Out of Golden caster sugar, one case
Golden caster sugar substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Demerara sugar
Same amount by weight as the golden caster sugar
For golden caster sugar, Demerara Sugar, Turbinado Sugar, and Raw Sugar keep the light caramel flavor, but their crystals are much coarser: use the same weight and grind them fine in a blender for cakes and meringues. If you only need the texture, ordinary white caster sugar works in the same amount and loses just a little flavor.
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full caster sugar card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of golden caster sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demerara sugarbaking | Same amount by weight |
| 2 | Turbinado sugarbaking | Same amount by weight |
| 3 | Raw sugarbaking | Same amount by weight |
| 4 | Muscovado sugarbaking | Same amount |
| 5 | Coconut sugarbaking | Same amount |
Demerara sugar
slightly different
Demerara sugar provides similar sweetness to golden caster sugar with a slight molasses flavor. Good for when you want the same functionality with unrefined sugar.
- Best for
- baking, when you want molasses flavor, unrefined sugar, general use, most golden caster sugar recipes
- Texture
- coarser
Use the same weight. The crystals are much coarser than caster sugar, so grind them fine in a blender or food processor before using them in cakes, biscuits or meringues, or they stay crunchy. Demerara sugar has a slight molasses flavor but similar sweetness to golden caster sugar.
Turbinado sugar
slightly different
Turbinado sugar provides similar sweetness to golden caster sugar with a slight molasses flavor. Good for when you want the golden caster sugar character with less processing.
- Best for
- baking, when you want less processed, molasses flavor, natural alternative, most golden caster sugar recipes
- Texture
- coarser
Use the same weight. The crystals are much coarser than caster sugar, so grind them fine in a blender or food processor before using them in cakes, biscuits or meringues, or they stay crunchy. Turbinado sugar has a slight molasses flavor but similar sweetness. Ideal for recipes where you want less refined sugar.
Raw sugar
slightly different
Raw sugar provides similar sweetness to golden caster sugar with a slight molasses flavor. Good for when you want the golden caster sugar character with minimal processing.
- Best for
- baking, when you want minimal processing, molasses flavor, natural alternative, most golden caster sugar recipes
- Texture
- coarser
Use the same weight. The crystals are much coarser than caster sugar, so grind them fine in a blender or food processor before using them in cakes, biscuits or meringues, or they stay crunchy. Raw sugar has a slight molasses flavor but similar sweetness. Ideal for recipes where you want unrefined sugar.
Muscovado sugar
different taste, moister texture
Muscovado sugar provides similar sweetness to golden caster sugar with a stronger molasses flavor. Good for when you want the golden caster sugar character with more depth.
- Best for
- baking, when you want stronger molasses flavor, depth, caramel notes, most golden caster sugar recipes
Use in equal amounts by volume. Muscovado sugar has a stronger molasses flavor but similar sweetness. Ideal for recipes where you want more depth.
Coconut sugar
slightly different · similar texture
Coconut sugar provides similar sweetness to golden caster sugar with a slight caramel flavor. Good for when you want a natural alternative with similar functionality.
- Best for
- baking, when you want natural alternative, caramel flavor, most golden caster sugar recipes
Use in equal amounts by volume. Coconut sugar has a slight caramel flavor but similar sweetness. Ideal for natural and organic recipes.
How it behaves in this recipe
When using golden caster sugar substitutes, the goal is to replicate the sweetness, texture, and unrefined character that golden caster sugar provides. The recommended substitutes work because they offer similar sweetness levels with complementary flavor profiles while maintaining the intended functionality in baking and cooking.
Tips for substituting golden caster sugar
8 tips- For the closest flavor, use demerara sugar ground fine in a blender; for the closest texture, use white caster sugar
- When making golden caster sugar cookies, use turbinado sugar for texture
- For golden caster sugar in cakes, grind raw sugar fine first so it creams into the butter
- In golden caster sugar brownies, use muscovado sugar for depth
- For golden caster sugar in muffins, use coconut sugar for caramel flavor
- For macarons and meringues, use white caster sugar; coarse demerara or turbinado crystals do not dissolve in the egg whites unless they are ground fine first
- For pavlova, use white caster sugar, or turbinado sugar ground fine in a blender first
- In golden caster sugar cheesecake, use raw sugar for natural sweetness
Notes on golden caster sugar
- For golden caster sugar in baking: Use demerara sugar for similar results
- For golden caster sugar in cookies: Use turbinado sugar for texture
- For golden caster sugar in cakes: Use raw sugar for natural sweetness
- For golden caster sugar in brownies: Use muscovado sugar for depth
- For golden caster sugar in muffins: Use coconut sugar for caramel flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for golden caster sugar?
For the flavor, use demerara sugar at the same weight, ground fine in a blender first because its crystals are much coarser. For the same texture, use white caster sugar in the same amount; the only loss is a little caramel flavor.
Can I use turbinado sugar instead of golden caster sugar?
Yes, turbinado sugar works as a golden caster sugar substitute. Use the same weight, and grind it fine first for cakes and meringues because the crystals are coarse. Turbinado sugar has a slight molasses flavor but similar sweetness.
What can I use instead of golden caster sugar in baking?
For baking, use demerara sugar for similar results, turbinado sugar for texture, or raw sugar for natural sweetness.
How do I substitute golden caster sugar in recipes?
For recipes, use demerara sugar for the most similar results, turbinado sugar for texture, or muscovado sugar for more depth.
Can I use muscovado sugar instead of golden caster sugar?
Yes, muscovado sugar works as a golden caster sugar substitute. Use equal amounts by volume. Muscovado sugar has a stronger molasses flavor but similar sweetness.