Running out of brown sugar mid-recipe is one of those little kitchen frustrations that can completely derail baking plans. The good news is that brown sugar is incredibly easy to make at home using ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Homemade brown sugar is simply granulated sugar combined with molasses. Once mixed, it has the same soft texture and rich flavor you expect, making it perfect for cookies, muffins, sauces, and more.
Making it at home also lets you control the freshness and quantity, so nothing goes to waste.
Homemade Brown Sugar
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
Add the granulated sugar and molasses to a bowl.
Mix until the molasses is fully incorporated and the sugar turns an even brown color with a soft, slightly moist texture.
For larger batches, you can combine the sugar and molasses using a blender, stand mixer, or food processor to make mixing faster and more consistent.
That’s it. Your homemade brown sugar is ready to use right away.
Helpful Tips
If you prefer a deeper flavor similar to dark brown sugar, add an extra teaspoon of molasses per cup of sugar.
Store homemade brown sugar in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it soft.
If it firms up over time, a quick stir or brief pulse in a food processor will restore the texture.
Why Make Brown Sugar at Home
It saves a trip to the store
It’s easy to scale up or down
You can customize the richness
It keeps your baking plans moving without interruption
This simple kitchen staple is a great reminder that many pantry basics are easier than they seem and homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Some of our favorite recipes with brown sugar in them:
- Copycat Girl Scout Caramel Brownie Thumbprint Cookies
- Buckeye Cookie Bars
- Cherry Dump Cake
- Carrot Cake Cruffins
- Apple Fritter Loaf Cake
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Upside Down Apple Tarts
- Gingerbread Coffee Cake
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Makers Mark Bundt Cake
- Chocolate Bourbon Pumpkin Bread
- Coffee Cake Banana Bread
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Homemade Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- Add the granulated sugar and molasses to a bowl. Mix until the molasses is fully incorporated and the sugar turns an even brown color with a soft, slightly moist texture.
- For larger batches, you can combine the sugar and molasses using a blender, stand mixer, or food processor to make mixing faster and more consistent.
- That’s it. Your homemade brown sugar is ready to use right away.
Nutrition
