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Did you know how you measure sugar for a recipe makes a difference when you’re baking? Depending on the kind of sugar you are using you may need to use different methods for measuring it. So, I’m explaining how to measure sugar for baking so you don’t have to guess if you’re doing it right.
Table of Contents
What Kind of Sugar are we Talking About?
Before we get to measuring let’s break down the different kinds of sugar you might need for a recipe:
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Sticky sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, molasses and agave
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these types of sugars are commonly used in baking. They are all different so it makes sense that they need to be handled differently when you’re baking, so let’s get into it. First up: granulated sugar!
It’s all about sugar today – how to measure sugar, to be specific! How you measure out sugar matters! How you measure sugar depends on the type of sugar you’re using and I’m decoding it all for you.
How to Measure Granulated Sugar
The best way to measure granulated sugar is also the easiest: just grab your dry measuring cup and use it to scoop the sugar right out the container. Just be sure to level it off so the sugar is completely filling the cup. So, for granulated sugar: scooping is great! 1 cup of granulated sugar is 200 grams if using a scale.
How to measure Powdered Sugar?
Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar, is measured the same way you measure flour: spoon and level.
- Spoon the powdered sugar from the package to your dry measuring cup. Don’t pack the sugar into the cup, just lightly spoon it in.
- Use a straight edge, like a dinner knife, to level off the top of the sugar so it’s even with the top of the cup.
- 1 cup of powdered sugar is 113 grams if you’re using a scale.
Using the “spoon and level” method for measuring powdered sugar ensures you don’t end up with too much sugar in your recipe. So, remember: for powdered sugar, spoon and level is best!
How to Measure Honey and Other Sticky Ingredients
Many recipes call for sticky sweeteners like:
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
- Agave
For these sweeteners you will need to use a liquid measuring cup. Unlike the other sugars we’ve covered, you don’t want to use dry measuring cups because, well, the ingredients aren’t dry. So, be sure to break out your liquid measuring cups when a recipe calls for one of these ingredients.
If you’ve ever tried to measure one of these sticky sweeteners you know it can be really tough to get all of it out of the measuring cup. So, here’s a tip: spray your liquid measuring cup with cooking spray before adding the sweetener. All of it will slide right out of the cup so you get all of the ingredient in your recipe.
FAQs
Approximately 3 1/2 cups – but always measure it out so you don’t use too much or too little.
Approximately 2 cups.
1 cup granulated sugar = 200 grams, which is approximately 7 ounces.
I think you’ll find when you follow these tips, you’ll get great cookies, cakes, and other desserts. These are the measuring methods I use for my recipes all the time. I hope you’ve found it helpful!
Your website says when weighing powdered sugar it should weigh 113 g on another website o read it should weigh 125g which measurement is correct when weighing powdered sugar
Every website will say something different because we all get different amounts when you’re spooning into the cup. As long as the website sticks with one measurement across the board it’s fine – I measured 1 cup powdered sugar several times and it was always 113, so that’s what I use.
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