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Staying at home during the coronavirus has everyone learning new hobbies to pass the time. Above all, it seems like many across the globe are picking up baking, instead of yoga or writing. Want to get into baking but find your pantry low on sugar? No worries! Your pantry is probably full of fantastic sugar substitutes to not only use in baking but also add in coffee or on breakfast cereal!
Solids
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is the most prominent and popular substitute for ordinary white sugar. The easiest to swap out in terms of measuring, brown sugar offers a lot more benefits than traditional sugar. The brown in the sugar comes from the molasses in the sugar, which gives it its unique flavor. Instead of simply sweet, brown sugar has a smoky, almost caramel-like flavor to it as well.
Both dark and light brown sugar are both perfect for baking, simply swap either equally with white sugar when it comes to a recipe. The only difference might be texture, but it’s almost unnoticeable.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut palm sugar, or just coconut sugar, is just as easy to use as brown sugar. Made from the sap nectar of a coconut, it can add a bit more flavor to the dish you’re creating. Want some coconut taste in cookies or a pie? Swap out coconut sugar for the same amount of white sugar, and you’re all set to go!
Liquids
Admittedly, using liquid sugar substitutes for white sugar is a bit more challenging, and should only be tried by seasoned chefs. However, if you feel up to the challenge, there are more than a few liquid sugar substitutes!
Agave Nectar Or Agave Syrup
When adding agave syrup, measure only 2/3 cup of it for every cup of white sugar. As you bake, also make sure to reduce the liquids by four tablespoons and the temperature of the oven by 25%. Also, mix the syrup with the other fluids, and then mix that into the dry ingredients. Finally, using agave will also affect the equipment you should use. Instead of using cooking spray or aluminum foil, use parchment paper, as the agave will make the pastry stick to anything else. Following these instructions, you should be able to swap them out!
Honey
Never added honey to bread dough? Well, that’s quite the mistake! This natural organic sweetener will complement every recipe and add an interesting flavor to any baked goods! ¾ cup of honey is enough to cover a cup of white sugar and will not only bring the same amount of sweetness, but also that delicious honey flavor we all know and love.
Maple Syrup
Another liquid form of a white sugar substitute everyone needs to try is maple syrup! Just like with other variants described, reduce the liquids by three tablespoons and add ¾ cup of maple syrup for one cup of white sugar.
Molasses
Love that molasses flavor but don’t have any brown sugar? Well, don’t worry! While molasses is added to brown sugar, it can also be used by itself as a sugar substitute. It’s not as intense as white sugar as it’s a by-product of sugar production, so add one and 1/3 cup of molasses for one cup of usual sugar to the recipe. Also, reduce the liquids by five tablespoons so any dough won’t be runny.
Not only are these sugar substitutes delicious, but they also provide new tastes to try and experiment with while in quarantine!
