What can I substitute for demerara sugar?
Running low on demerara sugar? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About demerara sugar
Demerara sugar is a minimally refined cane sugar with large, golden-amber crystals and a distinctive toffee-like flavour derived from its residual molasses content. It originates from the Demerara region of Guyana and is prized for its crunchy texture and caramel notes. It is commonly used as a finishing sugar for baked goods, stirred into hot drinks, and sprinkled over crumbles and biscuits.
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Dietary labels are general guidance based on typical composition. Not a guarantee — see disclaimer.
Best substitute
raw sugar
Raw sugar (also sold as turbinado sugar) has a similar golden colour, mild molasses flavour, and coarse crystal structure, making it the closest readily available substitute for demerara. It performs almost identically in most applications.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of demerara sugar
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bakinghot drinkstoppingscrumbles
Alternative
light brown sugar
Light brown sugar has a similar molasses flavour to demerara but with finer, moister crystals that dissolve more readily and won't provide the same crunchy topping. It works well in baked goods and sauces where texture is less critical.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of demerara sugar
Dairy-freeVeganGluten-freeNut-free
bakingsauces
What is demerara sugar called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | raw sugar |
| ZA | raw cane sugar |
Measurements change across those countries too, not just names — a cup of demerara sugar in an Australian recipe is not a US cup. The kitchen conversion chart covers cup, spoon and oven temperature differences.