Dessertspoon vs. Tablespoon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 29, 2023
A dessertspoon typically holds half the volume of a tablespoon, with both being measures of volume or serving utensils.
Difference Between Dessertspoon and Tablespoon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The dessertspoon and tablespoon are both kitchen utensils and units of measure, but they differ in size and common usage. A dessertspoon, often used for consuming or serving desserts, holds a volume typically half that of a tablespoon.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 28, 2023
In recipes, particularly older ones or those from the UK, you might find measures given in dessertspoons. This is particularly true for ingredients added in smaller amounts. The tablespoon, on the other hand, is a more common measure in American recipes, and it denotes a larger volume, often used for main ingredients or for serving.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 28, 2023
When considering the utensils themselves, the dessertspoon is often designed with a slightly elongated bowl, perfect for scooping soft desserts or drizzling sauces. The tablespoon, conversely, is broader and more rounded, making it ideal for scooping up larger portions of food.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 28, 2023
In the world of culinary arts, precision matters. Hence, it's crucial to know the difference between a dessertspoon and a tablespoon. Using one in place of the other could alter the outcome of a recipe. For instance, using a tablespoon of salt instead of a dessertspoon would result in a much saltier dish.
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Aug 28, 2023
The definitions of dessertspoon and tablespoon may vary slightly depending on the country or region. While a dessertspoon generally holds half the volume of a tablespoon, exact measurements might differ internationally.
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Aug 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Volume (approx.)
10 milliliters (in UK)
15 milliliters (in US & UK)
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Primary Usage
Serving and consuming desserts
Serving food, measuring in recipes
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Shape
Elongated bowl
Broader, rounded bowl
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Common in Recipes of
UK, older recipes
US recipes
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Relative Size
Smaller
Larger
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Compare with Definitions
Dessertspoon
A measure of volume, typically half that of a tablespoon.
Add two dessertspoons of honey to the mixture.
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Aug 28, 2023
Tablespoon
A standard measure of volume used in cooking, larger than a teaspoon.
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
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Dessertspoon
A utensil smaller than a tablespoon, used for eating desserts.
She used a dessertspoon to enjoy her pudding.
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Aug 28, 2023
Tablespoon
A large spoon used for serving or eating food.
He served himself a heap of mashed potatoes with a tablespoon.
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Aug 28, 2023
Dessertspoon
A spoon intermediate in size between a tablespoon and a teaspoon, used for eating dessert.
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Jan 16, 2020
Tablespoon
A utensil with a broad, rounded bowl.
She stirred her coffee with a tablespoon.
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Aug 28, 2023
Dessertspoon
A unit of measure, being equivalent to two teaspoons or two-thirds of a tablespoon, or approximately 10 millilitres; a dessertspoonful.
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Jan 16, 2020
Tablespoon
A common measure in American recipes.
The recipe requires three tablespoons of sugar.
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Aug 28, 2023
Dessertspoon
More generally, that volume of a substance which is contained within a dessert spoon.
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Jan 16, 2020
Tablespoon
A tablespoon is a large spoon. In many English-speaking regions, the term now refers to a large spoon used for serving; however, in some regions, it is the largest type of spoon used for eating.
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Jan 16, 2020
Dessertspoon
(rare) An item of cutlery; a spoon, larger than a teaspoon and smaller than a tablespoon, used for eating dessert.
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Jan 16, 2020
Tablespoon
Abbr. T or tbs. or tbsp. A household cooking measure equal to 3 teaspoons, or 1/2 fluid ounce (15 milliliters). See Table at measurement.
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Jan 16, 2020
Dessertspoon
An elongated spoon designed for scooping and consuming soft desserts.
The ice cream was served with a delicate dessertspoon.
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Aug 28, 2023
Tablespoon
(cooking) A unit of volume, the value of which varies regionally; in the US: three teaspoons or one half fluid ounce or roughly 15 ml; in Britain and Canada: exactly 15 ml; in Russia 18 ml; in Australia: four teaspoons or 20 ml.
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Jan 16, 2020
Dessertspoon
A serving tool often used for drizzling sauces or syrups.
With a steady hand, she used the dessertspoon to drizzle caramel over the cake.
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Aug 28, 2023
Tablespoon
A spoon of the largest size commonly used at the table; - distinguished from teaspoon, dessert spoon, etc.
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Jan 16, 2020
Dessertspoon
A common measure in older or UK recipes.
The old recipe called for a dessertspoon of vanilla extract.
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Aug 28, 2023
Tablespoon
As much as a tablespoon will hold
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Jan 16, 2020
Dessertspoon
As much as a dessertspoon will hold
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Jan 16, 2020
Tablespoon
The largest spoon in a standard cutlery set.
Among the set of spoons, the tablespoon was the most robust.
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Aug 28, 2023
Tablespoon
A large spoon for serving food.
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Jan 16, 2020
Tablespoon
A large spoon, used for eating food from a bowl.
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Tablespoon
A spoon too large for eating, usually used for cooking or serving.
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Tablespoon
A spoon larger than a dessert spoon; used for serving
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Common Curiosities
Can I use a tablespoon in place of a dessertspoon in recipes?
No, using a tablespoon would typically double the intended amount.
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Aug 28, 2023
Is a tablespoon the same worldwide?
While generally larger than a dessertspoon, exact tablespoon sizes can vary by country.
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What's the primary purpose of a dessertspoon?
A dessertspoon is mainly used for serving or eating desserts.
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Aug 28, 2023
Are these measures the same for all types of ingredients?
No, the volume is consistent, but the weight of ingredients can vary.
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Why is the tablespoon more common in American recipes?
The tablespoon is a standard measure in American culinary practices, while the dessertspoon is more common in the UK.
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Aug 28, 2023
How many dessertspoons make a tablespoon?
Typically, two dessertspoons equal one tablespoon.
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Are dessertspoons and tablespoons used outside of the kitchen?
Primarily, their use is culinary, but they might occasionally serve decorative or artistic purposes.
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Aug 28, 2023
How precise should I be with these measurements in baking?
Precision is crucial in baking; always use the correct measure.
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Aug 28, 2023
Can I measure liquid and solid ingredients with these spoons?
Yes, but the weight and volume will differ based on the ingredient's density.
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Aug 28, 2023
What's the relation between teaspoons, dessertspoons, and tablespoons?
Generally, 2 teaspoons equal a dessertspoon, and 2 dessertspoons equal a tablespoon.
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Aug 28, 2023
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
