Brown Sugar Substitutes: 5 Easy Baking Alternatives
The best substitute for brown sugar is White Sugar + Molasses at a 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for light brown; 2 tbsp for dark brown ratio. It works best for baking, cookies, sauces. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
White Sugar + Molasses
1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for light brown; 2 tbsp for dark brown
Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. This is the most accurate substitute since brown sugar is literally white sugar plus molasses.
What are the other substitutes for brown sugar?
Coconut Sugar
1 cup coconut sugar = 1 cup brown sugar
Has a similar caramel flavor and color. Slightly drier texture, so add a teaspoon of moisture (milk or water) if needed in baking.
Muscovado Sugar
1 cup muscovado = 1 cup brown sugar
Stronger molasses flavor than standard brown sugar. Use light muscovado for light brown sugar and dark muscovado for dark brown sugar.
Maple Syrup
2/3 cup maple syrup = 1 cup brown sugar; reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup
Adds a distinct maple flavor. Works best in recipes where a liquid sweetener is acceptable. Reduce oven temperature by 25°F.
Honey
2/3 cup honey = 1 cup brown sugar; reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup
Sweeter than brown sugar, so you may want slightly less. Adds moisture and browning. Not suitable for high-heat baking without temperature adjustment.
What should you know before substituting brown sugar?
When making your own brown sugar with white sugar and molasses, use 1 tablespoon molasses per cup for light brown and 2 tablespoons for dark brown. Store homemade brown sugar in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
How do you substitute brown sugar in a recipe?
A moist sweetener made from white sugar combined with molasses, giving it a rich caramel flavor and soft texture. Brown sugar is essential in cookies, barbecue sauces, and glazes where depth of flavor matters.
The best substitute for brown sugar depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is White Sugar + Molasses (1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for light brown; 2 tbsp for dark brown), which works well for baking, cookies, sauces.
If you need a different option, Coconut Sugar (1 cup coconut sugar = 1 cup brown sugar) is another reliable choice. Has a similar caramel flavor and color. Slightly drier texture, so add a teaspoon of moisture (milk or water) if needed in baking.
When substituting brown sugar, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of brown sugar in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?
Yes, use 1 cup white sugar plus 1 tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons of molasses for dark brown sugar. Mix until evenly combined.
What is the best brown sugar substitute for cookies?
The best substitute is white sugar mixed with molasses (1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses), which replicates brown sugar exactly. Coconut sugar also works well for a similar caramel flavor.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, use 2/3 cup honey for every 1 cup brown sugar and reduce other liquids in the recipe by 1/4 cup. Honey is sweeter, so adjust to taste.