🍯 Sweeteners

Granulated Sugar Substitutes for Baking: Complete Guide

Discover the best granulated sugar substitutes specifically for baking including cookies, cakes, and brownies. Learn about ratios, texture effects, and when to use each alternative.

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Quick Answer

For baking, brown sugar (1:1), coconut sugar (1:1), or honey (3/4 cup = 1 cup sugar) work best. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, coconut sugar provides similar texture, while honey adds moisture and sweetness.

Best Substitutes

Brown Sugar

1:1

Brown sugar works excellently in baking and provides moisture and chewiness to baked goods. It adds molasses flavor and makes cookies and cakes more moist.

Best for:

cookiescakesbrownieswhen you want moisturewhen you want chewinessmuffins

Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to baked goods. It makes cookies chewier and cakes more moist than granulated sugar.

Coconut Sugar

1:1

Coconut sugar works as a 1:1 substitute for granulated sugar in baking. It provides similar texture and sweetness with slight caramel flavor and lower glycemic index.

Best for:

cookiescakesbrownieswhen you want 1:1 substitutionwhen you want natural sweetnessmost baking

Coconut sugar provides similar texture and sweetness to granulated sugar. It has a lower glycemic index and slight caramel flavor.

Honey

3/4 cup honey = 1 cup granulated sugar

Honey works well in baking but requires adjusting the amount and reducing other liquids. It adds moisture and sweetness with floral notes.

Best for:

cookiescakesbrownieswhen you want moisturewhen you want natural sweetnessmuffins

Honey is sweeter than sugar, so use less. It adds moisture to baked goods and may require reducing other liquids in the recipe.

Maple Syrup

3/4 cup maple syrup = 1 cup granulated sugar

Maple syrup works well in baking but requires adjusting the amount and reducing other liquids. It adds moisture and sweetness with maple flavor.

Best for:

cookiescakesbrownieswhen you want moisturewhen you want maple flavormuffins

Maple syrup is sweeter than sugar, so use less. It adds moisture to baked goods and may require reducing other liquids in the recipe.

Powdered Sugar

1 3/4 cups powdered = 1 cup granulated

Powdered sugar can substitute for granulated sugar in baking but may affect texture due to the cornstarch. It works well in some recipes but not all.

Best for:

frostingsglazeswhen you want fine texturesome cookieswhen you want smooth consistency

Powdered sugar contains cornstarch which may affect texture in some recipes. It works well in frostings and glazes but may not be ideal for all baked goods.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Brown sugar works best in cookies and cakes where you want moisture and chewiness
  • 💡Coconut sugar works well as a 1:1 substitute in most baking recipes
  • 💡Honey and maple syrup add moisture, so reduce other liquids in the recipe
  • 💡Powdered sugar works well in frostings and glazes but may affect texture in baked goods
  • 💡For cookies, brown sugar makes them chewier while granulated sugar makes them crispier
  • 💡For cakes, brown sugar and honey add moisture while coconut sugar provides similar texture
  • 💡For brownies, brown sugar and honey work well for fudgy texture

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for granulated sugar in cookies?

Brown sugar works best for chewy cookies, while coconut sugar works well for crispy cookies. Use 1:1 ratio for either.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in cake?

Yes, brown sugar works well in cake and adds moisture and flavor. Use 1:1 ratio with granulated sugar.

What's the best substitute for granulated sugar in brownies?

Brown sugar or honey work best for fudgy brownies. Brown sugar adds moisture, while honey adds sweetness and moisture.

Can I use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar in baking?

Yes, coconut sugar works as a 1:1 substitute for granulated sugar in most baking recipes. It provides similar texture and sweetness.

Can I use honey instead of granulated sugar in cookies?

Yes, use 3/4 cup honey for every 1 cup granulated sugar. Honey adds moisture and may make cookies chewier.

What's the best substitute for granulated sugar in muffins?

Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey work well in muffins. Brown sugar adds moisture, coconut sugar provides similar texture, and honey adds sweetness.

Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar in baking?

Yes, but powdered sugar may affect texture due to the cornstarch. It works well in frostings and glazes but may not be ideal for all baked goods.

What's the best substitute for granulated sugar in frosting?

Powdered sugar works best in frosting as it dissolves easily and provides smooth texture. Use 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar.

Summary

Discover the best granulated sugar substitutes specifically for baking including cookies, cakes, and brownies. Learn about ratios, texture effects, and when to use each alternative.