Brown Sugar Substitute: Simple Homemade Alternatives and Tips

Brown sugar is simply granulated white sugar with molasses added to give it a richer, more complex flavor. You can easily make this substitute at home. Store-bought brown sugar comes as light or dark depending on how much molasses is added (dark brown sugar contains more). It’s often used when you want a moist, chewy texture in baked goods, for example blondies, brown-butter apple streusel muffins, or apple coffee cake.

This homemade substitute also works well in savory recipes that call for brown sugar, such as bourbon brown sugar pork tenderloins, slow-cooker pork butt with brown sugar, garlic, and herbs, or sweet potato casserole.

How to Make a Substitute for Brown Sugar: Make homemade brown sugar with molasses and granulated sugar.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Substitute

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons molasses – Molasses provides the caramel-like, slightly bitter-sweet flavor that defines brown sugar. Use light or dark molasses for typical results; avoid blackstrap molasses unless you want a more pronounced, somewhat bitter flavor.

How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar

1. Combine sugar and molasses: Place 1 cup granulated white sugar in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown sugar or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
2. Mix thoroughly: Blend the molasses into the sugar until evenly distributed. For small amounts you can use a fork; for larger batches use an electric mixer or food processor for an even texture.

Brown Sugar Substitute Tips

• For larger quantities, a food processor or electric mixer will blend the molasses evenly and can make the sugar a bit fluffier.
• Light and dark brown sugar are usually interchangeable in recipes; the flavor difference is subtle.
• If you don’t have molasses, maple syrup can be used as an alternative: use 1 tablespoon maple syrup per cup sugar for a light brown-sugar flavor, or 2 tablespoons for a darker result.
• Store homemade brown sugar in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag with excess air removed to keep it soft.
• If brown sugar hardens, soften it by placing a slice of plain bread in the container for 24 hours, or microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel in 15-second bursts until soft; use immediately.
• You can also grate hardened brown sugar with a fine cheese grater if you need to break it up for immediate use.
• When measuring brown sugar, pack it firmly into a dry measuring cup to eliminate air pockets for an accurate measurement.

Recipes That Use Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar Fudge

Slow Cooker Pork Butt with Brown Sugar, Garlic, and Herbs

Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze