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    Home » Recipes » How to Make Brown Sugar

    How to Make Brown Sugar

    Published: October 13, 2020 · Modified: Oct 13, 2020 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Brown sugar is basically magic but there's not always time to geo to the store for it and it's not available in some countries. Fear not, making it at home is beyond easy, and all you need are two ingredients: sugar and molasses! You'll never run out again.

    Two copper measuring cups full of homemade brown sugar.
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    close up photo of brown sugar in a glass bowl
    brown sugar in a copper measuring cup
    partially mixed brown sugar in a glass bowl
    molasses being poured over white sugar in a glass bowl
    Copper measuring cups holding homemade brown sugar.

    Brown sugar is really just granulated sugar mixed with molasses. You can make your own at home in just a few minutes.

    What you’ll need for this recipe

    The two ingredients needed to make brown sugar on a marble counter.

    Molasses: You should definitely keep a jar of molasses in your pantry but if you don’t have it on hand head down to the frequently asked questions for some alternatives.

    How to make brown sugar

    Molasses pouring into a bowl for granulated sugar.

    Combine the sugar and molasses in a bowl, plastic bag, or food processor. Add one tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar for light brown sugar and 2-3 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.Brown sugar getting made with molasses and granulated sugar.

    Mix the molasses into the sugar using a fork. If you’re using a bag then just mush the sugar and molasses together until it’s uniformly distributed and if you’re using your food processor then just pulse.

    A top down view of two measuring cups with brown sugar.

    Pro Tips for this Recipe

    • If you don’t have molasses you can use maple syrup, golden syrup, or agave syrup. All of these will ad a similar texture/amount of moisture but they will have different tastes.
    • Store the brown sugar in an airtight container.
    • Don’t be afraid to use your hands to mix the molasses in, it’s the most efficient way if you’re not using a food processor. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How should you store it?

    Store your homemade brown sugar in an airtight container. This can be a sealable plastic bag or a glass or plastic storage container with a rubber gasket. You may want to buy a brown sugar saver, which is a ceramic piece you soak and store with your brown sugar to keep it soft.

    What’s the difference between light and dark brown sugar?

    The only difference between the two is the amount of molasses added. Light brown sugar has about 3.5% molasses while dark brown sugar has almost double that.

    What are Alternatives to Molasses?

    If you don’t have molasses you can try subbing in maple syrup, agave syrup, or dark corn syrup. These will all give you a similar texture and moisture content but the flavors will all be a bit different.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • Hardened brown sugar clumps on a marble counter.

      How to Soften Brown Sugar

    • A plate of candied pecans next to some brown sugar.

      Candied Pecans

    • Freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a marble counter.

      Cinnamon Rolls

    • Zucchini Bread

    • Baked Apples

    If you’ve tried this homemade Brown Sugar recipe then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A glass bowl filled with homemade brown sugar.
    Print
    5 from 5 votes

    How to Make Brown Sugar

    You'll never run out of brown sugar again if you keep two pantry staples at hand.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 3 minutes
    Total Time 3 minutes
    Servings 1 cup
    Calories 52kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Bowl
    • Fork

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
    • 1-2 Tbsp molasses 15-30mL

    Instructions

    • Combine the sugar and molasses in a bowl and use a fork to mix. You can also mix them in a food processor or in a plastic bag. Add more molasses as needed to obtain the desired color and flavor. 1 tablespoon of molasses will give you a light brown sugar while 2-3 will make a dark brown.

    Notes

    If you don't have molasses you can use maple syrup, golden syrup or agave syrup. All of these will ad a similar texture/amount of moisture but they will have different tastes.
    Store the brown sugar in an airtight container.
    Don't be afraid to use your hands to mix the molasses in, it's the most efficient way if you're not using a food processor. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 18mg | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!

     

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    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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