Substitute for vanilla caster sugar
I'm planning on making a lemon tart and the recipe calls for "100 g vanilla caster sugar". Over here (Netherlands) vanilla caster sugar isn't really sold in supermarkets, so I'm looking for a substitute.
One thing I do have acces to, is sachets of vanilla sugar. I have a feeling I can't just use those however, since usually only one sachet(9 grams) is used in a recipe. I'd have to use 11 of those sachets to get the same amount of grams, which would probably make it taste way too vanilla-y.
Should I just use regular caster sugar instead and add some vanilla extract, or maybe regular caster sugar and a singe sachet of vanilla sugar?
Best Answer
The answer depends on what happens to the sugar in the recipe.
If the sugar is used as a flavoring/sweetner inside the tart filling (i.e. not sprinkled over the top or in the crust), you can do a number of things - you can take some caster sugar and vanilla extract, as you suggest. This will add some moisture and dissolve the sugar a little, but if this is in the filling this shouldn't matter. You could also add some vanilla seeds (the scrapings from inside a bean).
If it is used in the crust or as a topping, I would get some vanilla bean and scrape one into a volume of caster sugar. Alton Brown recommends 1 bean per 2 cups of sugar.
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Quick Answer about "Substitute for vanilla caster sugar"
So what are the best substitutes for vanilla sugar? The top vanilla sugar substitutes are vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, vanilla powder, palm sugar, coconut sugar, brown sugar, and maple syrup.Can you use caster sugar instead of vanilla sugar?
You can put split vanilla beans (pods) in a screw top jar of caster sugar (for the US you can use regular white sugar or superfine, depending on which you prfer to use for baking).What sugar can I use instead of caster sugar?
In most recipes you can substitute granulated sugar for caster sugar and vice versa. However, one cup of granulated sugar does not equal one cup of caster sugar. TIP: Caster sugar can be made at home by processing granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds.What is the difference between vanilla sugar and regular sugar?
Vanilla sugar is actually sugar that has been infused with vanilla over a long period of time, so it still retains that nice granular texture that we love in sugar (and need for our perfect baked goods!), but with an added flavor of vanilla for a unique pop!Can I replace vanilla sugar with vanilla extract?
If you have commercially produced vanilla sugar, use only 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar per teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using Vanilla Extract Instead of Vanilla Sugar: One teaspoon of vanilla extract is the equivalent of 1 1/2 teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar, or 1 teaspoon of commercially made vanilla sugar.The Best Substitutes For Vanilla Extract
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