Brown Sugar Substitute

Made with granulated sugar and molasses, this brown sugar substitute is incredibly easy to make in a pinch or to prep and store for future use.

Why this recipe works

Whether you ran out of store-bought or are looking for a how to make brown sugar recipe, this easy 2 ingredient brown sugar substitute is the way to go, all you will need is granulated sugar and molasses. It can stay fresh in an air-tight container for up to 3 months so you’ll always have it on hand when you need it.

Brown sugar brings caramely, rich flavor to both savory dishes and desserts like glazed carrots and pineapple upside down cake. Substituting with regular sugar when you’ve run out just doesn’t pack the same flavor, color, or texture that brown sugar recipes are known for, so go ahead and take the 5 minutes to make it yourself!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

MOLASSES – The key to this brown sugar substitute is molasses. Substituting with maple syrup or anything of the like won’t yield the same results.

How to Make Brown Sugar Substitute

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Using gloved fingers, rub the molasses into the sugar until completely combined and no molasses remains.
2. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Serving Suggestions

Brown sugar is used in desserts and confections from cookies, bars, frostings, and cake but can also be incorporated into savory dishes for a lovely caramelized crust or a touch of sweetness in glazes over veggies, fish, and meats.

Recipes To Use Brown Sugar In

• Banana Fritters
• Cedar Plank Salmon
• Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
• Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
• Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

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Brown Sugar Substitute

Whether you ran out of store-bought or are looking for a how to make brown sugar recipe, this easy 2 ingredient brown sugar substitute is the way to go, all you need is granulated sugar and molasses.

5 from 2 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course: Condiments

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16 servings (16 Tbsps)

5 minutes mins

Calories: 52

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup granulated white sugar
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon molasses

Things You’ll Need

• ▢
  Mixing bowls
• ▢
  Vinyl gloves
• ▢
  Air tight container

Before You Begin

• This recipe is for light brown sugar, but you can easily make dark brown sugar by adding an extra tablespoon of molasses to the mix. The only difference between light and dark is the molasses content which will result in richer flavor when there is more and can even aid in the color of some of your baked goods. 
• I find it easier to wear vinyl gloves as the molasses won’t stick to the gloves.

Instructions

• Using your fingers, rub the molasses into the sugar into completely combined and no molasses remains.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (1 Tablespoon) | Calories: 52cal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 19mg | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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