What Is Demerara Sugar? + How To Use It

You may have heard of Demerara sugar, but what is it exactly?

Demerara sugar is a minimally processed (but still refined!) sugar with a toffee-like flavor. It has thick grains that make a delicious crunchy topping for baked goods and you can even make it into a syrup for sweetening drinks. Keep reading for more about Demerara sugar, how to use it, suitable substitutes and recipe ideas.

Table of contents

• What is Demerara sugar?
• Demerara vs. turbinado sugar
• How to cook with Demerara sugar
• Making Demerara syrup 
• Best Demerara sugar substitutes
• Demerara sugar recipes

What is Demerara sugar?

Demerara sugar is a type of cane sugar with large, crunchy grains and a light brown color. The sugar originated in the region of Demerara in South America, now part of the country of Guyana.

While Demerara sugar derives from sugarcane, it’s very different from the granulated white sugar most people are familiar with. Demerara sugar is considered a “raw” sugar because it’s minimally processed and still contains trace amounts of molasses, giving it a subtle toffee or caramel flavor. People most commonly used it as a garnishing sugar and for sweetening drinks.

White sugar, on the other hand, is more processed than Demerara sugar, undergoing a double crystallization process that results in smaller grains and a different flavor. Granulated sugar is ideal for baking because of its finer texture.

Demerara vs. turbinado sugar

Demerara and turbinado sugars are more similar than they are different. They’re both considered “raw” sugars that have undergone a single crystallization process. They both have coarse grains, a light brown color and a similar flavor profile, though there are slight differences:

• Taste: Turbinado sugar contains slightly more molasses than Demerara sugar, giving it a stronger molasses flavor.
• Texture: Demerara crystals are slightly larger than turbinado crystals, giving them a coarser texture. 
• Processing: Both sugars are extracted from sugarcane, but turbinado is made by first pressing the juice.  
• Uses: The sugars can generally have similar uses, though turbinado’s finer texture means it dissolves more easily than Demerara sugar. 

These differences are nearly indistinguishable, so you can use the sugars interchangeably in many of the same dessert recipes.

How to cook with Demerara sugar

Because of its larger crystals, Demerara sugar is not ideal for baking. It can, however, be used for sprinkling, creating a crunchy topping on baked goods like muffins, scones, bread, cookies and even creme brulee. You can also add a small amount to savory dishes like curries, sauces or soups for depth of flavor, but be sure to allow extra time over heat for the sugar crystals to dissolve.

Demerara sugar is also commonly used for sweetening beverages. You can stir it directly into hot drinks like coffee or tea or use it to make a flavorful simple syrup for cocktails. It pairs especially well with different types of whiskey, rye and dark rum.

Making Demerara syrup

Making Demerara syrup is straightforward. Use it to sweeten any beverage, from summer cocktails and mocktails to iced tea and lattes. 

You’ll just need:

• ½ cup Demerara sugar
• ½ cup water

Follow these instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves, careful not to let the water boil. 
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.  

Best Demerara sugar substitutes

The best substitutes for Demerara sugar are other brown sugars, including:

• Turbinado sugar is the best match, as it has a similar texture and flavor.
• Muscovado sugar is an unrefined brown sugar with a higher molasses content than Demerara sugar. 
• Dark brown sugar is common in baking but is also useful as a topping.
• Coconut and maple sugars are natural sugars that can replace Demerara sugar in a 1:1 ratio. 
• Light brown sugar has a lower molasses content than dark brown sugar but is fine in a pinch. 
• Sanding sugar has crunchy, medium-sized crystals that are perfect for decorating, but it lacks the molasses flavor of Demerara sugar. It also won’t dissolve with heat.

You can also use granulated sugar, but you will likely notice a difference in flavor and texture. 

Grab it now on Instacart:

Turbinado sugar

Dark brown sugar

Coconut sugar

Maple sugar

Light brown sugar

Sanding sugar

Granulated sugar

Recipes

You can try Demerara sugar in a variety of recipes, including:

• Molasses cookies: While the dough already uses molasses and brown sugar, roll the dough balls in Demerara sugar instead of granulated sugar for an even deeper molasses flavor. 
• Coffee shop scones: Sprinkle these classic flaky scones with Demerara sugar for a sweet crunch.
• Blueberry muffins: Create a bakery-style crust on the tops of these muffins with Demerara sugar to complement the soft center. 
• Sugar cookies: Drop a pinch of Demerara sugar on each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven. 
• Cinnamon apple bread: Dust some Demerara sugar on top of this loaf before baking for the perfect texture. 
• Shortbread cookies: Finish these buttery cookies with a sprinkle of Demerara sugar for a bit of textural contrast. 
• Banana muffins: Muffins are the perfect companion for Demerara sugar — add some on top before you pop them in the oven.
• Irish soda bread: This bread calls for just a few tablespoons of granulated sugar in the dough, so sprinkle a bit of Demerara on top for a sweet touch.  
• Gingerbread cookies: Decorate these cookies with a bit of royal icing and Demerara granules in place of sprinkles. 
• Pumpkin muffins: Crunchy Demerara muffin tops pair perfectly with the warming spices in these muffins. Skip the chocolate chips if you don’t want them too sweet. 
• Blueberry scones: Add a light dusting of Demerara sugar on top of the glaze, or skip the glaze altogether for a slightly less sweet treat. 
• Thai green curry: Swap the brown sugar in this recipe for Demerara sugar — just be sure to simmer it for a bit longer to allow time for the sugar to fully dissolve. 
• Homemade applesauce: Use Demerara sugar in place of brown sugar, and let the spices combine over the heat.  
• Sweet barbecue sauce: Try replacing the brown sugar with Demerara sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Demerara sugar recipes

Recipe by InstacartCourse: RecipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Try using Demerara sugar in these recipes for a sweet surprise.

Ingredients

• Molasses cookies

• Coffee shop scones

• Blueberry muffins

• Sugar cookies

• Cinnamon apple bread

• Shortbread cookies

• Banana muffins

• Irish soda bread

• Gingerbread cookies

• Pumpkin muffins

• Spiced Christmas cookies

• Blueberry scones

• Thai green curry

• Homemade applesauce

• Sweet barbecue sauce

Directions

• Choose one of the Demerara sugar recipes above.
• Enjoy the deep flavor and crunchy texture!

Keep it sweet with Instacart

Now that you’re more familiar with Demerara sugar and how to use it, it’s time to get in the kitchen! Sprinkle it on top of your baked goods or sip on a beverage sweetened with your homemade Demerara syrup. 

Baking and bartending are even easier with Instacart. Order online and have all your ingredients delivered straight to your door so you can focus on testing the perfect recipe. 

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