The Short Answer
No, 2 dessert spoons do not equal 1 tablespoon. While there is some overlap between the sizes, dessert spoons and tablespoons are separate standardized measurements with different capacities. A single dessert spoon holds about 10-12 ml, while a tablespoon holds about 14-15 ml. So 2 dessert spoons contain around 20-24 ml, which is less than the 14-15 ml in 1 tablespoon. The dessert spoon is designed for eating desserts, while the tablespoon is used for cooking ingredients. They cannot be used interchangeably in recipes or measurements.
Dessert Spoon and Tablespoon Definitions
A dessert spoon, sometimes called a teaspoon, is a type of eating utensil designed for eating desserts. It holds about 10-12 ml or 2-4 tsp. The dessert spoon evolved from the apothecary spoon used for measuring out small amounts of medicine. It was later adopted for formal place settings to eat dessert.
A tablespoon is a larger utensil designed for cooking and measuring ingredients. It holds about 14-15 ml or 3 tsp. The tablespoon has its origins in the cooking spoon used for stirring pots and tasting sauces. It became a standard unit of measurement in the early 19th century.
So while the dessert spoon and tablespoon have some overlap in capacity, they were designed for different purposes – eating vs. cooking. As standardized measurements, they specify slightly different volumes.
Standards for Dessert Spoon and Tablespoon
There are a few standards that define the exact capacities of the dessert spoon and tablespoon:
Imperial System
– Dessert spoon = 2 tsp = 10 ml
– Tablespoon = 3 tsp = 15 ml
So in the imperial system, 2 dessert spoons (4 tsp) does not equal 1 tablespoon (3 tsp).
United States Customary System
– Dessert spoon = 1.2 tbsp = 11.1 ml
– Tablespoon = 14.8 ml
Again, 2 dessert spoons (22.2 ml) does not equal 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml).
European Metric System
– Dessert spoon = 10 ml
– Tablespoon = 15 ml
The European metric system also maintains the dessert spoon and tablespoon as separate measurements.
Comparing Dessert Spoons and Tablespoons in Recipes
Substituting 2 dessert spoons for 1 tablespoon in recipes can lead to errors, as they are not equivalent. For example:
Volume Differences
If a cookie recipe calls for 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of milk, using 4 dessert spoons (40-48 ml) instead will add too much liquid, altering the consistency.
Weight Differences
1 tablespoon of flour weighs about 1/2 ounce. But 2 dessert spoons of flour weighs only about 1/3 ounce. Substituting 2 dessert spoons for 1 tablespoon of flour can throw off the ratios.
Precision Differences
A tablespoon allows more precise measurements for small amounts. Trying to measure 1/2 tablespoon using dessert spoons can result in inaccurate amounts.
So when precision matters, as in baking recipes, it’s important not to substitute dessert spoons and tablespoons.
When to Use Dessert Spoons vs. Tablespoons
Here are the general rules on when to use each type of spoon:
Use a dessert spoon for:
– Eating desserts, ice cream, pudding, etc.
– Mixing drinks like coffee or tea
– Measuring small medicine doses
– Arts and crafts portions
Use a tablespoon for:
– Cooking ingredients like oil, spices, flour, etc.
– Baking recipes that require precision
– Measuring out peanut butter, jam, etc.
– Scientific experiments that need accurate volumes
So in summary:
– Dessert spoons are for casual small portions
– Tablespoons are for precise cooking measurements
Converting Between Dessert Spoons and Tablespoons
Since 2 dessert spoons does not directly substitute for 1 tablespoon, you need to adjust recipes when converting between the two.
Dessert Spoons to Tablespoons
To substitute dessert spoons for tablespoons:
– 1 dessert spoon = about 2/3 tablespoon
– 2 dessert spoons = about 1 1/3 tablespoons
– 3 dessert spoons = 2 tablespoons
So you need about 3 dessert spoons to equal 2 tablespoons.
Tablespoons to Dessert Spoons
To substitute tablespoons for dessert spoons:
– 1 tablespoon = about 1 1/2 dessert spoons
– 2 tablespoons = 3 dessert spoons
– 3 tablespoons = 4 dessert spoons
So you need about 3 tablespoons to equal 4 dessert spoons.
Common Conversion Ratios
Here are some common dessert spoon and tablespoon conversion ratios:
| 1 dessert spoon | = 2/3 tablespoon |
| 1 tablespoon | = 1 1/2 dessert spoons |
| 2 dessert spoons | = 1 1/3 tablespoons |
| 3 dessert spoons | = 2 tablespoons |
| 2 tablespoons | = 3 dessert spoons |
| 3 tablespoons | = 4 dessert spoons |
So you cannot make a direct 1:1 substitution – the ratios must be adjusted.
Conclusion
In summary, 2 dessert spoons does not equal 1 tablespoon due to differences in their standardized capacities. Dessert spoons hold 10-12 ml while tablespoons hold 14-15 ml. Substituting one for the other can lead to errors in recipes and measurements. It’s best to follow recipe instructions using the specified utensils. When converting, you need to adjust the ratios, as there is no direct equivalence between dessert spoons and tablespoons. Following these conversion ratios will ensure your recipes turn out as intended.
