Is there anything worse than when you’re in the middle of making your favorite recipe and then realize you’re all out of brown sugar? Rather than give up on your recipe, here are some substitutes for brown sugar that can be used as swaps in most recipes. Plus, I’ll tell you what to use them for so you know just how versatile they can be.
Keep this list of alternatives to brown sugar on hand the next time you run out, or simply want to try something new!
List Of Substitutes For Brown Sugar
- Coconut Sugar
- White Sugar
- Honey
- Muscovado Sugar
- Maple Syrup
- Palm Sugar
- Molasses
- Agave Nectar
- Turbinado Sugar
- Demerara Sugar
- Jaggery
- Date Sugar
- Sukrin Gold
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener made from the sap of coconut palm trees. Unlike refined sugar, it retains many of the nutrients found in coconuts, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Coconut sugar also has a lower glycemic index than brown sugar, meaning it doesn’t cause blood sugar levels to spike as sharply. For these reasons, coconut sugar is often lauded as a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
However, coconut sugar can also be used as a brown sugar substitute in baking and cooking. When used in recipes that call for brown sugar, coconut sugar will add a subtle coconut flavor.
It can also be used 1:1 as a replacement in recipes for things like glazes, sauces, and marinades.
White Sugar
White sugar is a common kitchen staple, but did you know that it can also be used as a substitute for brown sugar?
Brown sugar is made by adding molasses to white sugar, which gives it its characteristic brown color and slightly sweet flavor. However, if you’re out of brown sugar or simply want to change things up, you can use white sugar in its place. You can even add a little maple syrup or molasses to adjust the flavor.
You’ll need to use a 1:1 ratio when substituting white sugar for brown sugar. In addition, white sugar doesn’t have the same molasses flavor as brown sugar, so your baked goods may taste slightly different. However, white sugar is a great option if you’re looking for a quick and easy substitution.
Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries. It is made by bees from the nectar of flowers and is a healthy alternative to refined sugar.
Honey has a similar taste to brown sugar, making it a good substitute in recipes. To use honey as a substitute for brown sugar, simply use 3/4 cup of honey for every one cup of brown sugar called for in the recipe.
Honey is also a healthy alternative to refined sugar. It has fewer calories and is higher in antioxidants than white sugar. Additionally, honey has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it can help to boost immunity and fight off infection.
Muscovado Sugar
Muscovado sugar is a type of unrefined cane sugar that has a rich brown color and molasses-like flavor. Although it is not as widely available as brown sugar, it can be used as a 1:1 substitute in many recipes.
Muscovado sugar contains more moisture than brown sugar, so it may not dissolve as quickly or evenly. However, its unique flavor can enhance the taste of baked goods and other dishes.
When substituting muscovado sugar for brown sugar, it is important to keep an eye on the overall moisture content of the recipe. Too much moisture can result in a soggy final product.
Muscovado sugar is best used in recipes that call for moist ingredients, such as fresh fruits or vegetables. You can also use it to sweeten coffee or tea or sprinkled on top of oatmeal or other breakfast cereals.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a delicious, caramel-flavored alternative to brown sugar. Although it is slightly sweeter than brown sugar, it can be used as a one-to-one replacement in many recipes.
For example, you can use maple syrup in baked goods, glazes, and marinades. Maple syrup is also a great way to add sweetness and flavor to coffee or tea.
To substitute maple syrup for brown sugar, simply use two-thirds of a cup of maple syrup for every one cup of brown sugar called for in the recipe. Keep in mind that the final product may be slightly moister than if you had used brown sugar.
Palm Sugar
Palm sugar is a less sweet alternative to brown sugar that you can use in a variety of recipes. It has a caramel-like flavor that adds depth and richness to soups, stews, and sauces.
When substituting palm sugar for brown sugar, use equal amounts of palm sugar for brown sugar. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of brown sugar, use 1 cup of palm sugar.
Palm sugar can also be used as a healthy alternative to white sugar in baking recipes. However, it is important to note that hard palm sugar does not dissolve as easily as white sugar, so it is best to grind it into a powder before adding it to wet ingredients.
Whether you are looking to cut back on the sweetness or add some depth of flavor to your cooking, palm sugar is a great substitute for brown sugar.
Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is produced during the sugar-making process. It can be used as a substitute for brown sugar in many recipes.
The thick consistency of molasses helps to add body and texture to baked goods, while the dark color contributes a lovely richness of flavor. When substituting molasses for brown sugar, it is important to keep the following tips in mind.
First, use less molasses than you would brown sugar, as the molasses is much sweeter. Second, add a bit of baking soda to your recipe to offset the acidity of the molasses. Finally, be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly, as molasses tends to caramelize more quickly than brown sugar.
With these simple tips, you can successfully substitute molasses for brown sugar in any recipe.
Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a popular natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for brown sugar in many recipes. When substituting agave nectar for brown sugar, use two-thirds cup of agave nectar for every 1 cup of brown sugar.
