5 Best Recipes Using Demerara Sugar for Baking

19-01-2025

Baking enthusiasts know that the type of sugar you choose can significantly impact your recipes, and Demerara Sugar for Baking stands out for its unique qualities. Known for its coarse texture and golden hue, Demerara sugar brings a natural caramel flavor and a satisfying crunch to baked goods. Unlike refined sugars, it retains a hint of molasses, making it a healthier and more flavorful option.

If you're wondering how it compares to other sugars, check out our detailed guide on Demerara vs Brown Sugar to understand their differences and unique uses. Whether you're making cookies, cakes, or muffins, Demerara sugar adds a delightful depth of flavor that elevates your baking.

In this blog, we’ll explore five incredible recipes that showcase the versatility of Demerara sugar, proving why it deserves a spot in your pantry. Get ready to bake your way to caramelized perfection!

Demerara Sugar Cookies

These cookies combine the rich, caramel flavor of Demerara sugar with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for snacking or gifting, they are simple to make and offer a delightful crunch with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup Demerara sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and Demerara sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture.
5. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.

Note : Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming and Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for chewier cookies.

Demerara Sugar Muffins

These muffins highlight the versatility of Demerara Sugar for Baking, creating moist and fluffy treats with a delightful caramel flavor. Add fruits or nuts for extra texture, making them a perfect option for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Demerara sugar
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, Demerara sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and egg. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
5. Sprinkle extra Demerara sugar on top for a crunchy finish.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Note : Mix in blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for added flavor and replace cinnamon with nutmeg or allspice for a seasonal twist.

Demerara Sugar Tart

This classic tart features a buttery crust filled with a rich Demerara sugar custard. Its unique caramel notes and smooth texture make it an elegant dessert for any occasion, perfect when paired with whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 3/4 cup Demerara sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups fresh fruit (e.g., apples, pears, or mixed berries)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a tart pan.
3. In a bowl, mix Demerara sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
4. Layer the fruit over the crust and sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly on top.
5. Dot the tart with cubed butter.
6. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Using Demerara for a Crispy Topping

• The coarse texture of Demerara sugar creates a delightful crunch when baked.

Note : Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Demerara Caramel Cake

This indulgent cake showcases the richness of Demerara Sugar for Baking, featuring a luscious caramel layer that enhances its moist and fluffy texture. Perfect for celebrations, it delivers a sophisticated flavor in every decadent slice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups Demerara sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
2. Cream the butter and Demerara sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet mixture alternately with milk.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Creating a Caramel Layer with Demerara Sugar:

• In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of Demerara sugar with 2 tbsp butter until golden brown. Pour over the cooled cake as a glaze.

Note : Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a soft texture and use full-fat milk for richness.

Demerara Shortbread

Crisp and buttery, this shortbread uses Demerara sugar for a delightful crunch and a hint of caramel flavor. A classic treat with a sophisticated twist, perfect for tea time or as a simple dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Demerara sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Add butter and vanilla, rubbing together until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
4. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until light golden.

Achieving the Perfect Crunch:

• Use chilled butter and work quickly to prevent it from melting.
• Sprinkle additional Demerara sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.

Note : Drizzle with chocolate or dip edges in melted white chocolate and add a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Baking with Demerara sugar opens up a world of rich, caramel-like flavors and unique textures that elevate your favorite treats. Whether you're indulging in the buttery crunch of shortbread, savoring the crispy topping of a crumble, or enjoying the moist sweetness of a caramel cake, Demerara sugar for baking is an essential ingredient that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary. Each of the five recipes we've shared - Demerara Sugar Cookies, Muffins, Crumble, Caramel Cake, and Shortbread—highlights the versatility and depth this sugar brings to the table.

Using Demerara sugar in your baking not only enhances the taste but also adds a delightful texture that makes every bite memorable. We encourage you to experiment with these recipes and even create your own variations. Share your baking experiences with us and discover the magic of using Demerara sugar to create desserts that everyone will love!