A coating or finish applied to baked goods or other foods can be achieved without the use of confectioners’ sugar. This type of preparation relies on alternative sweeteners and thickening agents to create the desired glossy or semi-transparent surface. An example might involve combining fruit juice, cornstarch, and honey to produce a sheen on a pie or pastry.
Formulating a sweet coating without the inclusion of finely milled sucrose offers advantages such as controlling the overall sugar content and modifying the texture. Historically, cooks might have employed readily available ingredients like maple syrup or molasses to achieve similar results, reflecting regional variations and resourcefulness in food preparation.