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Best Granulated Sugar Substitutes for Muffins & Quick Breads

Use forgiving substitutions that still maintain moisture and lift in quick batters. Quick breads tolerate swaps better, but leavening and hydration still need balance to avoid gummy centers.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData CentralMethodology

Can I make muffins or quick bread without granulated sugar?

Yes. Start with Coconut Sugar at 1:1, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

Top Recommendation

Coconut Sugar

Use 1:1

Slightly less sweet with caramel notes. Darker colour. Lower glycemic index.

View full adjustment notes →

How much does 1 cup of granulated sugar weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of granulated sugar is treated as 200 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Granulated Sugar cups to grams →

Alternative Options for Muffins & Quick Breads

Honey

good

Use 3/4 cup honey per 1 cup sugar, reduce liquid by 1/4 cup

Adds moisture and flavour. Bakes brown faster. Reduce oven temp by 25F.

Maple Syrup

good

Use 3/4 cup maple syrup per 1 cup sugar, reduce liquid by 3 tbsp

Adds distinctive maple flavour. Works best in fall-flavoured bakes.

Common Questions for Muffins & Quick Breads

Best granulated sugar substitute for muffins?

Coconut Sugar, used at 1:1. Slightly less sweet with caramel notes. Darker colour. Lower glycemic index.

More Recipe Contexts

CakesCookiesPancakes & WafflesYeasted Breads
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