If you’ve ever run out of brown sugar in the middle of baking, there’s no need to panic! Making your own at home is not only simple but also gives you control over the richness and flavor of this key ingredient. With just two pantry staples, you can whip up a substitute in minutes, adjusting its depth to suit your recipe. This easy method for how to make brown sugar will save you a trip to the store and give you fresh, perfectly sweet homemade brown sugar every time.
One morning, just as I was rushing to prepare my slow cooker pork chops before heading out for the day, I realized I had used up the last of my brown sugar the previous afternoon. I had made a batch of my favorite easy slutty brownies, and I completely forgot I'd need more sugar in the morning. Thankfully, I remembered an easy trick for making my own at home.
This quick and simple recipe for how to make brown sugar saved the morning and my dinner plans. I was able to whip up a fresh batch in just minutes, using pantry staples I already had on hand. It didn’t even set me back in my schedule, and I was out the door on time with dinner prepped and ready for the slow cooker.
The flavor of the homemade brown sugar substitute was so rich and deep compared to the store bought kind. Now, I’ve made a habit of making my own and it’s become a staple in my kitchen. I honestly can’t imagine going back to the pre-packaged variety.
If you like this recipe, also try How to Make Homemade Powdered Sugar.
Ingredients Needed
- Granulated Sugar – Use regular white granulated sugar for the base. You can use organic granulated sugar or cane sugar if you prefer a more natural option.
- Molasses – Choose unsulfured molasses for a milder, sweeter flavor. If you prefer a deeper, more intense taste, blackstrap molasses can be used. Sorghum molasses is another flavorful option.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar
- Step 1: Measure the sugar into a bowl and add the molasses.
- Step 2: Mix until the molasses is well distributed. Taste and add more as desired for a richer flavor.
Hint: Begin with just 1-2 tablespoons of molasses and add more as desired for a richer, deeper flavor.
Storage Tips
To store the homemade sugar, place it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out and hardening. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sealed plastic container works well. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, like your pantry, away from moisture and heat.
If your brown sugar does harden over time, place it in a microwavable bowl with a damp paper towel over the top and heat it in 10-second intervals until it softens.
Top Tips
Making Homemade Brown Sugar:
- Start with 1 tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar. If you prefer a richer, deeper flavor, add more molasses until you reach your desired color and taste.
- Ensure you mix the molasses into the sugar completely to avoid uneven spots. Using a fork or spatula works well for breaking up any clumps.
- If mixing by hand, wearing gloves helps avoid the sticky molasses residue on your skin and keeps the mixture clean.
- Only make what you need for about a month to ensure freshness. Since it's easy to prepare, you can whip up a new batch when needed.
Using Homemade Brown Sugar:
- The deep molasses flavor of homemade brown sugar can elevate baked goods like cookies, cakes, and brownies. It brings more depth compared to store-bought varieties. I love using it to make Balsamic Strawberry Sauce.
- Add homemade brown sugar to savory recipes, like pork chops, BBQ sauces and candied sweet potatoes to create a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
FAQ
The difference lies in the amount of molasses. Light brown sugar uses about 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar, while dark brown sugar has about 2 tablespoons, resulting in a stronger molasses flavor and darker color.
Absolutely! Homemade brown sugar works just as well as store-bought and can be used in any recipe that calls for it, whether you're baking or preparing savory dishes.
You can double or triple the recipe and store the extra in an airtight container, ensuring you always have fresh brown sugar on hand.
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RECIPE
How to Make Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons molasses
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl, combine sugar and molasses. Start with 1 tablespoon of molasses add more depending on how dark you would like the brown sugar. One tablespoon will create light brown sugar while two tablespoons of molasses will create dark brown sugar.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to remove any lumps in the sugar. You can also use your hands but it is best to wear gloves when using this method. Mix well until sugar is uniform in color and fluffy with no lumps remaining.
Notes
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