Demerara Sugar Substitute

If you need a demerara sugar substitute in your next recipe, you've come to the right place! Composed of beautiful golden crystals and a sweet, toffee-like flavor, demerara sugar is a great crunchy topping for your favorite baked goods. Thankfully, there are plenty of demerara sugar alternatives available. So keep reading because I share them all below!

Jump to:

• What is demerara sugar?
• Demerara sugar benefits
• Is demerara sugar the same as raw sugar?
• Is demerara sugar the same as brown sugar?
• What can I use instead of demerara sugar?
• 1. Turbinado Sugar
• 2. Muscovado Sugar
• 3. Dark Brown Sugar
• 4. Light Brown Sugar
• 5. Granulated Sugar 
• 6. Maple Sugar
• 7. Sanding Sugar
• 8. Coconut Sugar
• 9. Black Sugar
• 10. Molasses
• So what is the best demerara sugar substitute?
• Demerara sugar substitute FAQs
• More baking guides
• The BEST Demerara Sugar Substitute

What is demerara sugar?

Originating from the British colony of Demerara (now known as the South American country of Guyana), demerara sugar is a type of raw cane sugar. Its granules are made up of large, golden-colored crystals and have a mild toffee flavor due to the natural molasses retained in the refining process.

So, what is demerara sugar used for? Due to its color, crunchy texture, and flavor, it is often a delicious and eye-catching garnish for baked goods. It is the best type of sugar to caramelize on Creme Brulee. It can also be a sweetener for coffee, tea, and other beverages. You may even find it on the rim of some of your favorite cocktails! Because of its large grain crystals, it is best to use demerara sugar as a topping versus an ingredient.

Today, demerara sugar is primarily produced in Mauritius, Malawi, and Jamaica. However, as it continues to gain popularity, more and more countries are also starting to produce it.

Demerara sugar benefits

Demerara sugar isn't just good for enhancing your favorite desserts and dishes, it also has some health benefits! Because demerara sugar naturally contains molasses, it also contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins B3, B5, and B6. Demerara sugar is also great for moisturizing the skin and contains glycolic acid, which helps to accelerate and aid in skin regeneration.

Unlike some other sugars, demerara sugar is not as processed and has a much coarser texture. Its texture and minimal processing allow it to keep its mild and unique flavor.

Is demerara sugar the same as raw sugar?

Demerara sugar is a type of raw cane sugar with many similarities to raw sugar. However, it is not the same. They are similar in that they are both granulated, minimally processed, and have the appearance of golden crystals. However, demerara sugar has larger crystals and a more molasses-like flavor, whereas raw sugar tastes more like honey.

Is demerara sugar the same as brown sugar?

It is easy to mistake demerara sugar for brown sugar due to its color and flavor. However, while it is undoubtedly a type of brown sugar, it is not the same as the soft brown sugar that most think of when baking.

Unlike demerara sugar produced from sugarcane, brown sugar often comes from a mixture of white sugar and molasses. Because of its moisture content (which comes from the molasses), brown sugar is much better for blending into recipes, whereas demerara sugar is better for topping due to its crunchy texture and form. Demerara sugar also has a deeper flavor than brown sugar.

When it comes to processing, demerara sugar removes most of the molasses, making it more processed than brown sugar. However, although demerara sugar contains a lower molasses and moisture content than brown sugar, it is still an excellent alternative to brown sugar in baking.

What can I use instead of demerara sugar?

When considering demerara sugar substitutes, the best alternatives are other brown sugars. Brown sugars have a similar flavor profile and you can usually use them in equal amounts than you would demerara sugar. A few non-brown sugars can also easily work as substitutes, although there may be a slight flavor and texture difference. Therefore, before choosing a replacement, it is best to consider the recipe or drink for which you need the sugar and the desired outcome.

