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5 Best Demerara Sugar Substitutes (Easy Swaps) | EpicureDelight

5 Best Demerara Sugar Substitutes (Easy Swaps)

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Quick swaps for demerara sugar that preserve caramel flavor, baking behavior, and crunch.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 batch
Course: Substitutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Best Matches
  • 1:1 turbinado sugar Closest look and crunch; slightly less molasses depth than demerara
  • 1:1 light brown sugar (packed) Caramel notes plus moisture; expect a softer melt than demerara crystals
Good Alternatives
  • 1:1 muscovado (light or dark) sugar More molasses richness; best when you want deeper caramel flavor over crunch
  • 1:1 raw sugar (Demerara-like crystals) Similar sparkle and partial crunch; sweetness can be a touch sharper
Emergency Swaps
  • 1:1 granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon molasses per 2 tablespoon sugar Use when you need the same sweetness with added caramel depth; mix well to prevent streaks
  • 1:1 white sugar + brown sugar (1:1 mix) Balances clean sweetness and color; texture will be smoother than demerara

Equipment

  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small whisk or spoon
  • cookie brush or spoon (for topping)

Method
 

  1. Choose your goal: keep crunchy crystals (turbinado/raw) or keep caramel flavor (brown/muscovado).
  2. Use the 1:1 ratio first, then adjust for texture: if your substitute is softer, reduce by 10–15% for less pooling.
  3. For “granulated + molasses,” stir until fully dissolved so you don’t get dark streaks in batter.
  4. Taste-test sweetness in wet batters: brown-leaning swaps can read sweeter and darker, especially in quick breads.
  5. If you’re topping (cookies/scones), press the crystals lightly onto the dough so you get a crisp edge.

Notes

  • Texture priority (crunch) → turbinado or raw sugar.
  • Flavor priority (caramel depth) → brown sugar or muscovado.
  • Topping applications benefit most from crystal-based substitutes.

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