Substitues For Sugar That You Will Actually Enjoy! All Things Mamma

Find a list of the best substitutes for sugar in baking that work well and taste great so you can enjoy all your favorite treats with zero guilt!

Why Substitute Sugar When Baking

Tired of filling your body full of sugar? You’re not alone. Refined sugar is abundant in obvious recipes like cakes and cookies. But not-so-obvious recipes call for sugar fairly often, too.

As a result, many of our favorite foods are high in calories and not so great for you. Therefore, whenever possible, I like to replace added sugar with a small amount of natural sugar or low-calorie sugars to make them a little healthier.

That said, finding sugar substitutes isn’t always easy. Some are difficult to work with, and others can impact the flavor of your recipe.

So, I’m sharing my favorite sugar substitutes to replace granulated sugar and cane sugar in baked goods! Find natural sweeteners, low-calorie options, and more to add a sweet taste to your favorite recipes.

The Best Sugar Substitutes for Baking

Ultimately, the best sugar substitutes for baking will depend on your personal preferences and dietary needs. However, the most common options include:

Stevia – Ideal for diabetics, this has no glycemic index. It works well as a replacement for table sugar in recipes like cakes, drinks, and granola. Substitute either 1 teaspoon of liquid Stevia or ⅓-½ teaspoon of powdered Stevia for 1 cup of sugar.
Erythritol – A type of sugar alcohol, this is a low-calorie option that works well in baked goods like pies, cakes, and frostings. Use either 1¼ teaspoon of erythritol for 1 teaspoon of sugar or 1⅓ cup of erythritol for 1 cup of sugar.

Natural Sugar Substitute Options

Mashed Bananas – A good source of natural sugar, these add nutrients, moisture, and sweetness to recipes. They work particularly well in options like banana bread, pancakes, and muffins. Replace 1 cup of mashed bananas with 1 cup of sugar.
Applesauce – Similarly to bananas, applesauce adds sweetness along with nutrients in recipes like muffins, cakes, and cookies. Substitute 1 cup of applesauce for 1 cup of sugar.
Coconut Sugar – A natural sweetener rich in iron and zinc, coconut sugar reduces blood sugar spikes. A popular brown sugar substitute, it works well in all your favorite treats like cakes, cookies, and pastries! Replace 1 cup of coconut sugar with 1 cup of sugar.
Honey – A popular sugar substitute high in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, honey creates a sweet flavor and sticky consistency. Use it in recipes like breads, cakes, and marinades. Substitute ⅔ cup of honey for 1 cup of sugar.
Maple Syrup – Often used in the same ways as honey, maple syrup can help lower the glycemic index of foods. It works well in options like pancakes, candies, and cakes. Substitute ¾ cup of maple syrup for 1 cup of sugar.
Agave Nectar – Sweeter than processed sugar with a low glycemic index, agave is a great option for sweetening drinks, cookies, and cakes. Substitute ¾ cup of agave nectar for 1 cup of sugar.
Molasses – Similar in flavor to syrup, molasses is rich in vitamins and minerals and a good option for blood sugar control. Use it to sweeten gingerbread, oatmeal cookies, and barbecue sauce. Substitute 1 cup of molasses for 1 cup of sugar.

FAQs

How can I be sugar-free?

If you want to be sugar-free, you can be! All you need to do is remove sugar from your life and find a substitute that works instead. Talk to your doctor as well to see if there are any options that they recommend, too.

What can I bake without sugar?

You can definitely bake without using actual sugar! Any of the sugar substitutes above make great replacements. Or, another great trick is to use dates. You can chop up dates and use them in cookies or even as a type of sauce to add some simple and natural sweetness to your recipes as well.

What is the best replacement for sugar?

That all comes down to what you like. Many people like to use Stevia while others prefer to use honey or even maple syrup. The best substitute is one that you like and will actually enjoy eating.

Did you find this guide on Sugar Substitutes for Baking helpful? Be sure to leave a rating and comment below!