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A jar of homemade brown sugar on a kitchen counter, surrounded by ingredients like white sugar and molasses, with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Homemade Brown Sugar

Jana Rae
Learn how to make homemade brown sugar with just 2 ingredients. This quick and easy recipe creates light or dark brown sugar in minutes, perfect for all your baking needs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Baking Staples, Homemade Ingredients
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Tablespoon
Calories 54 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp molasses (for light brown sugar)
  • 2 tbsp molasses (for dark brown sugar)

Instructions
 

  • Combine Ingredients:
    Place the white sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl.Add molasses (1 tablespoon for light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar).
  • Mix Well:
    Use a fork or hand mixer to combine the sugar and molasses thoroughly. Continue mixing until the molasses is fully incorporated and the sugar looks uniform in color and texture.You can also rub the sugar and molasses together with your fingers for even distribution.
  • Check Consistency:
    The mixture should feel slightly damp and crumbly. Adjust molasses amounts to achieve the desired depth of color and flavor.
  • Store:
    Transfer the homemade brown sugar to an airtight container.Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Homemade Brown Sugar

  1. Fresh Molasses: Use unsulphured molasses (like Grandma’s Molasses) for a sweet and rich flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses as it’s too bitter.
  2. Texture Control: If the mixture clumps, run it through a food processor or break it up with a fork.
  3. Adjusting Flavor: Add more molasses for deeper, darker brown sugar. Start with less and increase as needed.
  4. Storage Tip: To prevent homemade brown sugar from hardening, place a small piece of bread or a terra-cotta sugar saver in the container.