9 Best Brown Sugar Substitutes

Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness and depth to recipes, from cookies to marinades. But what if you find yourself out of brown sugar or prefer a healthier alternative? Fear not!

I’ve compiled a list of 9 sneaky brown sugar substitutes that will keep your recipes tasting delicious. Let’s dive in!

What is brown sugar?

Brown sugar is a sweetener made from white sugar combined with varying amounts of molasses, giving it its distinctive color and flavor profile.

Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes moisture, color, and a hint of caramel flavor to baking and cooking. It enhances the texture of baked goods like no other, yielding softness and chewiness that’s difficult to replicate with other sweeteners.

However, there are other sweeteners you can use that taste and act very similar to brown sugar…

9 Best brown sugar substitutes

• White sugar + molasses
• White sugar
• Muscovado Sugar
• Raw sugar/Turbinado Sugar
• Coconut sugar
• Date sugar
• Keto brown sugar replacements
• Maple syrup or honey
• Maple sugar

Best overall substitute for brown sugar: White granulated sugar + molasses

The ultimate DIY brown sugar substitute, combining white sugar with molasses allows you to tailor the darkness and flavor intensity to your preference. Simply mix 1 cup of white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar. This is essentially what brown sugar is, after all.

Easiest brown sugar substitute: White sugar

In a pinch, white granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar. While your baked goods may turn out slightly crispier and not as chewy, it works! Since white sugar is sweeter, add a bit less when substituting for brown sugar.

Best dark brown sugar substitute: Muscovado Sugar

Known for its rich caramel flavor, muscovado sugar is an unrefined cane sugar that retains a higher level of molasses. It’s perfect for recipes where you want a deep, intense sweetness. It works best for marinades, glazes, and baked goods like gingerbread.

Best light brown sugar substitute: Raw/Turbinado sugar

A lighter alternative to muscovado sugar, raw sugar, also known as turbinado sugar, offers a hint of molasses flavor. Use it as a one-to-one replacement for brown sugar.

Healthiest brown sugar substitute: Coconut sugar

With its caramel color and subtle taste reminiscent of brown sugar, coconut sugar is a healthier alternative. However, remember that it contains the same amount of calories as regular sugar. Here are the best coconut sugar brands I recommend.

Best low-glycemic brown sugar substitute: Date sugar

Made from dried dates, date sugar adds a fruity sweetness to your recipes without spiking your blood sugar as much as traditional sugars. While it doesn’t melt like regular sugar, it’s an excellent one-to-one replacement for brown sugar.

Best keto brown sugar alternative: Erythritol or allulose blends

Keto brown sugar replacements usually contain erythritol or allulose combined with monk fruit, stevia, or sweet fibers. These alternatives offer the sweetness of brown sugar without the carbs and sugar. IN my experience, Whole Earth Brown Sugar Substitute Blend is the best for baking!

Best liquid brown sugar substitute: Maple syrup/honey

Liquid substitutes like maple syrup or honey can also be used in place of brown sugar or brown sugar syrups, but be mindful of the extra moisture they add to your recipe, especially bakes. I would go with natural maple syrup over honey, as it has a richer flavor that’s closer to brown sugar.

Best brown sugar substitute for oatmeal: Maple sugar

Perfect for oatmeal or desserts, maple sugar provides a unique sweetness with a hint of maple flavor. Here’s my favorite maple sugar for replacing brown sugar!

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