How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar
Brown sugar contains varying amounts of molasses and refined white sugar. The dark, thick syrup produced as a byproduct of sugar processing has the flavor of cooked caramel and a dark brown or black color. It gives foods a richer golden color and an earthy richness.
Because of the moisture in molasses, the sweetener is hygroscopic, which means it attracts water. This natural humectant gives baked foods a soft and chewy texture, even after long storage periods.
Making brown sugar at home is easier and less expensive than you imagine. This article will help you know how to make homemade brown sugar quickly and easily with just two ingredients.
Making Brown Sugar At Home
Let’s see how we can make two variations of brown sugar; light brown and dark brown.
Ingredients For Light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup of white sugar (240gm)
- 1 teaspoon of molasses (treacle)
Ingredients For Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 cup of white sugar (240gm)
- 2 teaspoons of molasses (treacle)
Steps For Preparing Brown Sugar
Here is a simple way to prepare homemade brown sugar. You can make both variants of brown sugar by the same process.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar and molasses.
- Use your fingertips or a wooden spoon to blend the molasses into the sugar until it is mixed, and the sugar becomes brown.
Ways to Prepare Brown Sugar Without Using Molasses
You can prepare brown sugar without molasses by adding ingredients such as maple syrup, treacle, or honey.
- Black treacle – Use 1 cup of white sugar (200 gm) and 1-2 tablespoons of black treacle (15–30 ml) to make brown sugar with black treacle.
- Honey – Use 1 cup of white sugar (200 gm) and 1 tablespoon of honey (15 ml). The best honey in terms of color and flavor is buckwheat honey.
- Maple syrup – Use 1 cup of white sugar (200 gm) and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (15 ml).
How to Soften Brown Sugar?
You can use your microwave to soften hardened sugar. Put everything that has hardened inside a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a moist paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds on medium power or until soft.
How to Store Brown Sugar?
Brown sugar doesn’t actually have a shelf life. The primary problem is that it may become harder with time and if it comes in contact with air. To avoid this, keep it in an airtight box. For optimal quality, try to use it in less than two years.
You can also freeze the sugar for up to three years. On the other hand, we advise doing it in smaller portions in completely sealed containers or ziplock bags.
Uses of Brown Sugar
There are some applications of homemade brown sugar listed below –
- In baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, brownies, and chewier, softer cookies.
- For a richer flavor than plain white granulated sugar, use toffee or caramel sauce.
- You can also use it to create basic sugar syrup for dishes.
- Light or dark barbecue sauce are both excellent options for homemade barbecue sauce.
- It also adds a caramel flavor to ice cream.
- Use it to make overnight oats and oatmeal sweeter.
- Use a drink sweetener in place of other sugars in hot chocolate and coffee.
- Sprinkle it on a fruity treat for crunch and sweetness.
Conclusion
Hope this article will help you prepare and enjoy your homemade brown sugar.
