These muscovado sugar substitutes taste as rich and decadent as the real thing.
But I guarantee these alternatives are much easier to find.
5 Easy Muscovado Sugar Alternatives
Muscovado sugar is known for its rich molasses flavor and deep brown color. Aside from that, it’s also considered a healthier sugar.
Therefore, it is a popular choice among bakers and chefs alike. And any weight-conscious sugar addicts, of course.
But what happens if you can’t find this beloved ingredient at your local grocery store?
Have no fear! I’ve rounded up some of the best muscovado sugar substitutes on the market.
What Is Muscovado Sugar?
Muscovado sugar is a type of dark unrefined (raw) cane sugar.
Its color comes from its high content of molasses. And that’s also what gives it such a rich taste.
In fact, its toffee-like flavor can add incredible depth to your baked goods, coffee, and tea.
As for the idea that it’s “healthy” – that’s debatable.
It’s still sugar, after. And the added minerals and nutrients from the residual molasses are, at best, minimal.
It still has the same amount of calories and carbs as regular sugar, and overindulging will cause you to gain weight in the same way.
No, it’s not as processed as white sugar. But it’ll spike your blood sugar all the same.
Sorry to burst that bubble.
So why use it? Well, it’s ideal for darker bakes when you want a deep molasses-like flavor and finish.
It’s as simple as that.
The Best Substitute for Muscovado Sugar
1. White Granulated Sugar + Molasses
Molasses is what gives muscovado sugar its signature taste and texture.
And yes, you can use molasses as a substitute for muscovado sugar if that’s all you have.
But, you’ll need to do some adjusting in your recipe to account for the added flavor and sweetness.
Plus, molasses is more liquid, which may affect the texture of your bake.
So, add it to white sugar instead! That way, you can swap it out equally with muscovado sugar.
In fact, if you’re ever out of brown sugar in general, this is the best swap because white sugar + molasses = brown sugar.
I like this option the best because you can adjust the amount of molasses. So if you need it lighter, just add a bit less.
How to Substitute: Swap 1 cup of muscovado sugar with 1 cup of granulated sugar + 3-4 tablespoons of molasses.
2. Dark Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is the ideal option to sweeten your morning cup of coffee! Luckily, it can also replace muscovado sugar in your baking recipes.
What makes dark brown sugar such a good substitute?
For starters, it’s less expensive and more readily available than muscovado sugar.
Brown sugar also has a high molasses content. So, it has a similar depth of flavor as muscovado sugar.
So the next time you’re in a recipe bind, reach for the dark brown sugar. It will prove to you why it’s the ultimate kitchen MVP.
How to Substitute: Swap 1 cup of muscovado sugar with 1 cup of brown sugar.
3. Barbados or Demerara Sugar
Barbados or Demerara (Turbinado) sugars are great alternatives to muscovado sugar.
They have a similarly rich and dark flavor, with notes of caramel, honey, and molasses. These sugars are perfect for baking all sorts of delicious treats!
Barbados sugar has larger golden crystals than Demerara. These large crystals make it ideal for sprinkling on a muffin or biscuit.
Meanwhile, Demerara has smaller, crunchy crystals, fantastic for adding texture to cookies or cakes.
So if muscovado sugar is out of stock, don’t worry. Either of these alternatives will make your baking taste just as delicious. Yum!
How to Substitute: Swap 1 cup of muscovado sugar with 1 cup of Barbados or Demerara sugar.
4. Granulated Brown Sugar + Honey
One of the key characteristics of muscovado sugar is its texture.
Like many types of brown sugar, it’s kind of like wet sand. And that’s what makes your bakes so moist and tender.
But if all you have is dry, granulated brown sugar, you can add honey to the mix in a pinch.
Like the white sugar + molasses combo, this will give the sugar the right consistency and boost the sweetness slightly.
And while you can add molasses if you have it, I find more people have honey on hand.
How to Substitute: Swap 1 cup of muscovado sugar with 1 cup of granulated brown sugar + 2-3 tablespoons of honey.
5. Palm Sugar
So muscovado sugar isn’t healthy. What about palm sugar?
Well, the answer is the same, unfortunately. It’s still sugar, so you can expect the same calories and carbs.
But it does have a slightly lower glycemic index. That means it won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly as other sugars.
But it will still spike, so you can’t call it “healthy”.
Other than that, palm sugar has a light golden color and more caramel-like flavor than muscovado sugar.
However, it’s mostly available in blocks, which are more difficult to work with. So be sure to get the granulated kind if you want an easy swap.
How to Substitute: Swap 1 cup of muscovado sugar with 1 cup of palm sugar.
The Best Muscovado Sugar Substitute
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minutesThese muscovado sugar substitutes taste as rich and decadent as the real thing. But I guarantee these alternatives are much easier to find!
Ingredients
- Option 1 – (Best Overall) White Granulated Sugar + Molasses
1 cup granulated sugar
3 -4 tablespoons molasses
- Option 2 – (Easiest Swap) Dark Brown Sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
Instructions
- (Best Overall) White Granulated Sugar + Molasses
- Swap 1 cup of muscovado sugar with 1 cup of granulated sugar + 3-4 tablespoons of molasses.
- (Easiest Swap) Dark Brown Sugar
- Swap 1 cup of muscovado sugar with 1 cup of dark brown sugar.