There are several benefits to using agave nectar as a substitute for brown sugar. First, it is a low-glycemic sweetener, which means it does not cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Second, it is gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Third, it is relatively easy to find agave nectar in most health food stores.
There are endless possibilities for how to use agave nectar as a substitute for brown sugar. You can use it in baking recipes such as cookies, cakes, and muffins. You can also add it to oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet breakfast treat. Finally, you can use agave nectar to sweeten coffee or tea. Whatever way you choose to
Turbinado Sugar
Turbinado sugar is a type of extracted cane sugar juice that has been minimally processed. It is light brown and has a slightly nutty flavor with a hint of caramel.
Turbinado sugar is more coarse than refined sugar and has a grainy texture. It can be used as a substitute for brown sugar in many recipes. The golden color and distinct flavor of turbinado sugar will add a unique touch to baked goods.
When substituting turbinado sugar for brown sugar, use the same amount of turbinado sugar as you would brown sugar. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of brown sugar, use 1 cup of turbinado sugar.
Turbinado sugar can also be used as a topping for breakfast foods such as oatmeal, pancakes, and waffles. It adds a lovely sweetness and crunch to these dishes.
In general, you can use turbinado sugar anywhere you would use brown sugar or refined sugar. It is a wonderful natural alternative to these more processed sugars.
Demerara Sugar
Demerara sugar is minimally processed and has a large crystal size, which gives it a molasses flavor. As a result, it’s often used as a substitute for brown sugar. The following are some benefits of using Demerara sugar as a substitute for brown sugar:
- The minimally processed sugar cane means that Demerara sugar has more vitamins and minerals than brown sugar.
- Brown sugar is refined white sugar with molasses added back in, while Demerara sugar is only slightly refined and still contains the molasses.
- Demerara sugar has a larger crystal size, making it perfect for baked goods like cookies, where you want a little bit of texture.
- The molasses flavor of Demerara sugar can enhance the flavor of certain dishes, like oatmeal.
- Using Demerara sugar as a substitute for brown sugar can help to cut down on added refined sugars in your diet.
Jaggery
Jaggery is a sweetener made from sugar cane or date palm. It can be used as a substitute for brown sugar in equal amounts.
Jaggery has several benefits over brown sugar, including the fact that it is a natural sweetener and does not contain any added chemicals or preservatives. Additionally, jaggery contains more nutrients than brown sugar, including protein, calcium, and magnesium.
Finally, jaggery has a distinct flavor that can enhance the flavor of certain dishes. To use jaggery as a substitute for brown sugar, simply substitute an equal amount of jaggery for brown sugar in any recipe.
Jaggery can be used in baking recipes, as well as sweet and savory dishes. When substituting jaggery for brown sugar, remember that the finished dish may be slightly darker in color due to molasses.
Date Sugar
Date sugar is a sweetener made from, you guessed it, dates! It has a light brown color and a sweet flavor that is similar to brown sugar.
Most recipes accept date sugar as a 1:1 substitute for brown sugar. The main benefit of using date sugar as a substitute for brown sugar is that it is a natural sweetener.
Date sugar is also lower on the glycemic index than brown sugar, which means it won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike as much after eating it. When substituting date sugar for brown sugar, remember that date sugar doesn’t contain molasses.
As a result, your baked goods might not be quite as moist as they would be if you used brown sugar. You can counteract this by adding an extra tablespoon or two of liquid to your recipe.
Sukrin Gold
Sukrin Gold is a wonderful sugar alternative that tastes and has a similar texture to brown sugar. It can be used in place of brown sugar in recipes, as long as there are no other complicated requirements.
Some benefits of using Sukrin Gold include that it is lower in calories and has a higher glycemic index than brown sugar. It also does not contain any added molasses or flavorings.
To use Sukrin Gold as a substitute for brown sugar, simply add the same amount of Sukrin Gold as you would brown sugar to your recipe. Keep in mind that because Sukrin Gold is sweeter than brown sugar so you may want to add to taste.
You can also use Sukrin Gold as a general sweetener in coffee, tea, or on top of cereal or oatmeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between brown sugar and other sweeteners?
There are a variety of substitutes for brown sugar. Some substitutes, like Demerara sugar, have a similar flavor and texture to brown sugar. Others, like Sukrin Gold, have a similar flavor and texture to brown sugar.
Can regular sugar be used as a substitute for brown sugar?
Yes, you can use regular sugar as a brown sugar substitute in most recipes. The ratio is 1:1, meaning for every cup of brown sugar called for in a recipe, you can substitute it with one cup of regular sugar.
What is the difference between brown sugar and dark brown sugar?
Brown sugar is a type of sugar that is made with molasses. Dark brown sugar has a higher level of molasses than light brown sugar. The ratio is also different, with dark brown sugar being a cup to one and a half cups of light brown sugar.
Conclusion
There are a variety of substitutes for brown sugar, each with its unique benefits and flavors. First, choose the substitute that best suits your needs and taste. Then, with a little bit of creativity, you can easily swap brown sugar for an alternative that tastes the same or similar.
Have you ever used any of these substitutes for brown sugar? What are your thoughts?