Learn how to make brown sugar with only 2 ingredients: molasses and granulated sugar. This quick and easy DIY homemade substitute is perfect in baking. It also tastes better and fresher than the store-bought version.
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There have been a handful of instances when I am in the middle of baking and realized that I was out of this ingredient. Obviously, I can't run out to the store in the middle, but this quick DIY homemade version always saves the day! In case you don't know, brown sugar is very important in baking because it’s responsible for adding a chewy texture and deep caramel flavor as seen in these Butter Pecan Cookies. This baking tip or hack is just as useful as this one on How to Blind Bake Pie Crust and this one on How to Make Homemade Sugar Cubes.
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Key ingredients
- Granulated sugar- You likely have some in your pantry right now.
- Molasses- This is what gives it that distinct flavor and color.
Variations
- Mix in some vanilla powder- For aroma and flavor.
- Use maple syrup- Use the same ratio of 1 tablespoon maple syrup to 1 cup granulated sugar. I personally prefer the molasses version because the flavor and color resembles the one you buy from stores.
- Dark brown option- Use 2 tablespoon molasses. This is with regards to 1 cup granulated sugar. This one feels very wet and I like to keep in an open glass jar without the lid for a few hours to let the excess moisture subside.
How to make easy homemade brown sugar recipe from scratch?
- Mix together ingredients- This includes molasses and granulated sugar.
- Store in sealed jar until you are ready to use- This will keep it fresh.
Tips and techniques
- After a while, it has a tendency to get hard- You can easily learn How to Soften Brown Sugar when that happens.
- Use it to make your favorite baked goods- Including this Easy Beach Cake. You can even top off my Best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Brown Sugar Frosting.
- Mix thoroughly- You want to make sure that these two ingredients are completely combined.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Some recipes ask for the dark version. To make that, add 1 tablespoon molasses to 1 cup light sugar and mix it together. It will be wet, which is why I recommend leaving it uncovered in a jar or bowl for a few hours.
Yes. Mix together 1 tablespoon maple syrup with 1 cup granulated sugar until thoroughly combined. The result is still not the best with this substitution, in my opinion.
No. They taste exactly the same.
Storage
- Make ahead- This is definitely a recipe you can make in advance any time.
- Room temperature- It's supposed to last indefinitely if stored properly in a sealed container, but it is best if used within 2 years.
- Refrigerate- Not necessary.
- Freeze- Not recommended.
More baking tips
- How to Stop Chocolate Chips From Sinking
- How to Make Homemade Cake Flour (Substitute)
- How to Frost Cake Smoothly
- How to Make Homemade Stabilized Whipped Cream
- How to Make Flaky Butter Pie Crust
Recipe
How To Make Brown Sugar (Substitute)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Molasses
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add sugar and molasses.
- Use a mixer to mix everything until the sugar and molasses are thoroughly combined.
- Store this brown sugar in an airtight container and enjoy in your baking.
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- To make dark brown version, add 2 tablespoon molasses.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Brenda Lee Dickson
I am so excited to try making and using my own brown sugar! Thank you so much.
Abeer Rizvi
It's really easy! I personally like the light brown sugar but my sister loves the dark brown sugar. Everyone has their own preference. Good luck!
Bam
You can't be;eve how happy I am to read your post. You cannot find proper brown sugar anywhere in Asia, it just simply does not exist. However I can sometimes find blackstrap molasses. Doing the happy dance while I am pinning your recipe!
Abeer Rizvi
Yikes Bam! I had no idea brown sugar is so hard to find in Asia. It's honestly my favorite type of sugar to use in cookies!
I recommend making the light brown sugar first since I like the flavor and consistency better. But, try both and see which one you like better
Maggie
This is so interesting! I never knew I can make brown sugar at home. Will definitely try it out soon
Abeer Rizvi
I never knew I could make it at home either until I overheard these 2 ladies talking with each other at the park. I got home and tried it out and voila... easy peezy homemade brown sugar! lol.
Katalina
wow it never i=even occurred to make that brown sugar can be made so easy in the comfort of my home, no more midnight runs to the store when I am out of it lol
Abeer Rizvi
Hahaha... thank god for no more midnight runs! Have you noticed how scary those parking lots look at nights? lol
RavieNomNoms
So amazing!! I want to make my own brown sugar now!!
Abeer Rizvi
You are gonna love it Raven! I can’t believe how fresh it tastes and smells
Anna
Love this. Thank you
connie verdugo
Thank you for all the tips this great
Abeer Rizvi
I hope it helped.
Debi
I’m on a low carb and sugar free lifestyle, can I use a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar to make my own brown sugar? I would love to make my own homemade brown sugar. Great recipe and thanks for sharing. Please get back to me as soon as you can. Thank you very much.
Abeer Rizvi
Unfortunately, I don't know too much about sugar free or low carb lifestyles. I have always made homemade brown sugar with granulated sugar and molasses. I don't even know if it's possible to do that with sugar substitutes. Sorry!
CHEF IBCA
I find that this post is really amazing. Thank you for this brief explanation and very nice information.