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)
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
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.
Substitutes
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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