
sugar
Sugar is primarily composed of carbohydrates providing approximately 4 calories per gram, with negligible protein, fat, or micronutrients in refined white sugar. Specialty sugars such as muscovado and coconut sugar contain trace minerals including potassium and iron, though in nutritionally insignificant quantities.
About
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate (monosaccharide or disaccharide) that serves as a fundamental sweetening agent in culinary applications worldwide. The most common culinary sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide derived from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), which is extracted, refined, and crystallized into granulated form. Sucrose comprises glucose and fructose units bonded together and represents approximately 99.9% purity in refined white sugar.\n\nSugar exists in multiple forms beyond granulated white sugar, including brown sugar (sucrose with molasses), muscovado (moist, mineral-rich), demerara, and turbinado (large-crystal varieties), as well as other sweetening sources such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Each variety possesses distinct moisture content, crystal size, and residual mineral profiles that influence flavor and culinary properties. Chemically, sugar is highly soluble in water and undergoes transformation when heated—caramelizing at elevated temperatures and undergoing the Maillard reaction when combined with proteins.
Culinary Uses
Sugar functions as a fundamental ingredient across all culinary traditions, serving roles that extend far beyond simple sweetening. In baking, it modifies texture (providing moisture and tenderness), promotes browning through caramelization and the Maillard reaction, and contributes to structure through its hygroscopic properties. In confectionery, precise heating and crystallization techniques transform sugar into syrups, caramels, fondant, and pulled sugar sculptures. Sugar also functions as a preservative in jams and pickles, balances acidity in sauces, and enhances the perception of other flavors. It appears in savory applications including barbecue rubs, glazes, and Asian cooking, where balance between sweet and savory is essential.
Used In
Recipes Using sugar (2,800)
White Chocolate Toasted Almond Semifreddo
This is a type of mousse. Serves 6 to 8.
Whole Wheat Batter Bread
This recipe was developed especially for the Rotation Diet by one of Nashville's outstanding bakers and teachers of baking, Ms. Joyce Weingartner.
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
Makes 12 x 4-inch pancakes
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls from the Recidemia collection
Whole Wheat French Toast
Whole Wheat French Toast from the Recidemia collection
Whole Wheat Waffles
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the
Whole Wheat Waffles
Breakfast Recipes | Bread
Why Not Fruit Cocktail Cake
Why Not Fruit Cocktail Cake from the Recidemia collection
Wicked Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Wild Blueberry Pie
Wild Blueberry Pie from the Recidemia collection
Wild Rice Muffins
From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" 12 muffins (1 per serving) Note: Wild rice adds crunchy texture and a nutritional boost to these hearty muffins.
Wild Sage Bread
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Wilted Spinach and Rice Salad
Makes 4 servings.
Wine Biscotti
Purchased from Bowers Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1994. Dated 1957. I made this one thinking it would be really good. I wasn’t impressed but my sister and my bowling team loved it.
Wine Doughnuts
In Romanian: Gogosi de vin
Wine Fondue
Wine Fondue from the Recidemia collection
Witch Fingers!
This recipe was generously provided by Ricardo magazine.
Wonder Cake
Because of conventional meal times in Israel (main meal between 12:00 and 2:00 pm; supper at 7:00 pm), many Israelis have coffee or tea with cake between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
Woodstock Brownies
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Worc-Chicken in Mango Sauce
Worc-Chicken in Mango Sauce from the Recidemia collection
World Recipe Banana Fritters
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
World Recipe Cake
World Recipe Cake from the Recidemia collection
World Recipe Coffee Cake Recipe
A pot of coffee a good show or a great book and man this is life.
World Recipe French Bread
World Recipe French Bread from the Recidemia collection
World Recipe Icing
World Recipe Icing from the Recidemia collection
Wurstsalat
Wurstsalat
Xi Mi Bai Guo Tang Sui
Sweet sago and ginkgo nuts soup
Xtreme Mango-Habanero Sauce
.

Yakisoba
Yakisoba
Yeast Bread
A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Yeasted Fancy Cakes
In Romanian: Fursecuri cu drojdie de bere
Yellow Melon Muscadel I
Melon salad

Yema
A filipino custard candy made from egg yolk and milk.
Yerushalmi Kugel
Yerushalmi kugel is named after the city of Jerusalem. Legend has it that it originated in Jerusalem with the followers of the Vilna Gaon in the 18th century.
Yogurt coffee cake
Yogurt coffee cake from the Recidemia collection
Yokahula Mango Kuchen
.
Yucca Pie
Yucca Pie from the Recidemia collection
Yukkai Jang
Hot Chili Beef and Onion Soup. This chili-red soup is exceptionally hot. It is said that the time to serve it is in the hottest months, when the perspiration it induces has a cooling effect on the diner.
Yummy Chocolate Pudding
Yummy Chocolate Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Zacirka with Milk
Tiny dumplings. Pieces of specially prepared dough are boiled in water and then poured over with milk or garnished with salted pork fat.
Zagareliai
The main ingredients in Zagareliai are flour, eggs and sour cream.
Zalabiya -- Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts
Zalabiya -- Yemenite Chanuka Doughnuts from the Recidemia collection
Zespri Gold Dream
Recipe reprinted with permission from Zespri kiwifruit
Zesty Citrus Vinaigrette
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields
Zippy Bean and Rice Salad
Makes 6 servings.
Zippy Mango Cheesecake
Zippy Mango Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini-Carrot Bread
Zucchini-Carrot Bread from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini Casserole
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mrs. Ronal
Zucchini Cookies
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.
Zucchini Relish I
Zucchini Relish I from the Recidemia collection