White Sugar + Molasses Substitute for Brown Sugar: Exact Ratio
Looking for a brown sugar substitute? White Sugar + Molasses works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for light brown; 2 tbsp for dark brown in any recipe that calls for brown sugar. This swap works best for baking, cookies, sauces.
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.
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.
White Sugar + Molasses 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 white sugar + molasses instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use white sugar + molasses as a substitute for brown sugar. Use 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.
How much white sugar + molasses equals brown sugar?
Use 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for light brown; 2 tbsp for dark brown to replace brown sugar with white sugar + molasses. Works best for baking, cookies, sauces.
What is the best substitute for brown sugar?
White Sugar + Molasses is a popular substitute for brown sugar. Use 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for light brown; 2 tbsp for dark brown for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our brown sugar substitute page.
Is white sugar + molasses a vegan substitute for brown sugar?
Yes, white sugar + molasses is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to brown sugar. Use 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for light brown; 2 tbsp for dark brown.