How to Substitute Honey for Sugar in Cooking and Baking

It is easy to substitute honey for sugar in many recipes. Of course, many of us use honey instead of sugar in our tea. Additionally, we use it as a natural remedy to soothe coughs. However, most of us have never thought of cooking with honey or using it for sugar in a recipe.

If you’ve never baked with honey, you’re in for a nice treat. Honey is a staple in most pantries, as it were in our ancestors’, so you don’t have to look too far if you want to start baking and cooking with it. Raw, unprocessed honey gives a unique flavor to foods. It is also an excellent choice in recipes that hold moisture.

Myths about Substituting Honey for Sugar

Before I talk about substituting honey for sugar, I will discuss a few myths about honey versus sugar.

One of the biggest myths about using honey is that it has fewer calories than white sugar. In fact, one tablespoon of honey has 64 calories compared to 54 calories in white sugar. Another myth is that honey is a healthier choice for people with diabetes. The fact is that people with diabetes should limit their intake of both honey and sugar (in all of its forms). Yes, honey has a slightly lower glycemic index than sugar (58 vs. 60), but it certainly is not a low glycemic food.

Substitute Honey for Sugar by Buying Local

The different kinds of honey are not created equally. Many of the brands in the store are pasteurized and filtered. Additionally, some are mixed with water, sugar, and “natural flavors.” I recommend buying local, raw honey.

The bees in your local area make honey from the plants in your community.  And, why is this a good thing?  Well, since seasonal allergies are caused by many of these local plants, eating honey that has local pollen may reduce the symptoms of your seasonal allergies.  Another reason is that the flowers from the local bushes, shrubs, and trees will produce a unique flavor of honey. So, visit your local farmers’ market for local honey.   

If you’ve spent time at your local farmers’ market, you have seen and tasted several types of honey. There are nine generally recognized types of honey:

Acacia Honey or Black Locust Honey

This mild-tasting, all-purpose honey is made from the nectar of the black locust flowers rather than acacia flowers. Botanically, the black locust is also known as a “false acacia tree.” Acacia or black locust honey is one of the clearest and lightest colored honey. It has a high fructose content so it is unlikely to crystalize. Overall, it is a good, general-purpose honey that is delicious in tea and poured generously over pancakes and biscuits.

Acacia honey is available for purchase online.

Buckwheat Honey

Buckwheat honey is sometimes referred to as the Guinness of the kinds of honey because it has an earthy, malty aroma. Some varieties have the aroma of dark, toasted toffee or molasses. The colors range from medium brown to deep brown with a reddish tinge. Buckwheat honey has more vitamins and trace minerals than most other kinds of honey. This makes it ideal for medicinal honey purposes such as treating sore throats. The dark color and bold flavor make it ideal for meat glazes and marinades. It is a good substitute for baking recipes that use molasses.

Buckwheat honey is available for purchase online.

Clover Honey

Clover honey is one of the most popular kinds of honey throughout the United States. This all-purpose honey is available in most local supermarkets. Now, you don’t want to miss this. There are many brands of clover honey that use artificial flavors. So, read the ingredients on the label. Clover honey is also sold as creamed clover, which is honey that is whipped into a smooth spread. It is great on sandwiches and drizzled over oatmeal and plain yogurt. Clover honey is an excellent choice for salad dressings, glazes, and marinates.

Clover honey is available for purchase online.

Eucalyptus Honey

This honey is my latest find. This honey is made from the nectar of the eucalyptus blossoms. It originated in Australia but is now widely available in California. The aroma and flavor of eucalyptus honey make it ideal for teas and soothing a cough.

Eucalyptus honey is available for purchase online.

Fireweed Honey

OK, there is no need to call 9-1-1. Fireweed honey is known as the champagne of the different kinds of honey. This honey is made from the nectar of the fireweed plant that grows in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Many people rave about the mild, delicate, buttery taste that has a hint of spice. It is an excellent choice for marinades and glazes for grilled foods.

Fireweed honey is available for purchase online.

Orange Blossom Honey

This is my favorite local, Florida honey. As the name suggests, orange blossom honey is found throughout areas and regions of the world that grow citrus. It has an unmistakable citrus aroma and taste. Like clover honey, there are many brands of orange blossom honey that use artificial flavors. So, read the ingredients on the label. I always purchase from a local certified organic farm. Orange blossom is a good, general-purpose honey that is delicious in tea and poured generously over pancakes and biscuits.

Orange blossom honey is available for purchase online.

Sage Honey

This honey is made from the nectar of the black sage plant flowers that grow along the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Although it has a light color and a crisp delicate flavor, sage honey has a heavier body than many honey varieties. It’s mild but sweet, all-purpose honey. In addition to sweetening tea, it is good for baking and for drizzling over bread and pastries.

Sage honey is available for purchase online.

Tupelo Honey

Don’t you just love the name of this honey? This is very rare honey that is harvested yearly from the Tupelo tree that grows around swamps in the Southeastern United States. It has a light color and a complex, aromatic flavor that is floral, fruity, and spicy. Because it is only harvested once a year, it is one of the most expensive types of honey. Tupelo honey is an ingredient in several types of mead (wine). In addition to sweetening tea, it is a delicious topping for pancakes, biscuits, and ice cream.

Tupelo honey is available for purchase online.

Wildflower Honey

As the name suggests, this honey is made from the nectar of different flowers. The taste ranges from mild to extremely bold, depending on the flowers in the local community. In addition to sweetening tea, it is a good choice for baking as well as marinating meats and chicken.

Wildflower honey is available for purchase online.

Substitute Honey for Sugar in Cooking

Honey is an excellent substitute for sugar when cooking and grilling. Now, please take a deep breath. I will not usually attempt to substitute honey in most recipes that call for molasses or dark brown sugar. And, that’s because molasses and dark brown sugar have distinct flavors. However, buckwheat honey might work well in those recipes because of its dark color and bold flavor.

Honey can be used in many savory dishes as well as in:

• Salad dressings
• Marinades (meats and chicken)
• Glazes (meats and chicken)
• Barbecue sauces
• Sweet and sour sauces

Substitute Honey for Sugar in Baking

There are four general rules when substituting honey for sugar in baked goods.

1. Use Less Honey than Sugar

Honey is sweeter than sugar. Thus, you need to use less of it. For every 1 cup of sugar, substitute 1/2 to 2/3 cup of honey.

2. Use Less Liquids

Honey is about 18% to 20% water, so use less liquid in the recipe. For every 1 cup of honey, subtract 1/4 cup of other liquids from the recipe.

3. Add a Little Baking Soda

Add baking soda to reduce the acidity of honey and allow the baked good to rise properly. Therefore, use 1/4 teaspoon baking soda for every 1 cup of honey.

4. Lower Oven Temperature

Honey caramelizes and burns faster than sugar. So, reduce the temperature of the oven by 25°F.

Helpful Tip

Spray measuring spoons and cups with non-stick cooking spray before measuring honey. Why? It allows the honey to slide off easily.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you’ve learned more about different kinds of honey and how to substitute them for sugar when cooking and baking.

Do you have a favorite recipe that uses honey?

We look forward to hearing how you use honey in your cooking and baking. And, you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your social networks.  Your subscription to the blog is also appreciated!

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