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What can I use instead of brown sugar?
Best substitute for 1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses
White sugar + molasses — Mix well; makes light brown sugar.
cups
Amounts below are for 1 cup brown sugar
4 substitutes for brown sugar
| Substitute | Use this much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White sugar + molasses | 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses | Mix well; makes light brown sugar. |
| White sugar + maple syrup | 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp maple syrup | Similar moisture and color. |
| Coconut sugar | 1 cup coconut sugar | 1:1; slightly less sweet. |
| White sugar | 1 cup white sugar | Works, but loses caramel notes and moisture. |
Brown sugar is just white sugar plus molasses, which adds moisture and a caramel note. That makes it one of the easiest things to recreate from your pantry.
Tips
- 1 tbsp molasses per cup of white sugar = light brown sugar; 2 tbsp = dark.
- Pack brown sugar firmly when measuring.
FAQ
- Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
- Yes, 1:1 - add 1 tbsp molasses per cup to mimic the flavor and moisture.
- How do I make dark brown sugar?
- Mix 2 tbsp molasses into 1 cup of white sugar.