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Have you ever started making a recipe only to discover that you are out of brown sugar?

Before you change your baking plans or make a trip to the store, check your pantry. If you have regular granulated sugar and molasses, you already have everything you need to make brown sugar at home.

It is quick, easy, and takes only a few minutes.

Watch Me Make Homemade Brown Sugar

In this short video, I show you just how simple it is to make your own brown sugar.

https://www.com/watch?v=Yn-fRxvFM8Y

What Is Brown Sugar Made From?

Brown sugar is simply granulated white sugar mixed with molasses. The amount of molasses determines whether you make light or dark brown sugar.

Once I learned this, I stopped worrying when I discovered an empty brown sugar container in the middle of a recipe. As long as I have sugar and molasses in the pantry, I can make exactly what I need.

Ingredients

You need only two ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown sugar

For dark brown sugar, use approximately 2 tablespoons of molasses for every cup of granulated sugar.

You can adjust the amount based on your preference. Use less molasses for lighter brown sugar or add more when you want a darker color and stronger molasses flavor.

How to Make Brown Sugar

1. Pour the granulated sugar into a mixing bowl.
2. Add the molasses.
3. Begin mixing everything together with a fork.
4. Continue mixing until the molasses is evenly distributed and there are no large streaks or clumps.
5. Use the brown sugar immediately or place it in an airtight container.

I usually start mixing it with a fork, but honestly, it is often much easier to get in there and finish mixing it with clean hands. Your fingers can help break apart the small clumps and work the molasses evenly through the sugar.

That is it—you have homemade brown sugar!

How Much Brown Sugar Does This Recipe Make?

One cup of granulated sugar mixed with molasses will make a little more than one cup of brown sugar.

You can make a smaller or larger batch by keeping the same basic proportions. If you only need a small amount for one recipe, there is no reason to make an entire container.

Can You Use Homemade Brown Sugar in Recipes?

Yes. You can use homemade brown sugar just as you would use brown sugar purchased from the store.

It works well in:

• Cookies
• Cakes
• Muffins
• Quick breads
• Oatmeal
• Sauces and glazes
• Baked beans
• Barbecue sauce
• Sweet potatoes

Measure and pack it according to your recipe’s instructions.

How to Store Homemade Brown Sugar

Store your homemade brown sugar in an airtight container at room temperature.

Brown sugar can become hard when it is exposed to air, so make sure the container closes tightly. If you are making only enough for one recipe, you can use it immediately and skip the storage step altogether.

Want to save more money and build a pantry that helps you prepare meals with what you already have? My Build a Better Pantry ebook will help you decide what to stock, stay organized, and create a pantry that works for your family.

Build a Better Pantry

A Simple Pantry Trick That Saves Time and Money

Knowing how to make basic ingredients at home can save you an unnecessary trip to the store. It can also help you use what you already have instead of purchasing another item.

This is why I like keeping molasses in my pantry. One bottle lasts a long time, and I can make light or dark brown sugar whenever I need it.

The next time you run out of brown sugar, do not panic. Grab your granulated sugar and molasses, mix them together, and keep right on baking.