How to Make Light Brown Sugar from Scratch
Say goodbye to store-bought brown sugar. Learn how to make light brown sugar at home with this simple step-by-step guide.
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What is Brown Sugar?
Light brown sugar, also known as soft brown sugar, is a type of sweetener commonly used in baking and cooking. It is made by combining granulated white sugar with molasses, which gives it its distinctive flavor and color. The amount of molasses added to the white sugar determines the shade of brown sugar. Typically, light brown sugar contains about 3.5% molasses by weight, whereas dark brown sugar can have up to 6.5% molasses. Light brown has a delicate caramel flavor that adds depth and complexity to baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and breads. It also works well in savory dishes like barbecue sauce or marinades for meat.
Difference Between Light and Dark Brown Sugar in Baking
When it comes to the difference between light brown sugar and dark brown sugar the main difference lies in the amount of molasses. Light has less molasses than dark, which gives it a milder flavor with subtle caramel notes. Dark brown sugar, on the other hand, has more molasses which results in a stronger and more complex flavor with deeper notes of toffee or molasses. In terms of texture, light tends to be lighter and softer while dark brown sugar is denser with larger crystals due to the higher amount of moisture from the added molasses content.
In addition to flavor, the amount of molasses in each type of sugar affects their moisture content and texture. Dark brown sugars tend to be more moist and sticky than light brown sugar because of its higher molasses content. So how does this affect your baking? Light brown is often used in recipes where a subtle sweetness is desired, such as for cookies or cakes with delicate flavors like vanilla or lemon. It can also help create a lighter texture in baked goods. On the other hand, dark brown sugar adds depth and complexity to recipes where a stronger flavor profile is wanted, such as gingerbread or pumpkin pie filling. It also adds moisture which helps keep baked goods soft and chewy.
How to Make Brown Sugar
Light brown sugar is an essential ingredient in many baked goods, but it’s not always readily available in stores. Fortunately, making your own brown sugar at home is easy and requires only two ingredients: granulated sugar and molasses.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar – I like to use organic raw cane sugar. It already contains a small amount of natural molasses in it. You can use any form of granulated sugar you want though.
- Molasses – I like to use blackstrap molasses.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine one cup of granulated sugar with one tablespoon of molasses.
2. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until the molasses is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. I find it is much easier to just use your hands for this process.
3. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes uniform in color and texture.
4. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
FAQ’s
Yes, the flavor of whatever you are making may vary slightly but overall there will be little change.
Yes, light and dark brown sugar are interchangeable. It is important to know the texture and taste of your cookies may change slightly. The dark brown sugar will give the cookies a bolder flavor. Often times dark brown sugar is called for in chocolate chip cookies.
Usually if it is not stated then a recipe is referring to light brown sugar.
Yes, just like any sugar light brown sugar does melt. If you are needing to melt brown sugar and are needing help or further explanation here is a great article.
Brown sugar doesn’t necessarily go bad, but it can become contaminated, lose its freshness, or become hard and compact.
Regular cane sugar or beet sugar is best if you are wanting a sugar that caramelizes but brown sugar does caramelize. You may just find it to be harder to caramelize than others.
Brown sugar light and dark are about the same when it comes to their nutrition.
Technically, yes. If you are looking for more information on this topic here is an article.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below.
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Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Molasses
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine one cup of granulated sugar with one tablespoon of molasses.
- Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until the molasses is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. I find it is much easier to just use your hands for this process.
- Continue mixing until the mixture becomes uniform in color and texture.
Notes
- For darker brown sugar, increase the amount of molasses used.
- To store homemade brown sugar, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to six months.
