Brown sugar is just white sugar with molasses added back in, so the best substitute is to make it: mix 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown, or 2 tablespoons for dark brown. If you have no molasses, white sugar alone works in most recipes with a small texture and flavor change.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.
Brown Sugar Substitutes at a Glance
| Substitute | For 1 cup packed brown sugar | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White sugar + molasses | 1 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon (light) or 2 tablespoon (dark) molasses | Best match; blend with a fork |
| White sugar + maple syrup | 1 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon syrup | Slight maple note |
| White sugar + honey | 1 cup sugar, reduce another liquid by 1 tbsp | Works in sauces and rubs |
| Plain white sugar | 1 cup (reduce another liquid slightly if possible) | Drier, less chewy cookies, fine flavor |
| Coconut sugar | 1:1 | Similar caramel notes, less moisture |
| Turbinado or raw sugar | 1:1, but grind it finer first | Bigger crystals; better in rubs than cake |
How to Use Each Substitute
- For cookies - white sugar plus molasses keeps them chewy. Straight white sugar makes them crisper and flatter - fine, just different.
- For sauces, glazes, and BBQ rubs - molasses or maple mixed with white sugar, or coconut sugar. Flavor matters more than texture here.
- For oatmeal, coffee, and toppings - any of the above, or just white sugar with a pinch of cinnamon.
- Softening hardened brown sugar instead - microwave with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds, or store with a slice of bread or a terracotta disc overnight.
Brown Sugar Substitute FAQs
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, one for one. Expect slightly drier, crisper results and a cleaner, less caramel-y flavor.
How do you make brown sugar?
Mix 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses (light) or 2 tablespoons (dark) until evenly combined.
Is light or dark brown sugar better for cookies?
Light is the default. Dark adds more moisture and a stronger molasses flavor - good for gingerbread and spice cookies.
What can I use instead of molasses to make brown sugar?
Maple syrup or honey in the same small amount. The color and flavor will be slightly different.
Before You Go
For more pantry swaps see Buttermilk Substitutes and Christmas Cookies for Gifting.
Join TYB
Insider
Get access to exclusive recipes,
weekly meal plans, printable
grocery lists, and AD-FREE
browsing designed to make
mealtime easier.
