Cooking Substitutions, Recalculated
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What can I use instead of white sugar?

Best substitute for 1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
Brown sugar — 1:1; adds moisture and molasses notes.
cups
Amounts below are for 1 cup white sugar

4 substitutes for white sugar

SubstituteUse this muchNotes
Brown sugar1 cup packed brown sugar1:1; adds moisture and molasses notes.
Honey3/4 cup honeyReduce other liquid by 1 tbsp; lower temp 25F.
Maple syrup3/4 cup maple syrupReduce other liquids slightly.
Coconut sugar1 cup coconut sugar1:1; slightly less sweet.

Granulated white sugar can be swapped for other sugars and syrups. With liquid sweeteners, remember to cut back on other liquids in the recipe.

Tips

  • For liquid sweeteners, cut other liquids by about 1/4 cup per cup.
  • Brown sugar swaps 1:1 and adds chew.

FAQ

Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes - use 3/4 cup honey per cup of sugar and reduce other liquids slightly.
Is brown sugar sweeter than white sugar?
No, they're about equally sweet; brown just adds molasses flavor and moisture.