Full question
What is the superfine sugar that is mentioned in some of Nigella's recipes? In Australia we don't have a sugar that we call superfine. We have white, raw, brown, dark brown, pure icing sugar & icing sugar mixture and a couple of others but not one called superfine. What can I substitute instead please?
Our answer
Superfine sugar is a fine crystal white sugar that is used in baking. In the UK it is known as caster sugar (and sometimes in other countries it is called castor sugar). It is particulary good in baking as the finer crystals dissolve easily, This is particularly important for recipes such as pavlovas and meringues as the sugar needs to dissolve completely in the egg white. So for recipes such as the Lemon Pavlova and Forgotten Pudding we recommend using caster or superfine sugar.
In Australia we believe that caster sugar is sold and this would be the best sugar to use when a recipe asks for superfine sugar. Occasionally for some cake and cookie recipes the US and Australian regular (table) sugar can be used as the crystals are fine enough to dissolve in the cake or cookie batter. However it is usually best to use the type of sugar that is listed in the recipe.
Tell us what you think
Thank you {% member.data['first-name'] %}.
Explore more questionsYour comment has been submitted.