What's the Best Substitute for Brown Sugar?
Whether you're out of Brown Sugar or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Sugar with molasses added for moisture and caramel flavor In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for brown sugar are white sugar + molasses, coconut sugar, or maple syrup.
Best Substitutes for Brown Sugar
White Sugar + Molasses
Ratio
1 cup white sugar + 1-2 tbsp molasses
Best For
- baking
- cookies
- cakes
- muffins
- quick breads
Description
Recreates the exact flavor and moisture of brown sugar. Most accurate substitute.
Mix until well combined and no lumps remain. Use 1 tbsp for light brown, 2 tbsp for dark brown.
White Sugar + Maple Syrup
Ratio
1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp maple syrup
Best For
- baking
- cookies
- cakes
- muffins
- when you want maple flavor
Description
Similar moisture with maple flavor. Adds distinctive maple taste to recipes.
Adds maple flavor instead of molasses. Works well in most recipes.
Coconut Sugar
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- cookies
- cakes
- muffins
- natural recipes
Description
Natural alternative with similar color and moisture. Made from coconut palm sap.
Slightly less sweet than brown sugar. Has caramel-like flavor similar to brown sugar.
Turbinado Sugar
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- cookies
- cakes
- muffins
- when you want less processed sugar
Description
Raw sugar with similar texture and moisture. Less processed than brown sugar.
Slightly larger crystals but similar flavor. Works well in most recipes.
Honey + White Sugar
Ratio
3/4 cup white sugar + 1/4 cup honey
Best For
- baking
- cookies
- cakes
- muffins
- natural recipes
Description
Natural sweetness with moisture. Adds floral flavor to recipes.
Adds floral flavor from honey. Reduce liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup.
Maple Syrup + White Sugar
Ratio
3/4 cup white sugar + 1/4 cup maple syrup
Best For
- baking
- cookies
- cakes
- muffins
- when you want maple flavor
Description
Natural sweetness with moisture. Adds maple flavor to recipes.
Adds maple flavor. Reduce liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Brown Sugar, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Choose your brown sugar substitute based on the recipe's needs
For exact flavor: white sugar + molasses recreates brown sugar perfectly
For maple flavor: white sugar + maple syrup adds distinctive taste
For natural options: coconut sugar or turbinado sugar work well
For floral flavor: honey + white sugar adds nice floral notes
Brown sugar adds moisture to baked goods - substitutes should provide similar moisture
Light brown sugar has less molasses than dark brown sugar
Store brown sugar in an airtight container to prevent hardening
If brown sugar hardens, place a slice of bread in the container overnight
When using liquid sweeteners, reduce other liquids in the recipe
Brown sugar helps with browning and caramelization in baked goods
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications