---
title: "Naturally Sweet: A Guide to White Sugar Alternatives for Baking"
description: This blog is a guide to white sugar alternatives and how to use them for making healthier, more nutritious baked goods.
---

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# [Naturally Sweet: A Guide to White Sugar Alternatives for Baking](https://www.blog.swiha.edu/naturally-sweet-a-guide-to-white-sugar-alternatives-for-baking)

 Written by [Taylor Jablonowski](https://www.blog.swiha.edu/author/taylor-jablonowski) | 6/13/19 10:00 PM

Many health-conscious eaters seek to eliminate most added sugars from their diet. However, sometimes you need a sweet treat! Today, we’ll be looking at substitutes for refined, white sugar and how to use them in baked goods.

## **Liquid Sweeteners:**

When using a liquid sugar substitute, be sure to decrease the liquid in the recipe by 3-4 tablespoons.

#### **Honey:**

¾ Cup = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Reduce cooking temperature by 25-degrees.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to the recipe.

#### **Maple Syrup:**

¾ Cup = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Reduce cooking temperature by 25-degrees.
- Great for muffins & breads; will yield softer cookies.

#### **Agave Nectar:**

⅔ Cup = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Reduce cooking temperature by 25-degrees.
- Mix with liquids or fats first or an oily layer may form.

#### **Brown Rice Syrup:**

1 ¼ Cup = 1 Cup Sugar

- Will yield crispier baked goods.
- Perfect for granola bars & breads.

## **Fruit:**

Fruit naturally has its own sugar content and adds extra fiber, minerals & vitamins to your baked goods.

#### **Applesauce:**

1 Cup = 1 Cup Sugar

- Reduce or remove other oils from recipe.
- Great for muffins & breads; will yield soft cookies.

#### **Bananas:**

1 Banana = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Use an extra-ripe banana for optimal sweetness.
- Puree with a tablespoon of water before adding.

#### **Figs:**

8oz = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Soak figs in water for 20-30 minutes and puree.
- Reduce or remove other oils from recipe.

## **Granulated Sugars:**

Most granulated alternative sugars have a similar nutritional profile to white sugar, but a lower glycemic index.

#### **Coconut Sugar:**

1 Cup = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Baked goods will appear more porous.
- Dissolve in liquids for five minutes before mixing.

#### **Date Sugar:**

1 Cup = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Soften the sugar with heat (stove or microwave) before mixing.
- Will not dissolve completely, may be slightly grainy.

#### **Turbinado Sugar**

1 Cup = 1 Cup of Sugar

- Best as a brown sugar substitute.
- Doesn’t melt, retains a crunchy texture.

Happy, healthy baking! If you’re interested in learning more about delicious and nutritious ways to improve your diet, check out these upcoming classes at SWIHA:

June 18, 6-9PM: [**EV 022 Whole Food Baking - Regular & Gluten Free Pie**](https://swiha.edu/class/ev-022/)

July 23, 6-9PM: [**EV 024: Nutrition - Asian Raw Food Cuisine**](https://swiha.edu/class/ev-024/)

July 30, 6-9PM: [**EV 025: Nutrition - Italian Raw Food Cuisine**](https://swiha.edu/class/ev-025/)

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