Demerara sugar is a type of unrefined sugar that is often used in baking and cocktails. It has a unique flavor that many people love.
However, if you’re out of demerara sugar or don’t want to spend the money on it, there are substitutes that you can use.
In this article, we’ll discuss demerara sugar substitutes and how to use them.
We’ll also give some recipes that use demerara sugar so you can see how it works in different dishes.
Let’s start!
Demerara Sugar Substitutes:
- Plain White Sugar
- Sanding Sugar
- Coconut Sugar
- Turbinado Sugar
- White Sugar With Maple Syrup
- Muscovado Sugar
- White Sugar With Molasses
- Light Brown Sugar
- Maple Sugar
- Dark Brown Sugar
Plain White Sugar
In baking, one of the most common substitutes for Demerara sugar is plain white sugar.
While it may not have the same molasses flavor as Demerara, it can be used in a pinch.
The main benefit of using white sugar is that it is more readily available than Demerara. In addition, it is also cheaper.
While it may not provide the same flavor profile, it can still be used in a variety of recipes.
For example, if you are making a cake or cookies that do not require a significant amount of sugar, white sugar can be used as a replacement.
Sanding Sugar
Sanding sugar is a type of sugar that is often used to decorate cookies and cakes.
It has large crystals, like Demerara sugar, but it is usually white or clear in color.
While it does not have the same flavor as Demerara sugar, it can be used in many of the same ways.
Sanding sugar is a good choice for baked goods that will be frosted or coated with chocolate, as its light color will contrast well with these toppings.
It can also be used to add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes, such as roasted vegetables.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a great alternative to Demerara sugar, and it can be used in many of the same recipes.
Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut palms, and it has a similar flavor to Demerara sugar.
It is also less processed than other types of sugar, so it retains more of its nutrients.
Coconut sugar can be used in baked goods, as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes, or even in tea or coffee.
Turbinado Sugar
Turbinado sugar is a coarse, brown sugar that is often used as a replacement for Demerara sugar.
While it is not an exact substitution, it can be used in many cases where Demerara sugar is called for.
Turbinado sugar has a slightly different flavor than Demerara sugar, but it can be used in the same way. It is also a good choice for recipes that call for brown sugar.
The main benefit of using Turbinado sugar as a replacement for Demerara sugar is that it is less expensive. Turbinado sugar is also easier to find in stores.
White Sugar With Maple Syrup
There are many substitutes for demerara sugar, but one of the most interesting is white sugar with maple syrup.
This combination can be used in a variety of recipes and provides several benefits.
First, the maple syrup adds a unique flavor to the sugar that can enhance the flavor of any dish.
Additionally, the maple syrup helps to caramelize the sugar, making it perfect for baking.
Finally, the addition of maple syrup makes the sugar less likely to clump, making it easier to work with.
Muscovado Sugar
Muscovado sugar is a type of unrefined brown sugar that has a high molasses content.
This gives it a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for baked goods and cooked dishes.
Muscovado sugar can be used as a substitute for Demerara sugar in any recipe.
The two sugars have very similar flavors, so the substitution will not alter the taste of your dish.
Muscovado sugar is also a great choice for sweetening tea or coffee. It dissolves quickly and adds a lovely depth of flavor to your drinks.
White Sugar With Molasses
While Demerara sugar can be difficult to find in some areas, white sugar with molasses can be used as a substitute.
This substitute will provide the same sweetness and texture as Demerara sugar, but it may change the color of your baked goods.
When using this substitute, it is important to keep in mind that it may also add a slight molasses flavor to your recipe.
Moreover, this substitute is not as healthy as Demerara sugar, so it should be used in moderation.
Light Brown Sugar
Light brown sugar is a great option to substitute for demerara sugar. It has a similar flavor and texture and can be used in many of the same recipes.
The main benefit of using light brown sugar as a substitute is that it’s more readily available than demerara sugar.
You can find it in most grocery stores, making it a convenient option when you’re in a pinch.
Additionally, light brown sugar is less expensive than demerara sugar, so it’s a great budget-friendly option.
Keep in mind that light brown sugar will produce a slightly different flavor than demerara sugar, so it’s best to use it in recipes where that won’t be an issue.
For example, baked goods like cookies or pies will still taste delicious with light brown sugar.
Maple Sugar
Maple sugar is a type of sugar that is made from the sap of maple trees. It has a similar flavor to honey and can be used as a replacement for other types of sugar, such as Demerara sugar.
There are several benefits to using maple sugar as a Demerara sugar substitute.
Maple sugar is less processed than other types of sugar, so it retains more of the natural antioxidants and minerals that are found in maple sap. Maple sugar also dissolves more quickly than other types of sugar, making it ideal for use in tea or coffee. Finally, maple sugar has a lower glycemic index than other types of sugar, so it does not cause blood sugar levels to spike as quickly.
In addition to being used as a Demerara sugar substitute, maple sugar can also be used in baking recipes or added to oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast.
When substituting maple sugar for Demerara sugar, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Maple sugar is also a bit sweeter than other types of sugar, so you may want to reduce the amount of sweetener in your recipe by half.
Overall, with its unique flavor and health benefits, maple sugar is a great alternative to refined sugars.
Dark Brown Sugar
Dark brown sugar makes a great substitute for demerara sugar.
This type of sugar is less processed than white sugar, so it retains some of the molasses flavors that give Demerara its distinctive taste.
In addition, dark brown sugar has a larger grain size, which can add a pleasing crunch to baked goods.
When substituting dark brown sugar for Demerara, keep in mind that the finished product may be slightly darker in color.
The flavor will also be a bit more intense, so you may want to use a little less than the recipe calls for.
Related Questions
What is demerara sugar?
Demerara sugar is a type of unrefined brown sugar. It’s made from cane sugar that has been refined and then coated with molasses.
The resulting sugar has a large grain size and a distinct flavor that is both sweet and slightly caramel-like.
What are the benefits of demerara sugar?
Demerara sugar is a less processed sugar, so it retains some of the natural molasses flavor and nutrients that are found in cane sugar.
Additionally, demerara sugar has a large grain size that can add a pleasant crunch to baked goods.
What are some demerara sugar substitutes?
Several types of sugar can be used as a demerara sugar substitute, including light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and maple sugar.
Each of these substitutes will provide a slightly different flavor to your recipe.
What should I keep in mind when substituting demerara sugar?
When substituting demerara sugar, it’s important to keep in mind that the finished product may taste slightly different than if you had used demerara sugar.
Additionally, each type of sugar substitute will have a different effect on the flavor and texture of your recipe.
For example, light brown sugar is less sweet than demerara sugar, so you may want to use a little more in your recipe.
Alternatively, dark brown sugar is more intense in flavor, so you may want to use it a little less.
Finally, maple sugar is sweeter than demerara sugar, so you may want to reduce the amount of sweetener in your recipe by half.
Conclusion
There are many substitutes for demerara sugar, but each has its unique flavor and benefits.
When choosing a demerara sugar substitute, be sure to consider the flavor of your recipe and the desired results.
With a little experimentation, you’re sure to find a demerara sugar substitute that you love.