Here are ten demerara sugar substitutes to consider:

1. Turbinado Sugar
2. Muscovado Sugar
3. Dark Brown Sugar
4. Light Brown Sugar
5. Granulated Sugar
6. Maple Sugar
7. Sanding Sugar
8. Coconut Sugar
9. Black Sugar
10. Molasses

1. Turbinado Sugar

Like demerara sugar, turbinado sugar is a type of raw brown cane sugar. It also has a golden brown color and is partially refined, retaining some molasses and resulting in a light caramel flavor. While it has a very similar appearance to demerara sugar (you may even think it is demerara sugar), its crystals are slightly larger. It also has a more robust molasses flavor than demerara sugar.

When used in hot drinks, turbinado sugar is an easy demerara sugar substitute. It is also easily interchangeable in baked goods due to its similar flavor, color, and texture. As a result, turbinado sugar is one of your best choices if you're looking for a minimally processed substitute.

2. Muscovado Sugar

Another type of raw brown cane sugar, muscovado sugar is a dark, moist sugar with a high molasses content. You can also find muscovado sugar in a lighter variety, which contains a more subtle molasses flavor similar to demerara sugar.

Because of its rich molasses flavor, muscovado sugar is best in baked goods such as cakes and cookies. It is especially great in chocolate-flavored desserts such as my triple chocolate brownies. It is an excellent sweetener for coffee and tea, and you can use it as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, and ice cream. Additionally, muscovado sugar is an excellent demerara sugar substitute in savory food dishes such as sauces and marinades. 

Because of its sticky consistency, it takes a little more work to incorporate into baked recipes. Just make sure to use it fresh because it will harden over time when left in the pantry.

How to use it:

Substitute muscovado sugar for a demerara sugar replacement in equal amounts.

3. Dark Brown Sugar

Dark brown sugar is a mix of white granulated sugar and molasses. Its high molasses content gives it its darker color and rich flavor. Because of its molasses content, dark brown sugar is much moister than demerara sugar. It is frequently used in baked goods as well as savory dishes.

Dark brown sugar is great in coffees, teas, and baked goods when used as a demerara sugar substitute. Because of its crunchy texture, it is also a delicious topping for cakes and creamy desserts.

How to use it:

Use dark brown sugar as a demerara sugar substitute in equal amounts.

4. Light Brown Sugar

Like dark brown sugar, light brown sugar is a flavorful mix of white granulated sugar and molasses, but with fewer molasses. It also has a light brown color and mild molasses flavor, making it a favorable alternative to demerara sugar. The best part is that you can also easily make it at home!

Light brown sugar is a good demerara sugar substitute in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and muffins and savory dishes such as beans, meats, and veggies. You can also use it in sauces and frostings. While the taste may vary slightly due to the lower molasses content, the texture will be the same.

Light brown sugar is an excellent, healthier alternative for those with problems regulating their blood sugar levels.

How to use it:

Use light brown sugar in equal amounts as you would demerara sugar.

5. Granulated Sugar 

Otherwise known as regular sugar, granulated sugar is the most familiar and common to have in the kitchen. Also known as "white" sugar, "refined" sugar, or "table" sugar, white sugar is processed beet or cane sugar with much finer granules than demerara sugar. It also has a sweeter, more neutral flavor profile versus demerara sugar's subtle molasses flavor.

Because of its fine texture, granulated sugar is best as an active ingredient versus a topping when used as a demerara sugar substitute. However, since granulated sugar lacks molasses, there will be some mild flavor differences. To match the flavor profile of demerara sugar more closely, you can add a bit of molasses (like light brown sugar).

Granulated sugar is the most processed of the other demerara sugar alternatives. It lacks nutrients, so if you are watching your health, consider one of the other alternatives.

How to use it:

Use granulated sugar as a demerara sugar substitute in equal amounts. To enhance the flavor profile with molasses, add one tablespoon for each cup of granulated sugar.

6. Maple Sugar

Made from the sap of Canadian maple trees, maple sugar is a natural sugar with a sweet caramel/toffee taste similar to demerara sugar. Probably you can find maple sugar in your local grocery store. You can also use maple syrup if you cannot find maple sugar. Just make sure to go for the real maple syrup, not the one whose primary ingredient is corn syrup!

