2 Infused Sugar Recipes: Vanilla Bean & Citrus

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Infusing sugar is a fun way to transform a simple cup of sugar into a new and exciting pantry item. Infused sugars take little to no effort to make, and creating them at home is much cheaper than buying it in the stores. These sugars can be used in a variety of applications, like baked goods, cocktails, or even as a way to sweeten drinks like coffee or tea.

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Finished sugars
Image Credit: Kristan Raines

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Vanilla Bean Infused Sugar

Things You'll Need

  • 1 medium bowl

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 vanilla bean

  • 1 medium sealable jar

  • Knife

Step 1

Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape it with the back of a knife to remove its seeds.

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Remove vanilla bean seets
Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Step 2

Add the sugar to a medium bowl, then add the vanilla bean seeds. Using a fork, mash the vanilla bean seeds into the sugar until fully incorporated.

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Mixing in vanilla bean
Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

Try to incorporate the seeds into the sugar as much as possible, although a few clumps of seeds will likely remain.

Step 3

Add the sugar to a sealable jar. Cut the vanilla bean pod as needed to fit in the jar and add to the sugar. Seal the jar and shake it a few times to mix everything around. Store until ready to use.

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Step 3
Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

If possible, let the vanilla bean infuse in the sugar for at least a 1-2 weeks before using for the first time.

Citrus Infused Sugar

Things You'll Need

  • 1 medium bowl

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large orange, preferably organic

  • 1 large lemon, preferably organic

  • 1 medium, sealable jar

  • Microplane zester

Step 1

Add the sugar to a medium-sized bowl. With a zester, zest both the orange and the lemon directly over the sugar.

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Add citrus zest to sugar
Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

When zesting, make sure to only zest the skin and not any of the white pith.

Step 2

Whisk the orange and lemon zest into the sugar until incorporated and fragrant.

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Whisking sugar
Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Step 3

Add the sugar to a sealable jar. Seal the jar and shake it a few times to mix everything around. Store until ready to use.

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Finished sugar
Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

Sugar will keep for up to two weeks.

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