A.K.A

ultrafine, instant dissolving, bar, or castor sugar

What is it?

Superfine sugar, which has tiny, unifrom crystlals, dissolves well in cold and room-temperature liquids, making it useful for meringues (which weep if there’s any undissolved sugar) and in iced tea, lemonade, and cocktails. The tiny granulation can improve the texture of cakes and other butter-and-sugar batters because the crystals’ many sharp edges cut into the butter during creaming, forming many air pockets to produce a fine delicate crumb.

Kitchen math:

Superfine measures like regular granulated sugar.

Don’t have it?

If you can’t find superfine sugar, you can make your own by grinding granulated sugar in a food processor for 30 to 40 seconds.

How to choose:

While shopping for sugar, keep in mind that the sugar industry has not standardized its labels, so stay alert to inconsistencies between brands.

How to prep:

Separate or sift any small lumps before measuring.

How to store:

Store in a cool dry place in a covered container.

Cross Reference

granulated sugar

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Recipes

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  Recipe

  Guava Martini

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  Recipe

  Coffee Hazelnut Chifferi

  These buttery, delicate crescents from the Italian Alps are similar to cookies from Germany and Austria. In fact, this recipe is inspired by one given to my mother by a…

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  Recipe

  Grapefruit Tart

  This unusual tart features a grapefruit custard baked in a pastry shell and topped with slices of candied grapefruit, balancing tartness with bittersweet.

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  Recipe

  Peanut Butter-Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes

  These dark, rich cupcakes topped with creamy, peanut buttery frosting will wow kids and grown-ups alike. The Italian meringue-based buttercream is soft and fluffy but holds up like a dream.…

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  Recipe

  Pistachio-Lemon Dacquoise

  Pistachio-flecked meringue layers contrast a tangy, creamy lemon curd filling in this stunning dacquoise. Perfect for a special occasion, this make-ahead dessert needs at least 24 hours in the refrigerator…

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  Recipe

  Fresh Berry Pavlova

  The baked meringue shell for this classic Australian dessert is crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle, and its slightly concave center makes a natural bowl for whipped…

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  Baked Alaska with Chocolate-Rum Sauce

  This layered ice cream cake with its regal crown of meringue always elicits oohs and aahs. Though no single part of the recipe is complex, it takes some time to…

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  Recipe

  Vanilla Cloud Cake

  This cake is something special, living up to its ethereal name, with a serious punch of vanilla flavor. Have an empty wine bottle or similar vessel at the ready for…