Out of Brown sugar, one case
Molasses substitute for brown sugar
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Molasses + white sugar
Per 1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup white sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses
To make brown sugar with molasses, mix 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses for 1 cup light brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons for dark. For the reverse (brown sugar for molasses), use ¾ cup brown sugar + ¼ cup water = 1 cup molasses.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full molasses card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of brown sugar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molasses + white sugarbaking | 1 cup white sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses per 1 cup light brown sugarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Molasses + granulated sugarquick breads | 1 cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons molasses per 1 cup dark brown sugarWorks | Works |
| 3 | Dark brown sugargingerbread | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Molasses + powdered sugarfrostings | Start with 1 teaspoon molasses per 1 cup powdered sugar, then add to tasteTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Blackstrap molasses + sugardark breads | 1 cup white sugar + 1 ½ teaspoons blackstrap molasses per 1 cup brown sugarYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Molasses + white sugar
similar taste and texture
Rub 1 tablespoon of molasses into 1 cup of white sugar until evenly colored. This is how brown sugar is made: the molasses adds the characteristic flavor while white sugar provides the sweetness.
- Best for
- baking, cookies, cakes, muffins
The standard homemade brown sugar - no other changes to the recipe.
Molasses + granulated sugar
enhanced taste, similar texture
Doubling the molasses gives dark brown sugar, with a stronger flavor and a little more moisture. Use it where the recipe calls for dark brown sugar.
- Best for
- quick breads, muffins, pancakes
The dark brown sugar version - twice the molasses.
Dark brown sugar
similar taste and texture
Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light brown sugar, making it a closer match to pure molasses in flavor intensity.
- Best for
- gingerbread, spice cakes, dark breads
Use dark brown sugar for stronger molasses flavor.
Molasses + powdered sugar
similar taste, enhanced texture
For a frosting or glaze that should taste of brown sugar, stir a little molasses into the powdered sugar and add more to taste. The powdered sugar dissolves easily, so there is no graininess.
- Best for
- frostings, glazes
Frostings and glazes only - powdered sugar contains cornstarch and does not replace brown sugar in baking.
Blackstrap molasses + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Blackstrap molasses is darker, more bitter and less sweet than regular molasses. Start with half the usual amount, mix it into the sugar, and add more only if you want a stronger flavor.
- Best for
- dark breads
Stronger, more bitter flavor - start with half the usual molasses and add to taste.
How it behaves in this recipe
Brown sugar and molasses are closely related - brown sugar is essentially white sugar with molasses added back. When substituting molasses for brown sugar, you're essentially making your own brown sugar. The key is maintaining the right balance of sweetness, moisture, and flavor while ensuring proper texture for your specific recipe.
Tips for substituting brown sugar
6 tips- A tablespoon or two of molasses per cup of sugar adds too little liquid to matter, so leave the recipe's other liquids as written
- For cookies, the molasses + white sugar combination provides the best texture and flavor
- Dark brown sugar already contains molasses, so it's the easiest 1:1 substitute
- When making your own brown sugar substitute, mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution
- Store homemade brown sugar substitute in an airtight container to prevent drying out
- For recipes requiring creaming butter and sugar, the molasses + white sugar combination works best
Notes on brown sugar
- Try using coconut sugar as a natural alternative to brown sugar
- Consider using muscovado sugar, which is less refined and has more molasses flavor
- For a lower-sugar option, use erythritol with a small amount of molasses for flavor
- Try using date sugar mixed with molasses for a natural, unrefined alternative
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the difference between light and dark brown sugar?
Dark brown sugar contains more molasses (about 6.5%) than light brown sugar (about 3.5%), giving it a stronger flavor and darker color. Light brown sugar is more commonly used in baking.
Can I use molasses instead of brown sugar in cookies?
Yes. Mix 1 tablespoon molasses into 1 cup white sugar for each cup of light brown sugar (2 tablespoons for dark) and use it exactly as the recipe says. No other changes are needed.
Why does brown sugar have molasses in it?
Brown sugar is made by adding molasses back to refined white sugar. The amount of molasses determines whether it's light or dark brown sugar.
Can I make brown sugar at home?
Yes, you can make brown sugar by mixing 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
Does molasses substitute work in all brown sugar recipes?
Yes. White sugar mixed with molasses behaves like bought brown sugar in most recipes, with no change to liquids or baking times.