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A small glass jar filled with brown sugar sits on a textured gray cloth. A wooden spoon lies beside it. The scene exudes a warm, rustic feel.

Easy Homemade Brown Sugar (2 Ingredients, Ready in Minutes)

Dusty @ Linen & Wildflowers
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 104 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fork or Whisk
  • Food Processor optional
  • Measuring cups + spoons
  • Airtight Container or Jar
  • Rubber Spatula optional

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 tbsp molasses adjust for light or dark brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Gather your ingredients: Make sure you have granulated white sugar and molasses ready.
  • Measure the sugar: Add 1 cup of granulated white sugar to a mixing bowl.
  • Add the molasses: Pour in 1 tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar with a deeper flavor.
  • Mix thoroughly: Using a fork or whisk, mix until the molasses is fully incorporated and the sugar is evenly colored with no lumps. If the mixture is still lumpy, try using a food processor for a smoother texture. Alternatively, let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then stir again to help dissolve stubborn lumps.
  • Adjust to taste: Prefer a richer molasses flavor? Add small amounts of molasses and mix well until you reach your desired color and taste.
  • Store and use: Transfer your homemade brown sugar to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

Notes

Light vs Dark Brown Sugar

  • Light Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon molasses per cup of sugar: Mild sweetness, perfect for cookies and muffins
  • Dark Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons molasses per cup of sugar: Rich, deep flavor—great for gingerbread, barbecue sauces, and spice cakes

Pro Tips:

  • For extra-soft, fluffy brown sugar, mix the sugar and molasses in a food processor or stand mixer for 30–60 seconds. This helps evenly distribute the molasses and eliminates stubborn clumps, just like store-bought brown sugar, but better.
  • If you want a hand-mixed option, a fork works best (better than a spoon!) because it breaks up the molasses more easily.
  • If your brown sugar ever hardens, toss a slice of bread or a few marshmallows in the container for a few hours to soften it up!

Nutrition

Serving: 2TblsCalories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 27gFat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.001gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.001gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 37mgSugar: 27gCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword brown sugar substitute, DIY brown sugar, homemade brown sugar, how to make brown sugar
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