Brown sugar substitutes

Best swap: White sugar + molasses. Use 1 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tbsp molasses (2 tbsp for dark brown) per 1 cup.

Brown sugar is just white sugar with molasses added back in, which is where its moisture, chew and caramel flavour come from. That makes it one of the easiest things to fake from the pantry.

I need cups of brown sugar Change this and every amount below updates.

What to use instead of brown sugar

1. White sugar + molasses

Best Pantry staple

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp molasses (2 tbsp for dark brown)

Best for: Cookies, anything where chew matters

Rub the molasses into the sugar with your fingers or a fork until even. Use 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.

2. Plain white sugar

Pantry staple

1 cup granulated sugar

Best for: In a pinch, when flavour is not key

Works, but you lose the moisture and caramel notes, so cookies spread more and taste plainer.

3. Coconut sugar

1 cup coconut sugar

Best for: A like-for-like swap with deeper flavour

Similar colour and caramel notes, slightly drier, so results are a touch less moist.

Brown sugar substitutes: common questions

How do I make brown sugar from white sugar?

Mix 1 tablespoon of molasses into 1 cup of granulated sugar (use 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar) until evenly coloured. It behaves just like store-bought brown sugar.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, cup for cup, but you lose the moisture and caramel flavour molasses gives, so baked goods will be a little drier and spread more.

More ingredient swaps

🥛 Buttermilk 4 substitutes 🥚 Eggs (in baking) 4 substitutes 🧂 Baking powder 2 substitutes 🧂 Baking soda 1 substitute