Pearl sugar is a type of specialty sugar used in baking. Sugar crystals are compressed together to form larger nibs of sugar. Learn how to make a homemade pearl sugar substitute to use for Liege Waffles as well as other baking uses! Pin it for Later »

Real pearl sugar vs homemade pearl sugar

What is Pearl Sugar?

Pearl sugar, also called nib sugar, is a type of specialty sugar popular in Europe. Sugar crystals are compressed together to form larger sugar pieces that will not dissolve into baked goods.

There are two types of pearl sugar: Swedish Pearl Sugar and Belgian Pearl Sugar. Swedish pearl sugar is smaller in size and used mainly for topping and garnishing baked goods. It holds its shape well and adds a nice crunchy element to pastries. Belgian pearl sugar is larger in size and can tolerate higher heat. Belgian pearl sugar is used mainly to make Belgian Liege Waffles.

Uses for Pearl Sugar

Pearl sugar can be used for a variety of baking applications. Sprinkle it on top of sweet buns, danish pastries, and even croissants! Sprinkling the sugar on top of the pastries before baking will add a crunchy element to the final product.

Belgian liege waffles are perhaps the most well known use for pearl sugar. Liege waffles are distinct in that they are made with a yeast dough that has large amounts of pearl sugar mixed throughout. The sugar crystals caramelize in the waffle iron creating crunchy bits on the outside of the pillowy waffle.

Where to Buy Pearl Sugar

Pearl sugar is not often sold in regular grocery stores in the US but can sometimes be found in specialty grocery stores, especially those that specialize in Eurpoeon products. Pearl sugar can also be found on Amazon and many other websites. However, pearl sugar can be pricey and I like to make my own.

How to Make Pearl Sugar

To make your own pearl sugar substitute, all you need is some sugar cubes and something to smash them with. I like to use a meat mallet but you could use a hammer or a skillet.

Sugar cubes and a meat mallet used to make homemade pearl sugar

Put the sugar cubes in a ziplock bag and smash them until you create your desired size. Keep the crystals larger if you are using them for Liege waffles and make them smaller if you will be sprinkling them on top of baked goods.

That’s it! Super cheap and easy homemade pearl sugar!

Chunks of pearled sugar

Pearl Sugar

Homemade Pearl Sugar

Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Pearl sugar is a type of specialty sugar popular in Europe. This is a quick and much cheaper substitute using sugar cubes broken up into small pieces.

Ingredients

  • sugar cubes

Instructions

  1. Place the sugar cubes in a ziplock bag.
  2. Use a meat mallet, hammer, or skillet to smash the sugar cubes into smaller pieces. For Belgian style pearl sugar, leave the pieces larger, about the size of peanuts. For Swedish style pearl sugar, smash the pieces smaller, about the size of peas.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:


Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0