Now, you might be wondering, why bother making your own brown sugar when you can easily pick up a bag at the grocery store? Well, let me tell you, the difference in flavor is incomparable. By combining a simple white sugar with blackstrap molasses and one more “secret” ingredient it tastes like brown sugar should. Making your own Easy DIY Blackstrap Molasses Brown Sugar has a better flavor AND is also packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Create Your Own Brown Sugar with Blackstrap Molasses
Yes, sugar is sugar. Anything in large amounts isn’t good for us, but I am a firm believer that making our own treats is the way to go. I need to live a little and I also need to know what is in my food for the most part. Making a lot of my own pantry staples is one way of accomplishing both of those things.
White sugar on it’s own is very simple. It gets the job done but when you have a recipe that calls for brown sugar you know you can be expecting something special, ESPECIALLY with this DIY recipe. Take your simple pantry ingredients to another level of goodness with your next baking session by using the good stuff.
Want to make some Oatmeal Cookies that are out of this world? Try making them with homemade brown sugar. You won’t look back to the store-bought bags, they’ll be that delicious! (Keep reading, below I will list all of my favorite recipes)
We’ve all been in that situation where we are in the middle of baking and discover one of two possible dilemmas, either you are out of brown sugar or it is rock hard. No one feels like running out the store last minute right in the middle of baking. In comes this recipe to keep on hand and save the day. As long as you keep blackstrap molasses and white sugar on hand, you can whip this up in a flash.
What You’ll Need:
White Sugar- You can also use cane sugar.
Blackstrap Molasses- Now this for me is the key ingredient and where those added vitamins and minerals come from. I love it, but if it is too strong for you just go ahead and use a regular molasses and follow the same steps and measurements.
Almond or Vanilla Extract- The original recipe calls for almond extract, which I have used many times, but if I am baking and sharing I tend to use the vanilla extract incase there are any nut allergies out there. What the extract does is help tone down and balance out the very strong flavors in the Blackstrap Molasses. It maintains it’s great taste but adds a bit of magic to the end result. Trust me, it is very good but if you aren’t sure about then you can skip it all together.
Large Bowl & Whisk or Stand Mixer- Use what you have. I love to let my stand mixer do all the work. One tip if you use a stand mixer is to scrape down the sides as you go along to make sure all of the molasses gets incorporated.
Blackstrap Molasses vs. Regular Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is a thick, dark syrup produced by boiling down sugarcane or sugar beet juice. It’s the final product of this boiling process, giving it a more concentrated flavor compared to other types of molasses, such as light or dark molasses.
It is a miles apart from its regular molasses cousin. While regular molasses has a pleasant hint of caramel, and a hint of licorice. Blackstrap takes things up a notch in richness. It has a much more complexity of bittersweetness since it is a higher source of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium compared to other varieties.
Though it’s not typically used as a standalone sweetener because of its strong flavor, blackstrap molasses is just right for mixing with plain white sugar. Don’t worry making brown sugar. It is a LOVELY way to transform it and I learned a trick to share with you that creates the perfect balance. When I have baked with store-bought brown sugar I can tell the difference in the result. Using the good stuff creates an impressive result.
How to store Brown Sugar for the ULTIMATE freshness…
The first step to keeping brown sugar soft and fresh is to minimize air exposure. Choose an airtight container like a glass jar with a sealing lid, a flip container with a fitted lid. If you don’t have an airtight container handy, a resealable plastic bag will work in a pinch. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing the bag tightly.
A terracotta brown sugar saver is always helpful. This is a small, unglazed clay disk specifically designed for brown sugar storage. Place a damp disk in the container with your brown sugar. As the terracotta dries out, it will absorb moisture from the surrounding air, helping to keep the brown sugar soft. “Rejuvenate” the disk by soaking it in water for a few minutes, then drying excess water before placing it back in the container.
Store your brown sugar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. The pantry is an ideal location. Avoid storing brown sugar near the stove or oven, as the heat can cause it to harden.
If your brown sugar has hardened, don’t toss it! You can revive it! Place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel. Microwave on low power for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the sugar softens. Be careful not to overheat, as it can melt! No microwave? Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 175°F). Place the brown sugar in a covered oven-safe dish and heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
By following these simple tips, you can store your brown sugar for several months and keep it soft and fresh for all of your delicious baked goods!
Customizing your Scratch Pantry
This recipe is very adaptable. Want a lighter brown sugar? Use less molasses. Need a dark brown sugar? Add a bit more. You’re in control! Don’t like blackstrap or can’t find it? Go for the regular stuff.
While this homemade brown sugar does wonders in cookies, cakes, and pies, but it goes far beyond baking. Use it to to make a glaze for salmon or pork chops or add a touch of depth to your BBQ sauce. Tell me your favorite ways to use it in the comments below.
Looking for more ways to use this Brown Sugar in recipes? Check these out!
Browned Butter Bourbon Snickerdoodle Bars
Instant Pot Honey Ginger Drumsticks
Glazed French Toast Brunch Bake
Easy Sweet Balsamic Rosemary Marinade
Midnight Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Chocolate Chip Bourbon Banana Bread
If you try my Easy DIY Blackstrap Molasses Brown Sugar, comment & rate below.
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Easy DIY Blackstrap Molasses Brown Sugar
Equipment
- 1 Stand Mixer or Large Bowl & Whisk
- 1 Large Air-Tight Container
Ingredients
- 5 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup blackstrap molasses, or regular molasses, See Notes Below.
- 1-1/2 teaspoon almond extract, or vanilla extract, optional but recommended
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer add half of the sugar and all of the blackstrap molasses. Stir with a whisk or on low/stir for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides as needed.
- Add the remaining sugar and the extract if you like. Mix for another minute until well combined.
- Store in an air-tight container for up to 6 months. See the notes below on how to make it lighter or darker.
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from Mommiesaurus Homestead
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