Quick Answer
Yes, you can use sanding sugar on cakes. Sanding sugar, also known as pearl sugar or decorating sugar, is a coarse sugar with large crystals that add sparkle and crunch to baked goods. It’s often used as a decorative topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more. The large crystal size of sanding sugar makes it an ideal decoration that won’t fully dissolve when used on cakes. It keeps its texture and provides a sweet crunch with each bite.
What is Sanding Sugar?
Sanding sugar, also known as pearl sugar or decorating sugar, is a granulated white sugar that has been processed to have large crystals. The crystals are about the size of sand particles or pearls, ranging from 0.5 mm to 3 mm in diameter.
Regular granulated sugar has fine small crystals that fully dissolve when used in baking or added to liquid. Sanding sugar crystals are much larger and therefore hold their shape and add texture when used as a topping.
The large crystal structure reflects light and gives sanding sugar a sparkling, glittery appearance. It’s often used by professional bakers and cake decorators to add decorative finishes to cakes, cookies and cupcakes.
Other Names for Sanding Sugar
Other common names for sanding sugar:
- Pearl sugar
- Niblet sugar
- Decorating sugar
- Sparkling sugar
- Coffee sugar
The most common terms are sanding sugar and pearl sugar. Both refer to the same ingredient.
Sanding Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar
While sanding sugar and regular granulated sugar are both made from sugar crystals, there are some key differences:
Sanding Sugar | Granulated Sugar |
---|---|
Has large crystals, 0.5 to 3 mm | Has fine small crystals |
Provides texture | Dissolves easily |
Used decoratively | Used in baking and cooking |
Gives crunch and sparkle as topping | Sweetens and blends smoothly into recipes |
As you can see, the main difference is crystal size. The large pearls of sanding sugar add crunch and texture, while the fine crystals of granulated sugar easily dissolve.
Using Sanding Sugar on Cakes
Sanding sugar is an ideal topping to decorate cakes and cupcakes. Here are some tips for using it:
Add Sparkle to Frosting
One of the easiest ways to use sanding sugar is to sprinkle it over frosted cakes or cupcakes. It will add a beautiful sparkly finish. The large crystals will adhere to the frosting and provide sweet crunch with each bite.
Use sanding sugar over buttercream, whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or any richer frosting that will hold the sugar in place. Sprinkle it evenly over the top just after frosting and let the frosting crust slightly before serving so the sugar adheres.
For best sparkle, choose white, pearl, or iridescent sanding sugar colors. Or match your sanding sugar color to your cake or cupcake decorations.
Coat Cake Pops
Cake pops with a coating of sanding sugar make for fun decorated lollipop-style treats. Dip the pops into melted chocolate or candy coating, then roll them in sanding sugar while still wet so it sticks.
Let the coating fully harden before serving or the sugar may fall off. Use a sprinkling of sanding sugar in place of a standarad cake pop stick for a whimsical all-over sweet treat.
Decorate Cake Borders
Accent frosted cake borders with lines or designs made from sanding sugar. Use it to make striped borders along the edge or bottom of round and sheet cakes.
Add visual interest by sprinkling sanding sugar into stencils placed on the cake edges. Gently remove stencils to reveal sparkly designs. Or use sanding sugar to hand-pipe simple decorations on borders for a personalized touch.
Create Textured Designs
Take advantage of sanding sugar’s texture by using it to create focal points on cakes. Cover pieces of cardboard or vinyl cutouts with frosting, then press sanding sugar into the frosting to coat the shape.
Let it dry before placing the sparkling shapes onto your cake. The sugar will add striking dimension and glitter to designs.
Sprinkle over Stencils
Use stencils to create shapes and patterns on cakes and cupcakes with sanding sugar designs. Press a stencil firmly onto frosted cakes or cupcakes, then sprinkle sanding sugar over it evenly. Carefully lift off the stencil to reveal the shape left behind.
Try hearts, stars, letters, numbers, or any stencil that fits your theme. Switch between sanding sugar colors within a single design for a festive ombre or rainbow effect.
Mix Colors and Sizes
For extra interest, use a mix of sanding sugar colors and crystal sizes on the same cake. Combine coarse and finer sugars for varied textures. Or layer different colors, gradually shifting between them, to create a glittery ombre finish.
Mix sparkling pearl white sugar with pale colors like iridescent lavender, pale blue, blush pink, ivory or gold for an ethereal shine. Or go bold with bright vivid primary colors for a festive rainbow cake.
Buying Sanding Sugar
Sanding sugar can be found in the baking aisle at most grocery stores or specialty baking supply stores. It’s also widely available online.
When buying sanding sugar, check the label to make sure it’s 100% edible-grade sugar that is approved for direct use on foods. Some decorative sugars may not be edible.
Sanding sugar comes in a rainbow of colors. The most common are white, iridescent white, pale colors like pink and blue, and bright vibrant hues. The sugar crystals range in coarseness from fine sand up to large grains.
Sanding Sugar Brands
Some popular brands of sanding sugar include:
- Wilton
- Sugarflair
- India Tree
- CK Products
- Bake It Pretty
- SweetFields
- Sugarpill
You can also often find generic store-brand versions, which tend to be less expensive. Look for high quality brands for best sparkle, color, crystal integrity, and taste. Iridescent sanding sugars will have the most lustrous shine.