Maple sugar is great for sweetening drinks or used as a topping for oatmeal. It is also great when used as a rub for meats. When used as a demerara sugar substitute, maple sugar has similar uses as granulated sugar.

Because of its minimal processing and high amount of minerals and antioxidants, it is one of the healthier alternatives to demerara sugar.

How to use it:

Use maple sugar in the same way as you would regular sugar. You can use it as a 1:1 replacement for demerara sugar.

If using maple syrup, use the ⅔ amount of syrup as you would sugar in your recipe. Consider decreasing the liquid in the recipe by 3 to 4 tablespoons for each cup substituted.

7. Sanding Sugar

Sanding sugar (also known as sand sugar) is a specialty refined sugar made from coarse-grained sugar crystals. When it comes to looks and crunchy texture, sanding sugar is another excellent substitute for demerara sugar.

Composed of large, light-reflecting sparkly crystals that don't dissolve with heat, sanding sugar is good for decorating baked goods and candies. It also comes in various colors as well as in glitter form. However, sanding sugar is another form of white sugar, so if the molasses flavor of demerara sugar is important, you may want to consider another alternative.

How to use it:

Use sanding sugar as a topping on baked goods in the same quantity as demerara sugar.

8. Coconut Sugar

Made from the sap of coconut trees, coconut sugar is another excellent alternative to demerara sugar. The only downside about coconut sugar is that it tends to dry out certain baked goods. It also comes with a darker color and coconut flavor, so if you are not a fan of coconut, there may be better alternatives.

However, if you're looking for a healthier demerara sugar substitute, coconut sugar is the way to go: It contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals. As a plant-based sugar, it is also popular in vegan recipes.

How to use it:

You can use coconut sugar in a 1:1 ratio to demerara sugar. To improve the moisture content (especially when making baked goods such as cookies), you should first melt the sugar over the stove before you use it or add a bit more butter or oil to your recipe.

9. Black Sugar

Also known as Japanese black sugar due to its Okinawan origins, black sugar is a dark-hued, shiny sugar most commonly used in Asian cultures. Because it has not had the molasses removed, it has a strong caramel flavor. Black sugar can come in block, crushed, or powdered form, making it a very versatile sugar in terms of texture.

You can use black sugar in sweet and savory recipes and especially as a sweetener for drinks. However, its strong and smoky flavor will be a notable difference when used as a demerara sugar substitute.

Because of its minimal processing, it is one of the healthier sugar alternatives. While not as readily available in most grocery stores as brown sugar or white sugar, you can easily find it online or in Asian specialty stores.

How to use it:

Since black sugar has a robust and noticeable flavor, it is best you use it to taste versus as a direct 1:1 substitute.

10. Molasses

Although not a sugar, you can use molasses as a demerara sugar substitute especially if the flavor is more important to your recipe than appearance. However, since molasses has such an intense and overpowering flavor, you will likely need to adjust your recipe to give it the most pleasing taste.

How to use it:

Like maple syrup, you will need to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe to achieve a similar result as demerara sugar. It is best to start by using two-thirds of the molasses you usually would the demerara sugar and adjust accordingly. If the recipe does not contain liquid, add one tablespoon of flour for each ¼ cup of molasses you use.

You can also add a tablespoon of molasses to each cup of regular granulated sugar to create your own light brown sugar.

So what is the best demerara sugar substitute?

When it comes to choosing the best demerara sugar substitute, all of the above options are wonderful alternatives. However, which is considered the "best" really boils down to your demerara sugar uses. While some options may be great substitutes for flavor, they may not be the best substitutes when used as a topping. Likewise, while some alternatives are excellent for achieving the same appearance that demerara sugar gives, they may not be the best in terms of flavor. 

However, if you need an option with the most similarities in terms of taste, color, and texture, I would personally have to say that turbinado sugar is the best alternative. If that is not available, light brown sugar is something probably you already have in your pantry and can be a simple demerara sugar substitute.

Demerara sugar substitute FAQs

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