Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of brown sugar?
White sugar + molasses, Coconut sugar and Maple sugar are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
White sugar + molasses. Use the same amount. 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses = 1 cup brown sugar.
Adjust: Rub molasses into sugar with fork until uniform.
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White sugar + molasses
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses = 1 cup brown sugar.
- Flavor
- Same.
- Texture
- Identical.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Rub molasses into sugar with fork until uniform.
- Best for
- Any recipe
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Coconut sugar
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Drier, less acidic than brown sugar.
- Flavor
- Caramel.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Slightly less moist.
- Adjust
- Works direct 1:1.
- Best for
- Any recipe
vegan
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Maple sugar
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Nutty, less molasses flavor.
- Flavor
- Mild maple.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Any recipe
vegan
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Turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw)
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Less moist — result less chewy.
- Flavor
- Subtle caramel.
- Texture
- Slightly drier.
- Moisture
- Less.
- Adjust
- Add 1 tsp molasses per cup for moistness.
- Best for
- Topping, Batters
vegan
Common questions
What is the best substitute for brown sugar?
White sugar + molasses is the closest swap. Use the same amount. 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses = 1 cup brown sugar.
What is a vegan substitute for brown sugar?
Good vegan options are Coconut sugar, Maple sugar and Turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw).
How much should I use instead of brown sugar?
It depends on the swap. White sugar + molasses: Use the same amount. Coconut sugar: Use the same amount. Maple sugar: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use brown sugar
More swaps
Scale it to your recipe
Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.