Brown Sugar Substitute for Honey: Exact Ratio
Looking for a honey substitute? Brown Sugar works as a direct replacement. Use 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey; add 1/4 cup extra liquid in any recipe that calls for honey. This swap works best for baking, sauces, oatmeal.
Best Substitute
Brown Sugar
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey; add 1/4 cup extra liquid
Provides similar caramel notes but is a dry sweetener. Increase the liquid in the recipe to compensate for the lost moisture from honey.
Flavor & Texture Change
Caramel-molasses flavor similar to honey. Less complex sweetness. Baked goods will have a slightly different texture since you are swapping a liquid for a solid.
When Not to Use
Dry ingredient replacing a liquid, so you must add extra liquid (1/4 cup water per 3/4 cup sugar). Changes the texture of the recipe. Not suitable for glazes, marinades, or recipes where liquid sweetness is needed.
Tips When Replacing Honey in Recipes
When substituting honey in baking, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent over-browning, since honey caramelizes faster than granulated sugar. If replacing honey with a dry sweetener, add extra liquid to maintain moisture.
What Is Honey and Why Substitute It?
A natural liquid sweetener produced by bees, prized for its distinctive floral flavor and smooth viscosity. Honey adds moisture, browning, and complex sweetness to baked goods, dressings, marinades, and beverages.
Brown Sugar is one of 6 alternatives you can use instead of honey. For a complete list of honey substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full honey substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Honey?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?
Yes, you can use brown sugar as a substitute for honey. Use 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey; add 1/4 cup extra liquid. Provides similar caramel notes but is a dry sweetener. Increase the liquid in the recipe to compensate for the lost moisture from honey.
How much brown sugar equals honey?
Use 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey; add 1/4 cup extra liquid to replace honey with brown sugar. Works best for baking, sauces, oatmeal.
What is the best substitute for honey?
Brown Sugar is a popular substitute for honey. Use 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey; add 1/4 cup extra liquid for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our honey substitute page.
Does brown sugar change the taste when replacing honey?
Dry ingredient replacing a liquid, so you must add extra liquid (1/4 cup water per 3/4 cup sugar). Changes the texture of the recipe. Not suitable for glazes, marinades, or recipes where liquid sweetness is needed.
Is brown sugar a vegan substitute for honey?
Yes, brown sugar is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to honey. Use 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar = 1 cup honey; add 1/4 cup extra liquid.