Substitute for Brown sugar (light)
Out of brown sugar (light) 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 brown sugar (light)
1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses
Use 2 tbsp molasses per cup for dark brown sugar.
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 + molasses, computed for the amounts recipes actually use:
| Recipe needs | Use instead |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup of brown sugar (light) | ¼ cup granulated sugar + ¾ tsp molasses |
| ½ cup of brown sugar (light) | ½ cup granulated sugar + 1½ tsp molasses |
| ¾ cup of brown sugar (light) | ¾ cup granulated sugar + 2¼ tsp molasses |
| 1 cup of brown sugar (light) | 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses |
| 1½ cup of brown sugar (light) | 1½ cups granulated sugar + 1½ tbsp molasses |
| 2 cup of brown sugar (light) | 2 cups granulated sugar + 2 tbsp molasses |
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 + molasses
1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses
Use 2 tbsp molasses per cup for dark brown sugar.
Other swaps bakers look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of brown sugar (light)?
The best swap for 1 cup of brown sugar (light) is 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses — use 2 tbsp molasses per cup for dark brown sugar.
How much substitute do I use for a different amount of brown sugar (light)?
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".