12 Best Granulated Sugar Substitutes

Sugar is a staple ingredient in our kitchen. Whether we use it as a sweetener or as part of our cooking methods, sugar is here to help out.

Furthermore, sugar comes in many variations based on people’s diets. Granulated sugar is one of those you can use for baking, cooking, or as a sweetener.

This type of sugar is also known as table sugar or white sugar. So, it is usually found in our cabinets. When you add it to various baking goods, you get a nice shift and moisturized results. Actually, the sweet crust will make it irresistible not to try what you have baked.

But what if you are in the middle of baking and there is no granulated sugar in your kitchen left? Is there a way to replace it?

And lastly, take a look at our quick recipe on how to turn granulated sugar into powdered sugar.

Substitutes for Granulated Sugar

These products will fit perfectly in your dish and you won’t notice a difference. Read on to learn about the differences and similarities between granulated sugar and other types of sugar.

1. Caster sugar

Caster sugar is ideal for replacing granulated sugar in your recipes. It has a fine consistency which makes it good for many desserts and baking goods.

Use one cup of caster sugar for a cup of granulated sugar.

However, since the crystals are not that big of the caster sugar you may need to add a bit more but adjust accordingly to your recipes.

Your baking goods will taste amazing and you won’t notice a difference. 

2. Brown sugar

One of the best replacements for granulated sugar is brown sugar. You can use a ratio of 1:1 when you make the swap in order to get similar almost the same results.

Keep in mind that brown sugar has molasses which means that it may change the texture, taste, and color of your recipe, but in a very subtle way that it may not be that noticeable.

It is good for many desserts and baking goods to create something very delicious. 

3. Powdered sugar

Powdered sugar, also known as icing sugar, is good to replace granulated sugar. This way you’ll add a denser consistency to your baking goods and you can easily keep the sweetness.

Keep in mind that powdered sugar has a small amount of cornstarch in its texture. You can add powdered sugar to thicken some recipes and sweeten desserts. Sprinkle on your desserts as well, that way you’ll make the desserts even tastier. 

4. Honey

Something that is widely available and works as a great replacement for granulated sugar is honey. It is a natural sweetener that you can add to many recipes that need granulated sugar.

It has a different texture, so you’ll need to reduce the amount of the other liquids in your recipe. Honey will make your baking goods tastier, bake faster, and even softer. 

5. Molasses

Another juice made of sugarcane or sugar beet that is good to replace granulated sugar is molasses. The dark-colored liquid which has a mild sweetness and distinctive bitterness is good to replace granulated sugar in many recipes.

You can replace a cup of granulated sugar with 1 to ⅓ cup of molasses and a teaspoon of baking soda. They are liquids, so you need to reduce them by about ⅓. Also, keep in mind that molasses may change the color and flavor of your recipe. 

6. Agave syrup

The sweet agave nectar will be perfect to replace granulated sugar in your cooking. It has a sweet taste which is similar to maple syrup and honey. The natural sweetness of this syrup will add perfect taste and aroma to your dish.

Furthermore, Agave is good for baking goods, drinks, and other desserts and recipes. To get the proper amounts and a nice texture you have to reduce the liquid in your recipe by ¼ cup.  

7. Raw sugar

Raw sugar is perfect to substitute granulated sugar in your dishes. The difference between the two is that raw sugar has larger crystals and has more molasses. The larger the crystals the fluffier your baking goods will turn out.

If you want to reduce the crystals you can always place the raw sugar in a blender. Use it in most recipes, baking goods, desserts, cakes, and many others. 

8. Coconut sugar

Another type of sugar that can replace granulated sugar is coconut sugar. It is similar and you can add a ratio of 1:1 to your baking goods.

It is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree and has a nice natural sweetness. The taste is sweet with hints of caramel which will be good for many desserts.

Use them as a substitute for each other in many recipes. 

9. Corn syrup

Corn syrup will be a suitable replacement for granulated sugar in most recipes because of its sweetness.

It is a purified and concentrated mix of hydrolysis of cornstarch. The taste is quite similar to sugar and is a bit sweetener, so when you make the swap adjust the quantity.

Use 1 ¼ cups of corn syrup and use less than ¼ cup of liquid for every cup of sugar. 

10. Maple syrup

A commonly used ingredient in many ways in cooking and a good sweetener that can be good for granulated sugar is maple syrup. Maple syrup has a very interesting taste and sweetness which makes it suitable for many recipes.

You can use ¾ cup of maple syrup and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to get the right texture you are looking for in baking goods, desserts, and many other recipes.

You should know that if you use syrup, your desserts won’t be cremated with butter. Also, cakes made with maple syrup will actually be denser. 

11. Cane sugar

Very similar to granulated sugar and yet another suitable replacement will be cane sugar. This is a type of sugar that is very similar and is made from sugarcane. The crystals can be even larger than the granulated sugar and with a bit of a golden color.

You can make the swap in almost any recipe that requires granulated sugar but adjust the quantity before making. 

12. Bananas

You may not think of it as an option when you need to replace sugar, but bananas can be good to replace granulated sugar in many recipes due to the natural sweetness.

You can use them in many baking goods and desserts. Bananas have more moisture than sugar. So, you’ll need to use half of the required amount for sugar and adjust accordingly. 

Granulated Sugar vs Caster Sugar: What’s the Difference?

Sine granulated sugar and caster sugar are commonly used in our kitchen, you have to know the differences and similarities between them. They both can be used as a substitute for each other but you need to know a few facts before use.

The difference between these types of sugar is in the size of the grain. Granulated sugar, for instance, has larger grains. The caster’s grains are smaller and can dissolve easier.

You can use both of them for making nice desserts, cakes, baking goods as you’ll add nice crunchiness and extra flavor.

Homemade Granulated Sugar to Powdered Sugar

If your recipe requires powdered sugar and you have none, you can turn granulated sugar into powdered one. All you have to do is use a blender or food processor.

You can also add extra cornstarch to keep the sugar dry. Blend the granulated sugar for at least 4 to 5 minutes, stop, stir and go again.

Check until the texture gets powdery and good for use. Afterward, use how much you need and store the rest, since you can always use it for another time.

Related Questions

Can you use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can use a ratio of 1:1 if you are substituting regular sugar for granulated sugar. Also, keep in mind that you may need to adjust based on the recipe. 

How do you substitute white sugar for baking?

You can use a ratio of 1:1 when you make the swap for white sugar in baking. The sweetness will be the same and you won’t notice much of a difference. Make sure that you adapt always based on the ingredients and the recipe. 

Can you replace granulated sugar with brown sugar?

Brown sugar is a great replacement for granulated sugar. It can be added to almost every recipe that requires granulated sugar. Use a ratio of 1:1 and add in various desserts, cookies, cakes, and other recipes. 

How much-powdered sugar equals granulated?

You can use approximately half of the requested amount of granulated sugar for powdered sugar. This means that if the recipe requires 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar you need to add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar so you’ll have the same sweetness.