How to Make Homemade Sugar Cubes

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Sugar cubes are extremely simple to make at home - all you need is sugar and water. In addition to standard cubes, you can add color and flavor to add fun flair to a tea party or another gathering. Learn how to make sugar cubes using two different methods: using a pan in the oven or an ice cube tray you leave out overnight.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Sugar Cubes in the Oven

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  1. You can use any type of sugar except powdered sugar. Choose raw sugar, brown sugar, or plain granulated sugar.
  2. Pour it over the sugar evenly and let it sit for a few seconds.
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  3. Try to remove the clumps of sugar and make a smooth mixture. If clumps of sugar remain, continue mixing to remove them. The sugar is ready when it retains it shape when lightly pressed.
  4. You can use a bread pan, a loaf pan, or any type of glass or metal pan that is oven safe.
  5. Pack the sugar into the base of the pan very tightly with a spatula or another tool that is stiff and flat. The height should be similar to a commercial sugar cube, around 1.27cm/1/2 an inch.
    • If you want sugar pieces that aren't shaped like cubes, pour the sugar into oven-safe candy molds or muffin tins.
    • If you have candy molds that aren't oven safe, you can still use them. Pour the sugar into the molds and use a spatula to flatten the tops. Instead of putting the molds in the oven, cover them loosely with parchment paper and leave them on the counter overnight. They'll be hard by morning.
  6. Using a knife, cut the sugar sheet into cubes of the size you want. Try to cut neat, even squares. Do not forget this step; if you do, you will end up with a sugar block, rather than sugar cubes.
  7. Set a timer for 1 hour.
  8. After one 1 hour, take the pan out and let the sugar cubes cool for at least 10 minutes.
  9. Pull the sugar cubes out of the pan and break them apart with your hands or something smooth like a knife. If cut properly, they will break fairly easy.
  10. Put the sugar cubes into an airtight container for future use. Or, pop them into your coffee or tea right now and enjoy.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Ice Cube Tray Version

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  1. This method works best if you choose silicon ice cube trays with cute shapes, such as hearts, stars, animals or something quirkier than the same old cube. Silicon trays are the best because you'll be able to remove the sugar cubes much more easily, with less likelihood of damaging them.
  2. You can make more than 1/2 a cup's worth but this is a good amount for a beginner to play with.
  3. Continue adding water a teaspoonful at a time until you have mixed together a paste of sugar and water. Don't make it too gooey or wet, or the sugar will dissolve.
    • At this stage you can mix in a few drops of food coloring to make colored cubes.
    • Consider adding a few drops of vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to make flavored sugar.
  4. Fill the molds about halfway only.
  5. Press down into the molds with the back of a spoon to make an even surface and to pack the sugar down so that it sticks together.
  6. Set the tray aside in a dry spot to let the water evaporate. If it's humid in your kitchen, the cubes might not set.
  7. Remove each piece of sugar by carefully pushing from the base of the ice cube tray and tapping gently into the palm of your hand. Store in an airtight container or use straight away.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will it still work if you use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you may have a harder time trying to separate the cubes from the foil, causing the cubes to break.
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  • Question
    How long does this usually take?
    Community Answer
    It depends on which method you use, but it looks like at least 1.5 hours for the first method. The second method depends on how long it takes for your sugar to dry.
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  • Question
    Are these horse safe?
    Infinityhappycat
    Community Answer
    If you use a clean pan and horse-safe sugar, yes, they should be safe for a horse to eat.
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      Tips

      • Store sugar cubes away from moisture for it it to last up to two years. [1]
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      • Flavored sugar cubes are always a great candy, such as using vanilla or cinnamon sugar instead of raw or granulated. Brown sugar also makes an interesting color contrast from the usual white sugar cubes.
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      • You can substitute one teaspoon of water for a flavoring. Vanilla extract, cinnamon extract, etc.
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      Warnings

      • Make sure to use the exact amount of water in the first method. Too little water will make the sugar cubes crumble, and too much water will make them rock solid.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Sugar
      • Water
      • Bread loaf/meat loaf pan or ice cube tray (silicon versions are best)
      • Parchment paper
      • Mixing bowl and wooden spoon

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/04/diy-sugar-cubes-homemade-sugar-cube-recipe.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make homemade sugar cubes in the oven, pour 1 cup (200 g) of sugar into a bowl. Mix in 3 teaspoons (15 mL) of water and keep stirring until the mixture is as smooth as possible. Line an oven-safe baking pan with parchment paper and spread the sugar paste in the bottom of the pan. Pack it down as tightly as you can with a spatula. Score the sugar into cube shapes with a knife. Bake the sugar in the oven at 250° F (121° C) for 1 hour, then take the pan out and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. Break or cut the scored sugar into separate cubes and transfer them to an airtight container until you are ready to use them. To learn how to make sugar cubes using an ice cube tray, scroll down!

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