Ready to make your own brown sugar at home, so you can be completely in control of the quality and taste? With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the rich flavor and versatility of homemade brown sugar in minutes! Let me show you how!
We love the rich taste of brown sugar, whether it's in a holiday brown sugar ham or our homemade granola. So, when it comes to the quality of our brown sugar, making our own just made sense!
Thankfully, it's a very simple process and I'm going to share it with you today!
Homemade Brown Sugar
Making your own brown sugar offers several advantages over store-bought alternatives, but here are a few of the reasons we enjoy making our own brown sugar!
- Quality Control - By preparing brown sugar at home, you can guarantee the quality of your ingredients and avoid unwanted additives commonly found in commercial products.
- Customizable Flavor - Adjust the ratio of sugar to molasses to create a brown sugar that suits your taste preferences, whether you prefer a lighter or darker variety.
- Cost-Effective - Homemade brown sugar costs significantly less than its store-bought counterpart, saving you money in the long run. Plus, you never have to throw anything away, because you can just make it as needed!
Ingredients
What you need in order to make your own brown sugar couldn't be simpler! You likely have everything you need to make a batch today.
- Granulated sugar - We use unrefined organic cane sugar, but you can also use coconut sugar, or maple sugar instead if you'd like!
- Molasses - This gives the brown sugar its classic taste, however, you can substitute honey or maple syrup if needed. Just note that the taste will vary from the traditional brown sugar flavor.
We love the Wholesome Organic Molasses and buy it in bulk for our einkorn gingersnap recipe during the holidays!
Directions
With an ingredients list as simple as this one, you know the directions for making brown sugar are just as easy!
- Measure - In a dry mixing bowl, combine a ratio of 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of molasses. You can increase the measurements if needed, just maintain the ratio!
- Combine - Using a spoon or spatula, thoroughly mix the sugar and molasses until the molasses is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a uniform, brown color.
- Adjust - If you prefer a darker shade of brown sugar, you can add an additional tablespoon of molasses and adjust it according to your taste.
- Store - Once mixed, your homemade brown sugar is ready to use in your favorite recipes!
Making Bulk Brown Sugar
If you want to make more than a cup or two of brown sugar, you probably don't want to do it by hand. Making just a little bit only takes a few minutes by hand, but making a bulk batch would be difficult!
However, by using a stand mixer to do the work for you, it only takes a few minutes to make a huge amount of homemade brown sugar!
- Add your ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer.
- Using a paddle attachment, mix on a low speed for 1 minute.
- Stop the mixer and scrape the sides. Continue mixing on low until the sugar and molasses are well combined.
- Use right away, or store for later!
Storing Homemade Brown Sugar
To store your homemade brown sugar and ensure its freshness, follow these simple steps and you shouldn't have any issues!
- Transfer the brown sugar to an airtight container, preferably a glass jar, to protect it from moisture.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.
- With proper storage, your homemade brown sugar can last for several months, providing you with a readily available ingredient whenever you need it.
How to Soften Brown Sugar
If your brown sugar has hardened and become difficult to use, don't worry! There are simple methods to soften it and restore its granular texture. Since we haven't owned a microwave in over 15 years, our favorite method is the oven method which is shown in the video below!
Oven Method
- Pre-heat oven to 250°F
- On a parchment-lined baking tray, spread the hardened brown sugar as much as possible. It's fine if you can't spread it at all.
- Put the tray in a hot oven for 5 minutes and remove from the oven. Using a fork, try to break up the clumps into smaller pieces.
- Put the tray back into the oven and check it every 5 minutes, continuing to break up the clumps until the sugar is completely soft again.
- Use it immediately or allow it to cool fully before storing it in an airtight container.
Microwave Method
- Place the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place a damp paper towel or a moistened slice of bread on top of the sugar.
- Microwave the bowl in 20-second intervals, checking the sugar's softness after each interval.
- Once the brown sugar has softened to your desired consistency, remove it from the microwave and use it immediately.
Bread Method
- Transfer the hardened brown sugar into an airtight container.
- Add a slice of fresh bread to the container.
- Seal the container tightly and leave it overnight or for several hours.
- The moisture from the bread will transfer to the brown sugar, softening it in the process.
- Remove the bread slice and fluff the brown sugar with a fork before using.
Remember to store your brown sugar properly after softening to prevent it from hardening again. Keeping it in an airtight container and using a brown sugar keeper will help maintain its softness.
Uses for Homemade Brown Sugar
Your homemade brown sugar can be used in a wide range of recipes, adding depth and sweetness to your dishes. Here are a few of our favorite uses for homemade brown sugar to help inspire you!
- Einkorn Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- Einkorn Cinnamon Rolls
- Homemade Maple Cured Bacon
Common Questions
Absolutely! Homemade brown sugar can be used as a 1:1 substitute for store-bought brown sugar in most recipes. The flavor and sweetness levels will be similar, but keep in mind that the moisture content in homemade brown sugar may differ slightly. Adjust the moisture in your recipe if needed, such as adding a splash of liquid if the batter appears too dry.
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade brown sugar can last for several months, similar to store-bought brown sugar. However, it's important to note that over time, the moisture content in brown sugar can change, potentially causing it to harden. To prevent this, make sure to store it in a moisture-free environment and follow the softening methods mentioned earlier if it does become hardened.
While molasses is traditionally used to make brown sugar, you can create a substitute if you don't have molasses on hand. To make a simple alternative, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. The ratio may vary depending on the desired darkness and flavor you want to achieve. Keep in mind that the resulting homemade brown sugar may have a slightly different taste compared to the molasses-based version.
To keep your homemade brown sugar soft and prevent clumping, it's crucial to store it properly. Transfer the brown sugar to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. If the container is not completely airtight, place a piece of plastic wrap or a small marshmallow in the container before sealing it. These extra measures help to maintain the moisture content and prevent the sugar from hardening. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If your brown sugar does become hardened, refer to the "How to Soften Brown Sugar" section mentioned earlier for easy ways to restore its texture.
Even More From Scratch Ideas
Ready to fill your pantry with even more homemade staples? We've got you covered! Here are a few favorites from our kitchen to yours!
Homemade Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
Instructions
- In a dry mixing bowl, combine a ratio of 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of molasses. You can increase the measurements if needed, just maintain the ratio!
- Using a spoon or spatula, thoroughly mix the sugar and molasses until the molasses is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a uniform, brown color.
- If you prefer a darker shade of brown sugar, you can add an additional tablespoon of molasses and adjust it according to your taste.
- Once mixed, your homemade brown sugar is ready to use in your favorite recipes!
Making Brown Sugar in Bulk
- Add your ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer.
- Using a paddle attachment, mix on a low speed for 1 minute.
- Stop the mixer and scrape the sides. Continue mixing on low until the sugar and molasses are well combined.
- Use right away, or store for later!
Notes
Nutrition
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