Substitute for Honey
Out of honey mid-recipe? Here is the exact swap, measured — not "about a cup of something similar" — plus every alternative that genuinely works.
For 1 cup of honey
1¼ cups granulated sugar + ¼ cup liquid from the recipe
Going the other way (sugar → honey), reduce oven temp 25°F — honey browns faster.
Data & method: Ratios follow standard US test-kitchen practice (King Arthur Baking's ingredient guides are the primary cross-check). Every number is checked by an automated test against its source. How we calculate →
Scaled to what your recipe calls for
Granulated sugar + extra liquid, computed for the amounts recipes actually use:
| Recipe needs | Use instead |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup of honey | ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 0.06 cup liquid from the recipe |
| ½ cup of honey | ⅝ cup granulated sugar + ⅛ cup liquid from the recipe |
| ¾ cup of honey | 0.94 cup granulated sugar + 0.19 cup liquid from the recipe |
| 1 cup of honey | 1¼ cups granulated sugar + ¼ cup liquid from the recipe |
| 1½ cup of honey | 1⅞ cups granulated sugar + ⅜ cup liquid from the recipe |
| 2 cup of honey | 2½ cups granulated sugar + ½ cup liquid from the recipe |
Need a different amount — or a different ingredient?
The calculator scales every option to your exact amount, for all 17 staples we cover.
Best swap Granulated sugar + extra liquid
1¼ cups granulated sugar + ¼ cup liquid from the recipe
Going the other way (sugar → honey), reduce oven temp 25°F — honey browns faster.
Other swaps bakers look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of honey?
The best swap for 1 cup of honey is 1¼ cups granulated sugar + ¼ cup liquid from the recipe — going the other way (sugar → honey), reduce oven temp 25°f — honey browns faster.
How much substitute do I use for a different amount of honey?
Scale the parts linearly. The table on this page covers the common amounts, and the calculator scales every option to exactly what your recipe calls for — never a vague "adjust to taste".