Brown sugar is one of the most used ingredients used in baking. This slightly sticky sugar adds flavor and texture. But what’s the difference between light brown sugar and dark brown sugar? The answer is Molasses. Refined brown sugar is simply molasses added to white granulated sugar. Molasses gives brown sugar its color and caramel-y flavor. The amount of molasses added distinguishes the light from dark.
Light Brown Sugar
Light brown sugar is the most common of the brown sugars. It has only a small amount of molasses added to it. (3.5%) Light brown sugar is widely available in most grocery stores and is commonly referred to as Golden yellow sugar. To make light brown sugar at home; add 1 tablespoon of molasses to 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Dark Brown Sugar
Dark brown sugar has 6.5% molasses. double the amount of molasses than light brown sugar. It is widely available in grocery stores and commonly referred to as Best brown sugar, and old fashioned brown sugar. To make dark brown sugar at home; add 2 tablespoons of molasses to 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Demerara sugar
Demerara sugar is a partially refined raw sugar. It is made from the first pressing of sugar cane. Once the cane juice evaporates you are left with a large golden grain. It has a small amount of natural molasses which gives it a golden brown, caramel flavor. It has a course, crunchy texture excellent for making a streusel or crunchy topping.
Is light and dark brown sugar interchangeable?
While light and brown sugars are interchangeable, its important to note that they are not exactly the same. Using dark brown sugar when a recipe calls for light brown sugar will give your final product a deeper flavor, darker color and could even affect the texture.
Why does brown sugar get hard?
Brown sugar has a moisture content of roughly 3%. In comparison; white sugar has a moisture content of 0.035%. The molasses in brown sugar contributes to its moisture. Brown sugar becomes hard when the moisture in the sugar evaporates. Hardened sugar is still safe to use and can be softened to a usable texture in a number of ways.
- Add a slice of bread into an airtight container along with the hardened sugar. The brown sugar will absorb the moisture from the bread which will soften your sugar in 8-24 hours.
- Add an apple slice into an airtight container along with the hardened sugar. The brown sugar will absorb the moisture from the apple which will soften your sugar in 8-24 hours
- Place the hardened brown sugar into a microwave safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 10 second bursts until the sugar is crumbly breaking up the clumps in-between burst. Just be careful not to microwave for too long or the sugar will melt.
How to store brown sugar
To keep brown sugar moist; store it in an airtight container in a cool pantry or cold room.
You can also add a terra cotta brown sugar saver with your brown sugar. Soak your brown sugar saver in water for 15 minutes, pat dry and add it into the airtight container with your brown sugar. it will keep your brown sugar soft up to 3 months
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