Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Tip: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

I think everyone knows that you can make your own brown sugar cheaper than what you can buy in the store. So I'm not really telling you anything new. I've read this same tip on Thrifty Fun numerous times, but I don't think that anyone has ever submitted a photo.

I mixed up a batch of brown sugar and used 1 cup of white sugar + 1 tablespoon of molasses. Then pour the brown sugar in a plastic bag and close with a twist tie, and store it in a Tupperware container.

Source: I've made my own brown sugar for years.

By MCW from Lewiston, NY

Feedback:

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Thanks so much for the picture, it really makes it looks do-able. I have been curious about making this and powdered sugar for quite a while but have never tackled it.

I have a question. If you are making a recipe, what would be the difference between simply adding in an extra Tbsp. of molasses plus the sugar, instead of mixing it up in advance? It seems to me like there might be a possibility of it not mixing together as thoroughly. Any thoughts on this?

Merry Christmas! (12/17/2010)

By jess

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Molasses is kind of expensive. Are you sure you are saving? (12/17/2010)

By Lilac

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Someone had posted that molasses is quite expensive. It really depends on where you buy a bottle of molasses. I buy a gallon of molasses at a restaurant supply store and is much cheaper than buying the smaller bottles in the grocery store. I use very little molasses when I mix up a batch of brown sugar and it goes a long way.

If I had to drive to the grocery store every time I needed brown sugar, I would be burning more fuel in my car than I would be spending on a gallon jug of molasses. (12/17/2010)

By MCW

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

"I have a question. If you are making a recipe, what would be the difference between simply adding in an extra Tbsp. of molasses plus the sugar, instead of mixing it up in advance? It seems to me like there might be a possibility of it not mixing together as thoroughly. Any thoughts on this?"

A cup of packed brown sugar wouldn't be the same equivalent of a regular cup of white sugar. I just find it easier to spend the time and mix up some brown sugar for future baking. (12/17/2010)

By MCW

Tip: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

To make your own brown sugar, mix one tablespoon of molasses with a cup of white sugar. Add more for darker and less for lighter. I worked as a professional food taster for several years and discovered that brown sugar is just white sugar with molasses. This works like a charm.

By Sandra from Saint Paul, MN

Feedback:

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Great idea, you can make just what you need, and not have to worry about it becoming a "brick". (07/17/2010)

By merlene

Tip: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Have you ever run out of brown sugar and don't want to make a trip to the grocery store? Use this recipe if you have some molasses in fridge.

For 1 cup white sugar, add 1 Tbsp. molasses for light brown sugar. Add 2 Tbsp. for dark brown sugar

Double recipe if you need to.

Source: Tip.nut.com

By Elaine from Iowa

Feedback:

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

I can't remember the last time that I bought any brown sugar or confectioners sugar. It's so much cheaper to make your own. (08/19/2009)

By MCW

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

I was glad to see your post. I just today had to throw out many food items due to insect infestation, and couldn't believe that I had boxes of confectioners and brown sugars that only had only been used for one thing. (08/20/2009)

By fatboyslimsmom

Tip: Brown Sugar Substitute

Did you know that Brown Sugar is really only White Sugar with Molasses mixed in with it? I was so surprised when I found that out. I feel so clever when I mix my own batch of brown sugar for baking etc. It is so simple, saves storage space, and is much cheaper.

For 1 cup of brown sugar I add approximately 1 Tbsp of molasses. I add more or less molasses depending if I want the light brown sugar or the dark. No more worries now when I don't have enough brown sugar for that recipe. I never seem to run out of white sugar, but always of brown sugar.

Happy Baking!

By Sue from Calgary, Alberta

Feedback:

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

Whoever gave you the tip is WRONG! Brown sugar is just less refined than white sugar! (03/21/2008)

By R. Smith

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

I've made my own brown sugar for years and don't bother buying it in the grocery store. I also make my own confectioners' sugar with a high speed blender and mix a small amount of cornstarch along with it. (03/21/2008)

By MCW

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

The brown sugar that R. Smith is speaking of is "sugar in the raw" and that IS less refined that white sugar. I too have been making my own brown sugar for years. (03/21/2008)

By tnrfitz

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

Thank you sue, I did not know that, Does anyone know if muscovado sugar is just white with something added?

Here is an article about Muscovado. It looks like it is a natural process.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscovado

(03/21/2008)

By Tracy from Coventry

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

White sugar is just brown sugar with the molasses removed from it at the refinery. (03/21/2008)

By sheilamay

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

How do you make the brown sugar? Do you heat up the molasses and stir it into the white sugar? It seems the molasses would be too thick to coat the white sugar properly. I appreciate any help to this question. Donna from Victoria B.C. (03/24/2008)

By preppy56

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

Brown sugar is not as refined as white sugar, the molasses is debunked now! (04/26/2008)

By chiquan.

RE: Brown Sugar Substitute

I don't know about the refining part as discussed in previous postings, but I do know this: white sugar with molasses added looks, cooks, and tastes like the common brown sugar sold in stores. Making it yourself is cheaper and yields the same results. (11/22/2008)

By Francene V.

Tip: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Save money on brown sugar by making your own. Keep a bottle of molasses on hand and add a little to your white sugar. Mix or put through your food processor and you have brown sugar in a snap. No worries about having to throw away brown sugar when it gets hard. Make your own fresh when you need it.

You can also use your homemade brown sugar to make a great table syrup. Just add 1 to 1 1/4 cup of water to 2 1/2 cups of brown sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

By Karen from Denver, CO

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RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Hello thanks, I did this years and years ago, but made it by hand and it was hard to mix it well now with the food processor it makes more sense. Thank you. (09/02/2008)

By deLadyBex

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

I've never made my own brown sugar, but I have had the brown sugar get hard in a canister. I just put a slice of bread it the canister with the sugar. It becomes as good as new. (09/02/2008)

By pattysue

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

I love brown sugar syrup! When making pancakes for my kids, we always prefer good hot brown sugar syrup poured over them with butter, Yummy! Have you tried making hot chocolate syrup for your pancakes too. It take Hershey cooking cocoa, water, and sugar, brought to a boil, sweeten to taste, and it's delicious too... (09/03/2008)

By Glinda

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

I have tried al ot of different syrups over the years and still prefer brown sugar syrup. I grew up eating it as a kid as we didn't have a lot and Mom fixed it special for us. I have added different things at times but prefer it over any other. I've added crushed pecans, crushed walnuts, and a variety of flavors to it also. (09/03/2008)

By Crafty Chrissy

RE: Make Your Own Brown Sugar

I agree with pattysue. There is no need to throw out brown sugar. If it is hard, just put a slice of bread in the container. I keep mine in a tupperware box, but the bag is good too. I have also heard that a slice of apple works too, but I prefer to use a crust of bread. The bread just dries up, and then you toss it. (09/03/2008)

By louel53

Tip: Brown Sugar Substitute

Mix one tablespoon molasses with one cup of plain white sugar. If you want a darker brown sugar, add more molasses. I don't buy brown sugar anymore as I prefer this to the commercial brown sugar.

By Sandy from Saint Paul, MN