Learn how to make homemade brown sugar the quick and easy way out of your plain white sugar.
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Brown sugar is a staple in most home pantries. I know it is in mine. Yet somehow, without fail, every time I go to make my delicious homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls, I am out of brown sugar.
A few years ago, my area went through a shortage where I could not get brown sugar locally for the life of me. White sugar was in abundance but white sugar just doesn’t cut it when you’re making a cinnamon roll filling or when baking up a batch of the chewiest chocolate chip cookies.
During that time I was able to pick up a new skill. I learned how to make brown sugar at home.
What is the difference between brown sugar and white sugar
The difference between brown sugar and white sugar is that brown sugar has molasses added into it. The molasses is what gives brown sugar it’s distinctive brown color, it’s textural difference and it’s flavor.
Brown sugar contains a higher moisture content than it’s white sugar counterpart, which contributes nicely to adding moisture to baked goods.
What you need to make brown sugar
White Sugar
How to make homemade brown sugar
Add one cup of white sugar into a medium sized bowl.
Next, add 1 tablespoon of molasses into the bowl with the sugar.
Use a whisk to combine until the sugar has completely absorbed the molasses. This could take a few minutes. Use a electric mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment to make the process go quicker.
This will give you a lighter brown sugar. If you are seeking a dark brown sugar for your baking needs, add an additional tablespoon of molasses mix until the color suits your needs.
What is the difference between light or dark brown sugar
If you read the above section, you may already know the answer!
The difference between light or dark brown sugar comes down to the amount of molasses mixed in with the white sugar.
The more molasses used, the darker and stronger the flavor of the sugar will be.
How to store homemade brown sugar
Homemade brown sugar will keep at best on the pantry shelf in an airtight container for up to six months. I suggest making smaller batches and then refilling your containers with homemade brown sugar as needed.
You can use things like a brown sugar saver to extend the shelf life of your brown sugar and keep it a best quality.
Homemade Brown Sugar
Learn how to make homemade brown sugar the quick and easy way.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- Add the white sugar into a bowl.
- Then, add in the molasses.
- Using a whisk, whisk together the molasses and white sugar.
- The homemade brown sugar is finished when the white sugar has completely absorbed the molasses.
Notes
For a darker brown sugar, add in an additional tablespoon of molasses.
To store, keep brown sugar in an air tight container. Homemade brown sugar will last up to 6 months.
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