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Substitutes for Demerara Sugar in Baking & Toppings

7 Best Substitutes for Demerara Sugar

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When you run out of Demerara sugar, several substitutes can replicate its coarse texture and mild molasses flavor to varying degrees. Turbinado and raw sugars are closest for crunchy caramelized toppings, while light brown and muscovado sugars work well in baking. DIY brown sugar blends also recreate the molasses profile for baked goods.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Kitchen Tips, Substitutes
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Turbinado Sugar Use 1:1 ratio, closest texture and molasses flavor, slightly lighter molasses
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Use 1:1 ratio, fine texture melts in baking, no crunch for toppings
  • 1 cup Muscovado Sugar Use 1:1 ratio, richer and stickier texture, deep molasses flavor for baking
  • 1 cup Raw Sugar Use 1:1 ratio, coarse crystals, less molasses flavor, good for toppings
  • 1 cup DIY Brown Sugar Mix 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses per cup of Demerara; fine texture,
  • 1 cup Maple Sugar Use 1:1 ratio, different maple flavor profile, fine texture, no crunch for toppings
  • 1 cup Coconut Sugar Use 1:1 ratio, mild caramel notes, fine crystals, less sweet than Demerara

Method
 

  1. Choose substitute according to your recipe: turbinado or raw sugar for caramelized toppings; brown or muscovado sugars for baking.
  2. If using DIY brown sugar, mix white sugar with molasses until evenly combined.
  3. Apply the substitution at a 1:1 ratio except DIY brown sugar which uses 1 cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon molasses.
  4. Use the substitute as a direct replacement and adjust for texture or flavor differences as needed.
  5. Check the final dish for sweetness and texture, adjusting the amount if necessary for milder or stronger flavors.

Notes

  • Use turbinado or raw sugar for dishes requiring coarse, crunchy sugar crystals like crème brûlée tops.
  • Brown and muscovado sugars add molasses flavor but lack the crunchy texture needed for caramelized toppings.
  • DIY brown sugar mixes allow control over molasses intensity but are best for baking, not toppings.

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