Belgian Waffle Sugar is a pearl sugar made up of white, round nibs with a polished finish. It is especially suited to Liège-style waffles, where the sugar pieces help create the characteristic bursts of sweetness and caramelised pockets that make this style of waffle so distinctive.
It is also useful in enriched doughs, buns, pastries and other sweet bakes where you want texture as well as sweetness. Unlike ordinary sugar, the larger nibs do not simply disappear into the dough, which is why they are so popular in waffles and other richer bakes.
This grade has a relatively large pearl size, with the great majority of the nibs passing through a 6.0mm round sieve and only a small proportion passing through a 4.0mm square sieve. In practice, that makes it a good choice where you want clearly visible sugar pieces and a more pronounced sugary bite.
If you would like more detail on how pearl sugars behave in baking, see the Pearl Sugars FAQ below.
Available in 500g, 1kg, 3kg and 25kg sizes, it suits both home bakers and regular bakery use.
Pearl Sugars - FAQs
What is pearl sugar?
Pearl sugar is sugar formed into larger hard pieces or nibs rather than fine crystals. It is used in baking where you want visible bursts of sugar, extra crunch or a decorative finish.
What is Belgian waffle sugar used for?
Belgian waffle sugar is especially popular for Liège-style waffles, where the sugar pieces help create the characteristic pockets of caramelised sweetness. It can also be used in buns, brioches, pastries and other bakes where you want texture and a more distinctive sugary finish.
Does pearl sugar melt during baking?
It depends on the size of the sugar pieces, the style of dough and the bake itself. Some pearl sugars hold more of their shape, while others partly melt or caramelise. In richer doughs and waffles, this is often exactly what gives the finished bake its characteristic texture.
Can I use pearl sugar instead of ordinary sugar?
Not usually as a straight substitute. Pearl sugar is mainly used for texture, decoration and pockets of sweetness rather than for dissolving evenly through a mixture in the way caster or granulated sugar would.
What can I use pearl sugar for besides waffles?
Pearl sugar is useful in sweet doughs, buns, pastries and enriched breads, and can also be sprinkled over some bakes before baking for extra texture and crunch. Different sizes suit different uses, so the individual product page is the best guide.
How should I store pearl sugar?
Store pearl sugar cool and dry in a well sealed container or bag. Sugar can pick up moisture and odours, so it is best kept away from damp conditions and strongly scented ingredients.
