Homemade Brown Sugar (Light or Dark) is easy to make with only two ingredients.
Tastes much better than packaged store-bought brands.
Also lasts much longer when properly stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.
HOW TO MEASURE BROWN SUGAR
“Packed” brown sugar is an ingredient in a variety of cookie recipes.
Correctly measure by “packing” the brown sugar in the measuring cup with the back of a spoon.
The brown sugar will be shaped like the cup.
In the photo, it’s sliced open to reveal how tightly packed it is.
THE INGREDIENTS
The two ingredients are granulated white sugar and molasses.
EDITOR’S NOTE (August 8, 2022): Updated info to make it easier to understand. Added one new photo of Homemade “Light” Brown Sugar.
DISCLAIMER (NOT SPONSORED): I have not been paid to endorse the products pictured on this page. Delighted to share the ingredients I purchased and used to make this recipe. All comments are my own.
HELPFUL MOLASSES MEASURING TIP
To keep molasses fresh, I secure the lid on the bottle and store it in the fridge.
When ready to use, place bottle on counter for about 20 minutes to allow the molasses to warm up and become pourable. Much easier to measure than cold.
WHAT IS BROWN SUGAR?
Brown sugar is a combination of granulated white sugar and molasses.
It is a popular sweetener in baked beans, barbecue sauce, cakes, cookies, muffins, pies, and pastries.
HOW TO MAKE DARK BROWN SUGAR
Homemade “Dark” Brown Sugar is made by mixing 2 tablespoons of molasses with 1 cup of granulated white sugar.
HOW TO MAKE LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
Light brown sugar is made by mixing 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1 cup of granulated white sugar.
Stir together until well combined.
Perfect in my popular recipe for Patti’s Sweet Potato Pie.
Homemade “Light” Brown Sugar
Homemade “Light” Brown Sugar enlarged to show details.
HOW TO PROPERLY STORE BROWN SUGAR
Keep Homemade Brown Sugar (Light or Dark) in a container with an airtight lid or a tightly sealed zippered bag.
Homemade Brown Sugar will remain moist with a delicious fresh taste much longer than packaged/store-brought brands… as long as it is properly stored and refrigerated.
It will harden when exposed to air for an extended period of time.
ENJOY!
CLICK HERE TO PIN ON PINTEREST (UPDATED)
To obtain calories and nutritional information by weight, visit popular online nutritional calculator is myfitnesspal.com.
Copy recipe link in the address bar and add it to their calculator. No need to type each ingredient.
Homemade Brown Sugar (Light or Dark)
Ingredients
Homemade Light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Homemade Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses If you prefer it darker, use 3 tablespoons of molasses.
Instructions
- Use these instructions for both recipes.
- Combine sugar and molasses in a medium sized bowl. Use fingers or a fork to "mash and stir" ingredients together until evenly combined and mixture is evenly combined (10 to 15 minutes). Light brown sugar should be light/golden brown. Dark brown sugar should be dark brown. If you prefer a darker brown, use 3 tablespoons of molasses.
- Store in a tightly sealed container. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Although homemade brown sugar stays soft longer than store-bought, it may harden after 8 or 10 days. To soften hard brown sugar (light or dark), lightly sprinkle a tablespoon of warm water over the top. Break apart with fingers.
Thanks Beverly for such a quick and easy recipe. I’m always running out of brown sugar. Now I can make as needed.
Hi Verginia! You’re welcome. Merry Christmas!