Homemade Brown Sugar

Homemade Brown Sugar

Homemade brown sugar. Did you know that you can make your own? The answer is yes, yes you can! It is incredibly simple to do. Homemade brown sugar is really easy to make and you’ll never have to worry about running out now that you can make it yourself! 

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Homemade Brown Sugar Ingredients

1 cup white sugar

1 or 2 tablespoons molasses 

Homemade Brown Sugar Directions

Combine the sugar and molasses in a mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon, mix until well-combined. Once it has a fluffy texture and golden brown color, it is mixed well.

Store in an airtight container for up to one month. 

Homemade Brown Sugar Notes

For light brown sugar, use 1 tablespoon of molasses. If you’re going for dark brown sugar, use 2 tablespoons. 

Make sure that you are using true molasses, not blackstrap molasses. Blackstrap molasses is much more refined than true molasses, more bitter or less sweet, and has a much higher sodium content. It will work in a pinch, but I would not recommend it. 

What I love about this recipe is that it only requires two ingredients. Both of which are easy to find. Sugar is a big pantry staple in my house. It is stored in Firehouse Subs pickle buckets because the lids seal so nicely. This keeps it safe from bugs. Plus it is easy to store larger quantities in these buckets. 

This recipe can be made as needed, therefore the brown sugar tends to be moist. I’ve found brown sugar that is stored long-term from the grocery store tends to be dry and clumpy. Making a small batch when needed will prevent it from being dry. This means that whatever I am making will have a better moisture content. Who wants a dry chocolate chip cookie? 

Having this homemade brown sugar recipe will also save me from running out in the future! I despise running out of anything mid-recipe and having to make an emergency trip to the store.

Knowing how to make baking powder has saved me from those emergency grocery store trips as well, and I love that. You can’t go wrong with saving time and money by knowing how to make something yourself. 

What is the difference between light brown sugar and dark brown sugar? The amount of molasses in it. That’s all it is. Light brown has less, dark brown has more. The amount of molasses can be adjusted for personal taste. 

Other ways to make homemade brown sugar

Using a food processor, give it a few quick pulses

In a stand mixer, mix at a medium speed until well combined. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl frequently with a spatula to make sure the sugar and molasses are well-mixed. 

Using a mixing bowl and wooden spoon, mix by hand until well-combined. 

In a Ziplock Bag, mix the sugar and molasses together and gently massage it and move it around until well-combined. 

Ways to keep brown sugar soft

Brown sugar from the store is like cement! It is hard, crumbly, and just a pain for most people. I have to have Nathan break it up for me at times. Anything short of violently throwing the bag on the floor repeatedly fails. But there are ways around that! 

Airtight Containers

Storing in an airtight container is the first step. I’ve made this mistake many times over the years by just closing up the bag with a bag clip and putting it back in the pantry. Proper storage is really important. 

Brown Sugar Savers

Brown Sugar Savers inside an airtight container will help keep it moist. Soak them in water once a month and it will keep the brown sugar nice and moist. 

Marshmallows

Marshmallows added to the bag will also do the job. This one I haven’t tried, but I found it recommended by multiple sources. I will be trying it out soon because I’m curious! 

Adding in a slice of bread to the airtight container overnight will also help. This method is older than most people. I distinctly remember my grandmother and an aunt doing this when I was a kid. It seemed bonkers at the time, but once I got married and started cooking and baking, I tried this and it really does work. 

If you need brown sugar immediately, microwave it for 15-20 seconds with a damp paper towel draped over the bowl and it should work just fine. If it isn’t soft yet, continue to microwave in 5 second intervals until it becomes soft. 

The prepper in me loves this recipe! When Covid forced lockdowns, the grocery stores were wiped out. Even a year later, some things are hit and miss to find. Or there are unfamiliar brands I’ve never tried on the shelf in place of the traditional staples. Knowing how to make my own brown sugar at home has saved me time, trips to the store, and I didn’t have to worry about empty store shelves. 

Final Advice

This recipe can be doubled or cut in half, if a cup is not the correct measurement you need. It is quite easy to do. This homemade brown sugar recipe is perfect because of the simplicity and that it can be adjusted so easily. 

Discussion

Have you tried making your own homemade brown sugar at home? Tell me about your experience in the comments! Read more of my condiment and sauce recipes.

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