Honey Substitute for Brown Sugar: Exact Ratio
Looking for a brown sugar substitute? Honey works as a direct replacement. Use 2/3 cup honey = 1 cup brown sugar; reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup in any recipe that calls for brown sugar. This swap works best for marinades, sauces, dressings.
Best Substitute
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.
Tips When Replacing Brown Sugar in Recipes
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.
What Is Brown Sugar and Why Substitute It?
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.
Honey is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of brown sugar. For a complete list of brown sugar substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full brown sugar substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use honey as a substitute for brown sugar. Use 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.
How much honey equals brown sugar?
Use 2/3 cup honey = 1 cup brown sugar; reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup to replace brown sugar with honey. Works best for marinades, sauces, dressings.
What is the best substitute for brown sugar?
Honey is a popular substitute for brown sugar. Use 2/3 cup honey = 1 cup brown sugar; reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our brown sugar substitute page.