Made brown sugar at home. Don’t think I’ll ever buy it again at the store
McKayla Davis
Contributing Writer
Print this recipe
In an era where homemade and natural foods are increasingly celebrated, making your own brown sugar at home is a delightful and rewarding endeavor. It’s astonishingly simple, and the result is fresh, flavorful brown sugar that’s free from the additives often found in store-bought versions.
After trying it once, you might find yourself swearing off the pre-packaged variety for good. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own brown sugar at home.
The Magic of Homemade Brown Sugar
Homemade brown sugar offers a richer, more robust flavor compared to its store-bought counterpart. This is because it’s made by combining molasses with granulated sugar, creating a product that is moist, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. The process is quick and easy, allowing you to produce brown sugar in minutes.
Why Make Brown Sugar at Home?
Freshness: Store-bought brown sugar can harden over time as it loses moisture. Homemade brown sugar retains its moisture and remains soft.
Customization: You can adjust the molasses level to suit your taste, making either light or dark brown sugar.
Cost-Effective: It’s often cheaper to make brown sugar at home, especially if you already have the ingredients on hand.
No Additives: Homemade brown sugar is free from preservatives and anti-caking agents.
The Simple Recipe
Making brown sugar at hom e requires just two ingredients: granulated white sugar and molasses.
Ingredients
1 cup of granulated white sugar
1 tablespoon of molasses (for light brown sugar) or 2 tablespoons of molasses (for dark brown sugar)
Instructions
Combine Ingredients: Place the granulated white sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the molasses on top.
Mix Thoroughly: Use a fork, spoon, or an electric mixer to blend the molasses into the sugar. The mixture will clump initially, but keep mixing until the molasses is fully incorporated. This process can take a few minutes.
Store Properly: Once the brown sugar is thoroughly mixed, store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar
Adjusting the Texture: If your brown sugar becomes too dry, add a small amount of molasses and mix again. If it’s too moist, add a bit more granulated sugar.
Storage: Keep your homemade brown sugar in a sealed container at room temperature. If it hardens, a slice of bread or a damp paper towel placed in the container can help restore its softness.
Using Homemade Brown Sugar
Homemade brown sugar can be used just like the store-bought variety. It’s perfect for baking, adding to coffee, or sprinkling over oatmeal. The flavor is richer and more complex, enhancing any dish it’s added to.
Baking with Homemade Brown Sugar
One of the most significant advantages of using homemade brown sugar in baking is its moisture content, which helps keep baked goods soft and chewy. Cookies, cakes, and muffins all benefit from the deep, caramel-like flavor of fresh brown sugar.
Savory Dishes
Brown sugar isn’t just for sweets. It can be used to add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes like barbecue sauces, marinades, and glazes. The molasses in the brown sugar adds depth and complexity to these recipes.