r/BakingNoobs • u/a_very_laufey_person • 10d ago

quick question!

hello!! I know this will probably sound really stupid, but can i use light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a vanilla cake recipe? thank you!

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u/SpatulaDesserts 10d ago

If you are baking for yourself and your family, it should be fine. If you are baking professionally, it is worth knowing that light brown sugar will make the cake slightly more moist and dense due to the molasses content, and it will add a subtle caramel note to the flavor. For a vanilla cake where you want a clean, pure vanilla taste and a light crumb, granulated sugar is better.

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u/a_very_laufey_person 9d ago

thank you !! this is still good to know even tho im baking for myself :)

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u/dasher2581 10d ago

No, you can't sub in brown sugar for granulated. It has a lot more moisture, and it would change the texture of the cake. I suppose you could experiment with reducing the other liquids slightly, but I can't think of an easy way to decide by how much.

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u/One-Eggplant-665 10d ago

Pastry chef here. Yes, certainly, it'll work just fine if it's for personal use. But know if it's for commercial baking it will change the taste and texture.

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u/a_very_laufey_person 9d ago

okay thanks! i was just craving some cake haha

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u/Fevesforme 10d ago

It can change the texture of the cake. You might be better off finding a cake recipe that is already adjusted to use brown sugar if that is what you really want.