How Much to Buy
Sanding sugar is often sold in small containers ranging from 2 ounces to 1 pound. A 2 ounce jar is plenty for decorating a standard 9 inch round cake. Opt for larger 8-16 ounce containers if decorating multiple cakes or batches of cupcakes.
Larger 1-3 pound bags are a better value for decorating large quantities of baked goods or for a cake decorating business. Just store any extra sanding sugar in an airtight container in a cool dry place. It will keep for 1-2 years if sealed properly.
Cost of Sanding Sugar
Expect to pay around $3 to $8 for a 2-6 ounce container of sanding sugar. Larger 1-2 pound bags typically range from $7 to $15. Bulk 5-10 pound packs for professional bakers can run $20 to $50.
Iridescent and trendy colors often cost a dollar or two more. But generic white sanding sugar is usually the most affordable option starting around $3 per 2 ounces.
Comparing prices online can help you find the best deals, especially when buying larger quantities. Just be sure to account for any added shipping costs. Coupon codes can also help lower the price.
Sanding Sugar vs. Coarse Sugar
Some recipes call for coarse sugar instead of sanding sugar. So what’s the difference and can they be used interchangeably?
Coarse sugar is simply regular white cane sugar that has been processed into slightly larger crystals than standard granulated sugar. The crystals range from about 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm in size.
This gives coarse sugar a subtle sparkly appearance and lightly crunchy texture when used on baked goods. However, the crystals are still much smaller and finer than true sanding sugar.
Sanding Sugar | Coarse Sugar |
---|---|
0.5 to 3 mm crystals | 0.15 to 0.5 mm crystals |
Very sparkly, glittery look | Slight sparkle |
Provides crunch and texture | Mostly dissolves when baked |
Primarily used decoratively | Can be used in baking recipes |
As you can see, sanding sugar has much larger crystals and is really in a class of its own when it comes to providing maximum sparkle and crunch on cakes and other desserts.
If a recipe calls specifically for sanding sugar as a decorating sugar, coarse sugar is not the best substitute. But if a recipe simply calls for coarse sugar, it’s fine to replace it with sanding sugar. Just keep in mind that sanding sugar will provide more texture than intended, which may or may not be desirable.
Storing Sanding Sugar
Properly stored, sanding sugar will stay fresh for 1-2 years. The key is keeping it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity.
Over time, sugar can clump together or harden if exposed to humidity or varying temperatures. A sealed container prevents moisture and humidity from affecting the sugar.
Glass jars, plastic containers, or resealable bags all work well for storage. For large bags, consider transferring the sanding sugar to smaller airtight containers for longer shelf life. Just make sure to label each container with the name and expiration date.
Store sanding sugar away from heat sources like ovens, and avoid storing it in the refrigerator or freezer which can introduce unwanted moisture from opening and closing the doors. Room temperature storage is best.
If sugar does harden over time, try crushing it again between your fingers. But hardened or clumpy sugar past its prime is best discarded and replaced with fresh.
With proper storage techniques, sanding sugar can maintain its beautiful sparkling crystals and sweet flavor for decorating and baking year after year.
Safety and Handling
Sanding sugar is generally safe to handle and consume. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
– Avoid getting sanding sugar in your eyes, as the coarse grains could potentially scratch your eye. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
– Since the sugar does not fully dissolve when eaten, excessive consumption could potentially pose a choking risk for some individuals. Supervise children when decorating or eating foods decorated with sanding sugar.
– While rare, some people may have food allergies to sugar that could cause irritation. Discontinue use if any reaction occurs.
– Sanding sugar is not intended for raw consumption in large amounts. It’s designed to be used as a decorative topping. Eating it by the spoonful is not recommended.
– Be sure your sanding sugar is from a trusted brand and specifically intended for eating. Some decorative sugars may not be food-grade.
With proper precautions, sanding sugar can add beautiful sparkle and tasty texture to cakes safely and easily!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sanding sugar melt?
Sanding sugar does not melt or dissolve completely when used on cakes. The large crystal structure is designed to maintain its shape. It will soften slightly but still provide a sweet crunch when used as a topping.
Is sanding sugar edible?
Yes, sanding sugar is completely edible and intended for eating. Be sure to choose brands specifically made for decorating foods, not inedible craft sanding sugar. Check that it’s food-safe.
What is sanding sugar called in the UK?
In the UK, sanding sugar is often referred to as pearl sugar or decorating sugar. The most common term is pearl sugar. It can also be called nibbed sugar or crunch sugar.
Can you make your own sanding sugar?
Yes, you can make a version of sanding sugar at home by grinding granulated sugar for several minutes in a food processor. It won’t be quite as sparkly or uniform as commercial sugars, but still works nicely.
Where can I buy sanding sugar?
Sanding sugar is available at most craft and grocery stores in the baking aisle or cake decorating section. You can find many color options online or at bakery supply stores.
Conclusion
Sanding sugar is the perfect topping to make cakes shine. With its sparkling crystals that add sweet crunch, it creates bakery-worthy presentation with minimal effort. Just sprinkle sanding sugar over frosted cakes, cupcakes or cake pops for instant glam.
With so many color choices from bold to pastel, you can easily match sanding sugar to your cake decor. Layer colors and textures for even more interest. Maintain quality by storing properly, and take basic safety precautions when handling.
Drizzle and dust desserts with edible glitter using sanding sugar. This versatile decorating ingredient deserves a spot in every baker’s pantry.