🍯 Sweeteners

Muscovado Sugar vs Demerara Sugar: Can You Substitute?

Learn the differences between muscovado and demerara sugar and discover if you can substitute one for the other in your recipes.

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Quick Answer

Yes, you can substitute demerara sugar for muscovado sugar (1:1 ratio), but demerara has larger crystals and less molasses content. For closer flavor match, use demerara + molasses (1 cup + 1-2 tbsp molasses).

Best Substitutes

Demerara Sugar

1:1

Large-crystal partially refined sugar with similar color and subtle molasses flavor

Best for:

toppingscookiesmuffinscoffee cakescrumbles

Larger crystals may affect texture in some recipes. Best when sugar dissolves completely during baking.

Demerara Sugar + Molasses

1 cup demerara + 1-2 tbsp molasses

Demerara sugar enhanced with molasses for closer flavor match to muscovado

Best for:

gingerbreadfruitcakesrich dessertsbarbecue sauces

Mix thoroughly to distribute molasses evenly. Adjust amount based on desired intensity.

Turbinado Sugar

1:1

Similar to demerara but with slightly smaller crystals and similar molasses content

Best for:

toppingscookiesmuffinslight desserts

Very similar to demerara but with slightly smaller crystals for better texture in some recipes.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Demerara sugar works best in recipes where the large crystals add texture, like crumbles and toppings
  • 💡For recipes requiring muscovado's moisture retention, demerara may not provide the same results
  • 💡When using demerara as a muscovado substitute, ensure it dissolves completely during baking
  • 💡Demerara + molasses provides a closer flavor match to muscovado than demerara alone
  • 💡The large crystals of demerara sugar can add pleasant crunch to cookies and muffins
  • 💡For gingerbread and fruitcake, demerara + molasses works better than demerara alone
  • 💡Demerara sugar is excellent for sprinkling on top of baked goods before baking
  • 💡If you need muscovado's fine texture, dark brown sugar is a better choice than demerara
  • 💡Demerara sugar pairs well with nuts and dried fruits in baked goods
  • 💡For recipes where sugar doesn't dissolve completely, demerara provides nice texture contrast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute demerara sugar for muscovado sugar?

Yes, you can substitute demerara sugar for muscovado sugar (1:1 ratio), but demerara has larger crystals and less molasses content. For closer flavor match, add 1-2 tablespoons of molasses per cup of demerara sugar.

What's the difference between muscovado and demerara sugar?

Muscovado sugar is unrefined with 6-10% molasses content and fine crystals, providing rich flavor and moist texture. Demerara sugar is partially refined with 2-3% molasses content and large crystals, offering subtle flavor and crunchy texture.

Is demerara sugar better than muscovado for baking?

It depends on your recipe. Demerara is better for toppings and recipes where you want crystal texture. Muscovado is better for recipes requiring moisture retention and intense molasses flavor.

Can I use demerara sugar in gingerbread?

Yes, but for best results, use demerara sugar with added molasses (1-2 tbsp per cup) to replicate muscovado's rich flavor and moisture retention in gingerbread.

Why does demerara sugar have larger crystals than muscovado?

Demerara sugar is partially refined and crystallized differently than muscovado. The larger crystals give demerara its distinctive crunchy texture, while muscovado's fine crystals provide better moisture retention and flavor distribution.

Summary

Learn if you can substitute demerara sugar for muscovado sugar in your recipes. Compare differences, ratios, and best uses for each type of sugar.