Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is a granulated sugar with a distinctive molasses content, which gives it a rich, caramel-like flavor and a slightly sticky texture. Its color ranges from light golden-brown to dark brown, depending on the amount of molasses. Light brown sugar offers a more subtle sweetness, while dark brown sugar provides a deeper, more intense flavor profile. Many bakers prefer brown sugar for its ability to add moisture and depth to baked goods making cookies chewier and richer.

Common Uses

  • Brown sugar is frequently used in baking to add moisture, a caramel flavor, and a chewy texture to cookies, cakes, brownies, and other desserts. It's often called for to add a distinctive richness to recipes.
  • Brown sugar is excellent for making glazes and marinades for meats, poultry, and vegetables. Its molasses content helps create a sticky, flavorful coating that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
  • Brown sugar can be used as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or fruit. Its rich, sweet flavor complements a variety of breakfast and snack options adding a unique touch to otherwise common fare.
  • Brown sugar is used to sweeten coffee, tea, and other beverages adding a more complex flavor than white sugar and a more natural sweetness without the processed feel.
  • Brown sugar is often used in savory applications, such as BBQ sauces and rubs, to balance spicy or acidic flavors and enhance the overall depth of flavor.
  • Brown sugar, due to its hygroscopic nature, is helpful in preventing baked goods from drying out quickly extending the freshness and texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

109.0kcal (5.45%)

Protein

0.0g (0.06%)

Carbs

28.2g (10.25%)

Sugars

28.1g (56.3%)

Healthy Fat

0.0g

Unhealthy Fat

0.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Provides trace minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.
  • Offers a source of energy due to its carbohydrate content.
  • May be slightly less processed than white sugar, retaining some molasses.
  • Can add a unique flavor profile to baked goods and desserts, potentially reducing the need for other flavor enhancers.
  • The molasses content may offer some antioxidant properties, though in small amounts.

Storage Tips

To prevent brown sugar from hardening, store it in an airtight container. Adding a slice of apple, a marshmallow, or a piece of bread to the container can help maintain its moisture. If your brown sugar does harden, you can soften it by microwaving it with a damp paper towel for short intervals or by placing it in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at a low temperature until softened.

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