5 Best Granulated Sugar Substitutes for Doughnuts

Quick tip: Granule size and sweetness closely match granulated sugar, maintaining dough texture and frying behavior.

Cane sugar is chemically very similar to granulated sugar (sucrose) and has comparable crystallization properties, which are critical for the dough structure and caramelization during frying. This ensures the doughnut dough behaves as expected during mixing and frying.

When substituting, use the same volume as granulated sugar. No adjustments to liquid content or frying time are necessary. Cane sugar dissolves well in dough and contributes to the Maillard reaction, producing the characteristic golden crust.

The final doughnuts will have nearly identical texture, sweetness, and color compared to those made with granulated sugar, making it the most seamless substitute.

Quick tip: Finer granules dissolve faster, which can slightly affect dough hydration and crust texture.

Caster sugar is essentially granulated sugar with smaller crystals, allowing it to dissolve more quickly in the dough. This can lead to a slightly smoother dough and a more even caramelization during frying.

Use the same volume as granulated sugar. Because of the finer crystals, monitor dough consistency to avoid overhydration. Frying times remain unchanged.

Doughnuts will have a slightly finer crumb and potentially a more delicate crust, but sweetness and overall texture remain very close to the original.

Quick tip: Larger crystals and molasses residue add mild caramel notes and a slightly coarser texture.

Turbinado sugar retains some natural molasses, which imparts a subtle caramel flavor and slightly darker color to the doughnuts. The larger crystals dissolve more slowly, which can affect dough hydration and crust texture.

Use equal volume, but ensure thorough mixing to dissolve sugar crystals. Frying times may need slight adjustment to achieve even browning.

The resulting doughnuts have a more complex flavor profile with a slightly coarser crumb and a deeper golden crust compared to granulated sugar.

Quick tip: Adds moisture and a mild molasses flavor, which can make doughnuts softer and darker.

Light brown sugar contains molasses, which increases moisture content and acidity in the dough. This can tenderize the dough and enhance browning through Maillard reactions, but may also make the doughnuts slightly denser and moister.

Substitute by volume equally, but reduce other liquids slightly if dough feels too wet. Monitor frying to avoid over-browning.

Doughnuts will have a richer flavor and softer texture with a darker crust, differing from the crispness and neutrality of granulated sugar.

Quick tip: Contains cornstarch which can slightly alter dough texture and reduce crispness.

Powdered sugar is finely ground granulated sugar mixed with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping. The cornstarch can interfere with gluten development and moisture absorption in the dough.

Use the same volume, but sift well to avoid lumps. Expect a slightly softer dough and less crisp crust after frying.

Final doughnuts will be less crisp and may have a slightly different mouthfeel, but sweetness and color remain similar.