Learn how to make light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and a mock unrefined sugar similar to Sucanat. This guide includes an easy tip to keep your brown sugar soft and fresh in the pantry for months.
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Table of Contents
- It’s So Easy to Make Homemade Brown Sugar
- How to Keep Brown Sugar Fresh
- The Modern Pioneer Cookbook
- More Homemade Recipes
- Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe
- Shop for items used in this blog post or video
It’s So Easy to Make Homemade Brown Sugar
Making brown sugar at home is quick and requires no special equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a container for storage. You control the flavor and moisture, so your sugar tastes fresher than many store-bought options.
And Even a Mock Unrefined Sugar
In the accompanying video I demonstrate how to make light brown sugar and dark brown sugar by combining white cane sugar with molasses. The same method creates a mock unrefined sugar similar to Sucanat by using a higher ratio of molasses. Each version is simple to mix and yields a fresher-tasting sugar for baking and cooking.
How to Keep Brown Sugar Fresh
To keep brown sugar soft and usable, store it in a well-sealed container. A small piece of white bread placed inside the container will help maintain moisture and keep the sugar soft for months. When the bread dries out, replace it. This easy pantry trick saves you from dealing with hard, clumpy brown sugar.
Never Be Without Brown Sugar Again!
Print the recipe below and watch the video to make your own light, dark, or mock unrefined brown sugar. Each batch takes under a minute to mix, and you’ll always have soft, fresh brown sugar ready for recipes.
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The Modern Pioneer Cookbook
Seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques, and nourishing recipes. Over 85 from-scratch recipes show how simple ingredients and classic methods help you cook the modern pioneer way.
More Homemade Recipes
If you enjoy making pantry staples from scratch, try other simple projects like homemade seasoning blends, salad dressings, croutons, breadcrumbs, and apple cider vinegar. For sweet baking, flavored extracts made at home are easy and delicious. I also include a quick method for making mayonnaise in one minute using an immersion blender.
- How to Make Homemade Seasoning Blends
- 5 Homemade Salad Dressings – Quick, Easy, and Healthy
- Homemade Bread Crumbs – Fresh, Toasted, and Panko
- How to Make Croutons – 2 Easy Ways
- How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother (3-part series)
For sweeter baking projects, I explain how to make 10 flavored extracts and include a quick homemade mayonnaise recipe that takes about a minute.
- How to Make Homemade Extracts – Baking Basics
Finally, learn a quick method for homemade mayonnaise that is fast and reliable for everyday use.
- How To Make Homemade Mayonnaise in 1 Minute With An Immersion Blender
Order YOUR COPY Now!
The Modern Pioneer Pantry
Simple ingredients, timeless techniques, and a well-stocked pantry. Discover over 100 recipes to preserve food and turn pantry staples into satisfying homemade meals.
Homemade Brown Sugar
Equipment
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3 small bowls (glass or food-safe plastic) with tight-fitting lids
Ingredients
Light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup White cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon Molasses
Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 cup White cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons Molasses
Mock Unrefined Sugar
- 1 cup White cane sugar
- 3 tablespoons Molasses
Instructions
Light Brown Sugar
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Mix the white sugar and 1 teaspoon molasses until the molasses is evenly distributed and the sugar looks light brown.
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Store in a well-sealed container with a small piece of white bread to maintain softness.
Dark Brown Sugar
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Mix the white sugar and 2 teaspoons molasses until evenly combined and the sugar appears dark brown.
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Store in a sealed container with a small piece of white bread to keep it soft.
Mock Unrefined Sugar
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Mix the white sugar and 3 tablespoons molasses until the molasses is fully distributed. The result will be very dark and moist in texture.
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Store in a well-sealed container with a small piece of white bread to preserve moisture and softness.
Video
Notes
Copyright © 2020 Mary’s Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved
Shop for items used in this blog post or video
Favorite Brown Sugar Making Supplies
- Baking Apron
- White Cane Sugar (organic if preferred)
- Molasses
- Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids
- Small Spatula
Shopping Guide
- Visit Mary’s Nest shop for recommended pantry and kitchen items.
- Look for quality ingredients and airtight storage to keep homemade pantry staples fresh.
Recommended Reading
- The Modern Pioneer Cookbook
- The Modern Pioneer Pantry
- Nourishing Traditions