Guide Note

Brown sugar is sugar that has a brown tint due to the presence of molasses. It is generally made by adding a specific amount of molasses to refined white sugar. Brown sugar is lower in calories by weight than white sugar, but higher in calories by volume.

Fast Facts

1. Light brown sugar: 3.5% molasses
2. Dark brown sugar: 6.5% molasses
3. Natural brown sugar: Raw brown sugar produced from the first crystallization of sugar cane

1. Brown sugar should always be stored in an airtight container
2. If your sugar gets hard, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it
3. Pay attention to your recipe: packed brown sugar will have a different weight than loose brown sugar
4. Add a pinch of brown sugar to guacamole with the salt

To make dark brown sugar mix one cup of white sugar with one tablespoon of molasses. To make light brown sugar mix one cup of white sugar with one and a half teaspoons of molasses. You can also just add molasses and white sugar to your recipe separately without mixing first.