What Is Demerara Sugar Really? Everything You Need to Know
Ever noticed those rough, golden sugar crystals topping your favorite pastry or stirring smoothly into coffee?
Meet demerara sugar—an unassuming ingredient that’s not just for sweetness but for crunch and rich flavor too.
Many folks wonder why they’d need demerara over other sugars, or what makes it so special.
If you’re looking to add some depth to your recipes or elevate simple treats, this guide will show you exactly why demerara sugar might just be the secret ingredient you never knew you were missing.
What Is Demerara Sugar?
Demerara sugar is a minimally processed cane sugar with large, golden-brown crystals. It gets its color from the natural molasses left in each crystal, which is partly why it has a subtle caramel or toffee flavor that’s different from plain white sugar.
Unlike other sugars, it hasn’t been stripped of all its natural goodness, leaving it less processed and slightly more complex.
The crystals are coarser than traditional granulated sugar, making it perfect for adding texture and sweetness without dissolving too quickly.
Demerara Sugar vs. Turbinado and White Sugar
How Does Demerara Compare to Turbinado?
Turbinado sugar and demerara sugar are often mixed up. Both come from sugar cane and have similar textures, but turbinado is slightly finer and usually lighter in color. Turbinado is often processed a bit more than demerara, removing more of the natural molasses. This means demerara has a stronger, richer caramel flavor than turbinado.
How Does Demerara Compare to White Sugar?
White sugar, on the other hand, is highly refined, with all traces of molasses removed. Its fine crystals dissolve quickly, making it a go-to for most baking and cooking. However, white sugar lacks the deeper flavors and crunch that demerara offers, which makes demerara ideal for recipes where both texture and flavor matter.
What Does Demerara Sugar Taste Like?
Demerara sugar has a natural, mellow caramel flavor, thanks to the molasses it retains. This touch of molasses brings warmth and richness, adding depth to foods in a way that plain white sugar just can’t. The taste pairs well with many baked goods, beverages, and even some savory dishes.
How to Cook With Demerara Sugar
Wondering where to use demerara? Its unique qualities make it a favorite among chefs and home bakers alike. Here’s a quick list of some common uses:
- Baking: The crunchy texture of demerara makes it perfect for sprinkling on top of muffins, cookies, and pies. It adds both texture and a golden finish.
- Beverages: Stirring a spoonful into coffee or tea adds a subtle caramel touch that’s hard to resist.
- Cooking: Demerara sugar can bring out flavors in marinades or glazes, especially for dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Demerara Sugar Substitute
If you find yourself out of demerara sugar, don’t worry—there are some easy substitutes:
- Turbinado Sugar: The best replacement, turbinado has a similar texture and mild flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar has more molasses, so it’s softer and has a richer flavor but can still work in a pinch.
- White Sugar with a Touch of Molasses: Add a bit of molasses to granulated sugar to get a homemade version of demerara.
Recipes That Use Demerara Sugar
Using demerara sugar in your recipes can give your treats a surprising twist. Here’s how you can work it into some classic dishes:
- Demerara Sugar Muffins: Sprinkle demerara on muffin tops before baking for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
- Caramelized Topping on Oatmeal: Add a layer of demerara on top and toast under the broiler for a few seconds for a brûlée effect.
- Coffee Cake with Demerara Crumble: Replace regular sugar in the topping with demerara for a richer crunch.
- Glazed Carrots: Sprinkle a little demerara on roasted carrots for a sweet glaze that complements their natural sweetness.
- Demerara Simple Syrup: Make a home made demerara simple syrup for use with coffee, tea, desserts, cocktails and more!
Buying and Storing Demerara Sugar
Demerara sugar is available at most grocery stores, typically in the baking aisle.
Since it has larger crystals, it’s best to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and free of moisture.
When properly stored, demerara sugar can last indefinitely, although it’s best used within a year for maximum flavor.
FAQs on Demerara Sugar
While less processed, it still has a similar calorie count to white sugar. Its main benefit is flavor, not health.
Absolutely! It’s excellent for toppings and for adding a subtle caramel taste to baked goods.
It adds a warm, caramel touch, enhancing the coffee’s richness.
No, brown sugar is finer and contains more molasses, making it moister and darker.
Yes, it’s great for marinades and glazes, where it can add flavor and texture.
Most grocery stores carry it, especially in the baking section.
When stored well, it can last for years without losing flavor or texture.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.