Best Demerara Sugar Substitutes for Baking and Cooking

Dive deep into the world of demerara sugar, its uses, and the best substitutes with my pastry chef insights. The next time you're baking and find yourself out of demerara sugar, don't fret! With this guide, you'll be well-equipped to choose the best demerara sugar substitute and continue creating your favorite recipes with confidence.

As a pastry chef and recipe developer, I'm always searching for the right ingredients to elevate my recipes. One sugar that consistently catches my attention is demerara sugar!

With its unique flavor and texture, it holds a special place in many of my favorite recipes. But what do you do when you can't find it at your local grocery store? Let’s unravel the mystery together!

❓What is Demerara Sugar? 

​Hailing from the Demerara region of Guyana in South America, demerara sugar is a type of raw cane sugar. This specialty sugar has a golden brown color, large crystals, and is characterized by its crunchy texture.

Its unique flavor and color comes from the natural molasses retained during minimal processing. Unlike regular sugar derived from sugar beets or sugar cane, demerara has a subtle molasses taste, giving it a caramel-like flavor.

❓How is it Used?

​Demerara sugar's coarse texture and toffee-like flavor make it a great addition to various dishes. It's often sprinkled on top of baked goods like cakes, quick breads, clafoutis and french pear tarts providing a crunchy topping that's hard to resist.

Additionally, due to its larger crystals, it doesn't melt as easily, making it a popular choice for coffee shop beverages and cocktails. Its caramel flavor also shines in savory dishes, bringing a hint of sweetness that complements richer flavors.

One of my favorite ways to use demerara sugar is to make a simple syrup with the golden brown granules! Then, I incorporate the demerara syrup into evening beverages like my cynar cocktail and spiced pear brandy sour.

❓What are Some Demerara Sugar Substitutes?

​If you're in a pinch and need a good demerara sugar substitute, you're in the right place!

1. Turbinado Sugar: A type of unrefined cane sugar, turbinado sugar undergoes minimal processing like demerara. With its pale brown color and similar flavor profile, it's one of the best demerara sugar substitutes you can find.
2. Muscovado Sugar: Darker in color and rich in molasses content, muscovado sugar brings a rich flavor that can replace demerara in recipes. It's moist and sticky and provides a deeper molasses flavor.
3. Light and Dark Brown Sugar: Both are great substitutes due to their hint of molasses. While light brown sugar offers a more subtle flavor, dark brown sugar, with its higher molasses content, offers a richer taste.
4. Coconut Sugar: Derived from the sap of coconut trees, coconut sugar provides a subtle caramel flavor. It's a healthier alternative and natural sweetener that can stand in place of demerara sugar.
5. Maple Syrup: If you're looking to cut down on sugar intake, maple syrup, with its health benefits and natural sweetness, can be a good option. However, adjustments in moisture content might be needed in recipes.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

1. Flavor Differences: While substitutes can yield similar results, remember each sugar has its unique flavor. For instance, using coconut sugar may introduce a different sweetness compared to granulated sugar.
2. Texture Considerations: Demerara's large grain gives a crunchy texture, so if using a finer sugar like superfine or granulated sugar, you might miss out on that crunch.
3. Moisture Adjustments: Some substitutes, especially liquid ones like maple syrup, will alter the moisture content. Reduce other liquids in the recipe by a small amount to balance.
4. Health Implications: If opting for a healthier alternative, note that sugars like maple syrup and coconut sugar have a different impact on blood sugar levels. They might be better options if you're conscious of health concerns like heart disease or want to boost your immune system.

💭 Demerara FAQs