If you've run out of brown sugar in the middle of a prep, you may not be able to run to the grocery store. The solution could be to make brown sugar at home by mixing the granulated sugar with the molasses. Alternatively, you can use a cane sugar substitute by choosing it from the products you have at home, but keep in mind that the dessert you are preparing may have a slightly different texture and taste than usual. This article also explains how to store homemade brown sugar and how to soften it if it becomes hard.
Ingrediants
- 200 g of granulated sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons (40-80 g) of molasses
For 200 g of brown sugar
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make Homemade Brown Sugar Using Molasses
Step 1. Weigh the granulated sugar, molasses and pour them into a bowl
Pour 200 g of granulated sugar into a container suitable for mixing. Add the molasses by adjusting the amount according to your tastes and the type of brown sugar you want to get. For a light version of brown sugar, use 2 tablespoons (40 g) of molasses. If you prefer it darker, you can use up to 4 tablespoons (80 g).
Make sure it is black or white molasses and not the "blackstrap" type obtained from the third boiling of the sugarcane juice. The latter is more refined, less sweet and has a higher sodium content than white or black molasses
Step 2. Combine the molasses and granulated sugar with the electric whisk
The best possible result can be obtained by using the planetary or hand blender and mixing the molasses with the sugar until the mixture takes on a soft and golden appearance. Keep in mind that this can take several minutes.
You can also make brown sugar with a simple food processor
Step 3. You can consider mixing the molasses and sugar with a fork
If you don't have a hand blender or food processor, or if you only need a small amount of brown sugar, you can mix the molasses and sugar with a fork directly into the bowl.
If brown sugar is intended for a baked product, you don't even need to mix it - you can just add sugar and molasses to the recipe. For example, if you are making cookies and need brown sugar, simply combine the molasses and granulated sugar with the other ingredients
Step 4. Double or triple the doses
If you want to make a large amount of brown sugar to use in more than one recipe, you can easily double or triple the doses of the ingredients. Use a large bowl to mix the granulated sugar and molasses with the hand blender or pour them directly into the mixer. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes to obtain the desired result.
Method 2 of 3: Use a Brown Sugar Substitute
Step 1. Use honey instead of brown sugar
If you don't have brown sugar or molasses on hand, consider using honey as a substitute sweetener. Use 175 to 225g for every 200g of brown sugar required by the recipe and, in addition, add about a quarter of a teaspoon of baking powder. You should also reduce the amount of liquid ingredients by 20% and lower the oven temperature by 25 ° C.
Keep in mind that it is not possible to replace brown sugar with honey in recipes where butter is whipped with sugar. You can replace brown sugar with honey if you're making a soft-textured cake, pudding, or ice cream
Step 2. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar
You can substitute brown sugar for maple syrup, but you'll need to reduce the dose of liquid ingredients by 100ml for every 200ml of maple syrup you add. Also in this case it is not possible to replace cane sugar with maple syrup in recipes where butter is whipped with sugar. Maple syrup is a good substitute for brown sugar if you are making a pudding, caramel, ice cream or soft treats.
If you have maple sugar at home, you can substitute it for brown sugar without altering the doses of the recipe in any way
Step 3. Try using coconut or date sugar
If you have coconut or date sugar at home, you can use it as a substitute for brown sugar when making candy or candy, but keep in mind that it will melt 10 degrees less than standard sugar. You can use it as a substitute for brown sugar in baked goods as well, but keep in mind that they will be a little drier than normal.
If you want to add moisture to the dough, you can consider adding some mashed apple or banana puree
Method 3 of 3: Store and Soften Homemade Brown Sugar
Step 1. Store the brown sugar in an airtight container
Put it in a container with a lid and store it in the pantry. It can remain at room temperature for an almost infinite time without going bad. The worst thing that can happen is that it hardens.
If you don't have an airtight container, you can store the brown sugar in a resealable food bag
Step 2. Use the microwave to soften the homemade brown sugar
If you need it to soften quickly, pour it into a microwave-safe bowl. Dampen a sheet of kitchen paper with water and place it on top of the sugar. At this point, heat the sugar for 15-20 seconds in the microwave, then check if it has softened. If not, heat it up for another 15-20 seconds.
If the brown sugar is very hard and forms a single block, pour a few teaspoons of water over it before heating it in the microwave
Step 3. Place a piece of bread in the container with the brown sugar
An alternative method of softening homemade brown sugar is to keep it together with a piece of fresh bread for a few days. The humidity of the bread will make the sugar soft again. Don't forget to throw the bread away after a few days.
