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Best Substitutes for Brown Sugar — What to Use Instead

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White Sugar + Molasses: 1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses (light) or 2 tbsp (dark) — DIY brown sugar. Mix thoroughly.

Coconut Sugar: 1:1 — Natural caramel flavor. Good substitute.

Overview

Top substitute for brown sugar: White Sugar + Molasses (1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses (light) or 2 tbsp (dark)). DIY brown sugar. Mix thoroughly. Plus 3 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • White Sugar + Molasses: 1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses (light) or 2 tbsp (dark) — DIY brown sugar. Mix thoroughly.
  • Coconut Sugar: 1:1 — Natural caramel flavor. Good substitute.
  • Maple Syrup: 3/4 cup per 1 cup — Reduce liquid slightly. Adds maple notes.
  • Date Sugar: 1:1 — Made from ground dates. Doesn't melt like sugar.

Why This Matters

  • Brown Sugar is a common ingredient that may need substituting
  • Dietary restrictions (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free) may require alternatives
  • Sometimes you simply run out of an ingredient mid-recipe
  • Allergies or intolerances may necessitate a swap

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: White Sugar + Molasses at 1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses (light) or 2 tbsp (dark)
  2. 2Consider the role of the ingredient (flavor, texture, binding, leavening)
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results
  5. 5Some substitutes work better in certain recipes than others

Tags

substitutessugar-subbrown-sugaringredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute for brown sugar is White Sugar + Molasses at 1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses (light) or 2 tbsp (dark). DIY brown sugar. Mix thoroughly.