Brown sugar made easy.
Homemade Brown Sugar is a simple combination of granulated sugar and molasses. It’s a very simple and cost-effective process that will help you when you’re in a pinch!
Why should I make homemade brown sugar?
We’ve all been there. In the middle of a recipe only to find out you’re at the bottom of the brown sugar bag. This is a convenient solution when you’re short on store-bought brown sugar or prefer a homemade touch. It can be used as a substitute in any recipe that calls for brown sugar.
Brown sugar vs. Granulated white sugar.
All sugar has the same purpose and is used as a sweetener in recipes but they differ in terms of composition. Let’s break down the difference between the two.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar is simply granulated white sugar and molasses. Light brown sugar has a lower molasses content than dark brown sugar, making the flavor mild and robust. Because of the addition of molasses, brown sugar is more moist.
Granulated white sugar
Made from sugarcane or sugar beets. Granulated white sugar is crystalized, refined and granulated. During the refining process, impurities are removed and the remaining sucrose is crystallized into fine granules. It lacks molasses. Often uses for sweetness in recipes but lacks flavor.
Don't have molasses on hand?
Substitute the same ratio of molasses with dark corn syrup, honey or maple syrup. Although it doesn’t fully mimic brown sugar in caramel flavor or color, it still works!
What type of molasses should I use?
Use unsulfured molasses such as Grandma’s or Brer Rabbit. (Affiliated link) Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is more bitter and less sweet.
Can I make Homemade Brown Sugar without a mixer?
Yes! You can mix the sugar and molasses by hand using a fork or rub them together with your fingers until fully blended. A food processor or stand mixer speeds up the process but is not necessary.
How to make Homemade Brown Sugar.
The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For full details, see recipe index card below!
Combine sugar and molasses
Add sugar and molasses to a stand mixer bowl. For the easiest convenience, use a stand mixer or hand held mixer but a whisk will do the job.
Mix until fully combined
This part takes a little bit of time. Until the sugar hydrates with the molasses, just keep mixing. Just keep in mind, naturally, molasses clumps may form. Use the back of a spatula or your hands and press against it. It will quickly dissolve.
Can I make a large batch and store it?
Yes! Just mix a larger quantity and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
How to prevent brown sugar from hardening.
Brown sugar hardens when it loses its moisture and the molasses solidifies. Simply put, air hardens brown sugar. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps! Bread acts as a moisture retainer and keeps the brown sugar soft and easy to use.
Another moisture-retaining method is to use a porous disk that gets soaked in water and placed in the brown sugar bag or container. It helps keep the sugar soft by releasing moisture over time. You know those sugar saver cute bears you’ve seen around social media? Shop your own bear today!
What's the best way to measure brown sugar?
Most recipes call for packed brown sugar/ All you have to do is firmly press it into the measuring cup until it holds its shape when turned out.
How do you re-soften hard brown sugar?
Place a damp cloth or a slice of bread in the container with the brown sugar. Seal the container tightly and let it sit overnight. The moisture from the paper towel or bread is said to help soften the sugar.
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Homemade Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- Pour sugar and molasses into a stand mixer.1 cup granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon molasses
- Use the paddle attachment and mix on medium-low speed until the molasse is combined with the sugar and the color changes to caramel brown.
- Use your fingers to work in any small balls of molasses, breaking it apart into the sugar. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guarenteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
Unequivocally, excellent message
Thank you!