to an Ikea store then it may be worth checking their food section (we would suggest calling first if you need to make a special trip). The sugar is popular on Swedish baked goods and in the past we have seen bags of this sugar in some branches of the store.

If you can't find the sugar then coarsely crushed sugar lumps can provide a rough asubstitute. They don't quite have the polished look of the pearled sugar but will provide the crunch and sweetness. Crushed brown or raw sugar cubes can also provide an interesting alternative to white sugar.