Grocery
Cassonade Brown Sugar
What it is
Cassonade is a type of brown sugar, characterized by its moist texture and rich, caramel-like flavor. It is made from refined sugar that has had molasses added back into it. This molasses content gives cassonade its distinctive color and taste, ranging from light to dark brown depending on the amount of molasses present. It is a common ingredient in baking and cooking, adding depth and sweetness to a variety of dishes.
How people cook with it
This sugar is a versatile ingredient used to enhance the flavor and texture of many baked goods and savory dishes. Its unique properties make it ideal for specific culinary applications.
- Baking cookies and cakes
- Glazing meats
- Sweetening oatmeal
- Adding depth to sauces
Cassonade is excellent for recipes where a moist crumb and a deep, complex sweetness are desired. It can be creamed with butter to create a rich base for cookies, cakes, and muffins. When used in marinades or glazes for meats, its molasses content helps to create a beautiful caramelized crust during cooking. It also dissolves readily, making it suitable for sweetening beverages or incorporating into sauces and gravies where a subtle caramel note is a welcome addition. Its moisture content can also help keep baked goods tender.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to granulated white sugar, cassonade has a higher moisture content and contains molasses, which contributes a distinct caramel flavor and a darker color. This makes it less suitable for recipes requiring a very light color or a neutral sweetness, but ideal for adding richness and chewiness.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks often choose cassonade for its ability to impart moisture and a rich, nuanced sweetness to their creations.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its moist texture, store cassonade in an airtight container at room temperature. If it becomes dry, you can rehydrate it by placing a damp paper towel or a slice of apple in the container for a few hours. Avoid refrigeration, as this can further dry out the sugar.