🍯 Sweeteners

Brown Sugar vs Granulated Sugar: Substitution Guide

Learn how to substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar and vice versa. Get exact ratios, cooking tips, and techniques for perfect results in any recipe.

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Quick Answer

Use 1 cup brown sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar (1:1 ratio). Brown sugar adds moisture and molasses flavor, while granulated sugar is drier and sweeter. Both work interchangeably in most recipes.

Best Substitutes

Brown Sugar for Granulated

1:1

Brown sugar can substitute for granulated sugar in equal amounts. It adds moisture and molasses flavor, making baked goods more moist and chewy.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen you want moisturewhen you want molasses flavorchewy textures

Brown sugar adds moisture and molasses flavor to recipes. It makes baked goods more moist and chewy than granulated sugar.

Granulated Sugar for Brown

1:1

Granulated sugar can substitute for brown sugar in equal amounts. It provides sweetness without the moisture and molasses flavor of brown sugar.

Best for:

bakingcookingwhen you want drier texturewhen you don't have brown sugarmost recipes

Granulated sugar provides sweetness without the moisture and molasses flavor of brown sugar. Baked goods may be drier and less chewy.

Light Brown Sugar

1:1

Light brown sugar provides similar moisture and flavor to regular brown sugar but with less molasses flavor. It works well as a substitute for granulated sugar.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen you want mild molasses flavorwhen you want moisturechewy textures

Light brown sugar provides similar moisture and flavor to regular brown sugar but with less molasses flavor. It works well as a substitute for granulated sugar.

Dark Brown Sugar

1:1

Dark brown sugar provides more moisture and stronger molasses flavor than light brown sugar. It works well as a substitute for granulated sugar when you want rich flavor.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen you want rich molasses flavorwhen you want moisturechewy textures

Dark brown sugar provides more moisture and stronger molasses flavor than light brown sugar. It works well as a substitute for granulated sugar when you want rich flavor.

Raw Cane Sugar

1:1

Raw cane sugar provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with slight molasses flavor. It works well as a substitute for granulated sugar in most recipes.

Best for:

bakingcookingwhen you want slight molasses flavorwhen you want natural sugarmost recipes

Raw cane sugar provides similar sweetness to granulated sugar but with slight molasses flavor. It works well as a substitute for granulated sugar in most recipes.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Brown sugar works best in baked goods where you want moisture and chewy texture
  • 💡Granulated sugar works better in recipes where you want drier, crispier texture
  • 💡When using brown sugar instead of granulated, baked goods will be more moist and chewy
  • 💡When using granulated sugar instead of brown, baked goods will be drier and less chewy
  • 💡Brown sugar adds molasses flavor that granulated sugar doesn't have
  • 💡For cookies, brown sugar makes them chewier while granulated sugar makes them crispier
  • 💡Brown sugar works well in marinades and glazes where you want moisture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar?

Yes, use 1 cup brown sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and molasses flavor, making baked goods more moist and chewy.

What's the difference between brown sugar and granulated sugar?

Brown sugar contains molasses which adds moisture and flavor, while granulated sugar is pure sucrose. Brown sugar makes baked goods more moist and chewy.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, light brown sugar works as a substitute for granulated sugar. It provides similar moisture and mild molasses flavor.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar works as a substitute for granulated sugar. It provides more moisture and stronger molasses flavor than light brown sugar.

Can I use raw cane sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, raw cane sugar works as a substitute for granulated sugar. It provides similar sweetness with slight molasses flavor.

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

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

Can I use brown sugar in coffee?

Yes, brown sugar works in coffee and adds molasses flavor. Use 1:1 ratio with granulated sugar.

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

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

Summary

Learn how to substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar and vice versa. Get exact ratios, cooking tips, and techniques for perfect results in any recipe.