How to Make Light and Dark Brown Sugar at Home Recipe
Introduction
Making your own brown sugar at home is quick, simple, and ensures freshness. Whether you prefer light or dark brown sugar, this recipe helps you create both with just granulated sugar and molasses.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses (for light brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons molasses (for dark brown sugar)
Instructions
- Step 1: Choose your batch type—light or dark brown sugar.
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with either 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown sugar or 2 tablespoons molasses for dark brown sugar.
- Step 3: Mix thoroughly until the molasses is fully incorporated and there are no lumps, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.
- Step 4: For small batches, mix by hand wearing gloves; for larger batches, use a stand mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment on medium speed for a few minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Adding a slice of bread or a terracotta brown sugar keeper to your storage container helps keep your brown sugar soft and prevents clumping.
Storage
Store your homemade brown sugar in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep well for up to one year. To maintain softness, include a slice of bread or a brown sugar keeper in the container and replace as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make brown sugar without molasses?
Molasses is the key ingredient that gives brown sugar its flavor and moisture; without it, the sugar won’t have the characteristic taste or texture of brown sugar.
How long does homemade brown sugar last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade brown sugar can last up to one year without losing quality.
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How to Make Light and Dark Brown Sugar at Home Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup light brown sugar or 1 cup dark brown sugar 1x
Description
Learn how to make both light and dark brown sugar at home with simple ingredients and easy mixing methods. This recipe guides you to combine granulated sugar with molasses to achieve the perfect moisture and flavor for baking and cooking needs. Preserve your homemade brown sugar properly for long-lasting freshness.
Ingredients
Light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
Instructions
- Tips on making brown sugar. For smaller batches, mix using gloved hands to ensure all lumps are removed and ingredients are evenly combined. For larger batches, use a stand mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment on medium speed for a couple of minutes to achieve a smooth texture.
- Mix light brown sugar ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon molasses. Mix thoroughly until well combined, scraping the bowl’s bottom and sides to incorporate all molasses evenly into the sugar.
- Mix dark brown sugar ingredients. In a separate medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons molasses. Mix thoroughly using the same method as light brown sugar, ensuring an even blend with no lumps.
- Storage tips. Transfer your homemade brown sugar into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to one year. To prevent hardening, add a slice of bread or use a terracotta brown sugar keeper inside the container to maintain moisture.
Notes
- For smaller batches, mix by hand using gloves to prevent sticking and improve texture.
- Use a stand mixer on medium speed for larger batches to save time and ensure smoothness.
- Scrape the bowl often to prevent uneven molasses distribution.
- Store in airtight containers to keep freshness and prevent drying.
- Adding a bread slice or terracotta keeper helps maintain moisture and prevents hard lumps.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Baking Ingredient Preparation
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown sugar, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, homemade brown sugar, molasses, baking ingredient
