How to Substitute Sugar for Honey

Honey adds both moisture and sweetness to recipes--when substituting sugar, you also have to add moisture as well.

Honey is regarded as the nectar of the gods, with both bears and humans alike enjoying its sweetness. However, sometimes it cannot be found within a pantry and a substitution must be made. Honey is generally sweeter than sugar, and so replacement by refined glucose must take that into account. In many recipes, especially those with plenty of spice and flavor, the absence of honey and substitution of sugar will not even be noticed, and this dish will taste just as good.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar
• Measuring spoons or cups
• Liquid, such as water or milk

Instructions

Substituting Sugar for Honey

1. The ratio of honey to sugar is 1 to 1.25. Therefore, 1 cup of honey in a recipe would need to be substituted for 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar.

2. Along with the sugar, extra moisture would need to be added. For every cup of honey called for in a recipe, when substituting with sugar, an extra 1/4 cup of liquids should be added.

3. Take the recipe and see how much honey is called for. Measure out the correct ratio of sugar to honey. See what liquids are being used, such as milk or water. Add the correct ratio of extra liquid to the recipe.

4. Taste the mixture and see if it is sweet enough. If not, add more sugar and a touch more liquid. These ratios are just guidelines; your own taste buds will determine if the substitution is correct or not.

Tips & Warnings

• Any baking soda which is in a recipe where honey is called for can be left out when substituting sugar.

• Make sure that your modified recipe will not be served to vegans because refined sugar is not classified as vegan.

References

• Joy of Baking: Ingredient Subsitution
• AllRecipes: Baking with Sugar and Sugar Substitutes
• David A. Cushman: Using Honey In Cookery