Brown Sugar Substitutes: How to Replace Brown Sugar in Recipes

Brown sugar is simply granulated white sugar mixed with molasses to create a richer, more complex flavor. You can easily make this at home when a recipe calls for brown sugar. Store-bought brown sugar comes in light and dark varieties depending on how much molasses is added (dark brown sugar contains more molasses). It’s commonly used when a moist, chewy texture is desired—for example in blondies, muffins, and coffee cakes.

This homemade substitute works just as well in savory recipes that call for brown sugar, such as pork tenderloin glazes, slow-cooker pork roasts, and sweet potato casseroles.

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 deep, caramel-like flavor. Light or dark molasses works; avoid blackstrap if you want to avoid a bitter edge.

How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar

1. Combine the ingredients: Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown sugar or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
2. Mix until uniform: Stir thoroughly with a fork, spoon, or whisk until the molasses is evenly distributed and the sugar resembles brown sugar. For larger batches, a stand mixer or food processor makes blending easier.

Brown Sugar Substitute Tips

• For larger quantities, use an electric mixer or food processor to ensure the molasses is fully incorporated and to add lightness to the sugar.
• Light and dark brown sugars are often interchangeable in recipes; the difference in flavor is subtle.
• If you don’t have molasses, maple syrup can be used as an alternative: about 1 tablespoon maple syrup per cup sugar for light brown, 2 tablespoons per cup for dark brown. The flavor will be slightly different but still pleasant.
• Store brown sugar in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag to prevent hardening. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• To soften hardened brown sugar, place a slice of bread in the container or bag and seal it; the sugar will soften within a day. You can also microwave the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel in 15-second bursts—use immediately.
• Hardened brown sugar can be grated with a fine cheese grater if you need a quick fix.
• When measuring brown sugar, pack it firmly into a dry measuring cup or spoon to get an accurate measurement.

Homemade Brown Sugar Substitute

Learn how to make brown sugar using white sugar and molasses — a quick solution when you’re out of brown sugar.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 Cup

Equipment

• Food processor (optional)

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons molasses

Instructions

• Place the sugar in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown sugar or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
• Mix thoroughly with a fork, spoon, or whisk until the color and texture are uniform. For larger batches, use a food processor or electric mixer.

Notes

• This recipe doubles or triples easily. For larger amounts, a food processor or electric mixer blends the molasses in more evenly and can make the sugar a touch fluffier.
• If working in a bowl is awkward for small amounts, spread the sugar on a clean counter and mix it with a fork to mash the molasses into the sugar; this can make blending faster and more thorough.

More Kitchen Smarts

You might also want to bookmark other useful kitchen substitutions and tips, such as how to substitute baking powder for baking soda, substitute for cream of tartar, check if an egg is bad, or blind bake a pie crust.