Brown Sugar

Saccharum officinarum (main component) Sweetener, Baking Ingredient

Brown Sugar Sweetener, Baking Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Sweetener, Baking Ingredient

The Forktionary Angle

"The sweet secret to depth and moisture in baking and beyond."

Definition

Granulated sugar combined with molasses, giving it a distinctive caramel flavor, moist texture, and light brown color.

Common Baking Uses Cookies, Cakes, BBQ Sauces, Glazes
Molasses Content (Dark) ~6.5%
Softness Retention Trick Store with a slice of bread or marshmallow

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Brown Sugar are:

Sweet Caramel Molasses Slightly Toffee

Chef’s Secret

If your brown sugar has hardened, microwave it briefly (10-20 seconds) with a damp paper towel or a small bowl of water to soften it quickly.

Best Substitutes

Granulated Sugar + Molasses

1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses = 1 cup brown sugar

White Sugar

- will lack molasses flavor/moisture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose light for general use, dark for richer flavor. Check for lumps, indicating hardening.

Recipes Using Brown Sugar

Kid Friendly Vegetarian For Large Groups Cookies And Brownies

Banana Oatmeal Bars

Deliciously moist and subtly sweet Banana Oatmeal Bars, perfect for breakfast or a healthy anytime snack! These secretly healthy bars are packed with wholesome oats and ripe bananas, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Get ready for rave reviews – they're that good!

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Preparation Healthy Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

Banana And Strawberry Bread

This deliciously moist banana bread bursts with fresh strawberry flavor! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Freezes beautifully for later enjoyment. Get ready to bake the best banana bread ever!

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Desserts Preparation Desserts Cookies And Brownies

Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible softness and delightful crunch of our Applesauce Raisin Walnut Cookies! These puffy delights, bursting with warm cinnamon and clove spices, are a true baking masterpiece. The applesauce keeps them moist, while walnuts add the perfect textural contrast. This easy recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices – get ready for a cookie experience like no other!

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Christmas 5 Ingredients Or Less Holiday Event Preparation

Apple Glgi

Cozy up with this irresistible Apple Glögi, a warming winter beverage perfect for chilly evenings! This delightful recipe, adapted from Herkkutori magazine, is easily customizable – add a shot of Calvados or brandy for an extra special adult twist. Made with a blend of warming spices and sweet apples, it's best prepared the day before to allow the flavors to fully meld. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this festive and flavorful drink!

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Preparation Vegetables To Go Potluck

Beef And Bean Round Up

Crowd-pleasing comfort food! This hearty Beef and Bean Round-Up Casserole features juicy ground beef, sweet brown sugar, tangy BBQ sauce, and fluffy biscuits, all baked to golden perfection. A quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

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Main Ingredient Vegan 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Apple Pie Porridge 2007

Warm up your winter mornings with this comforting Apple Pie Porridge! Inspired by a Better Homes recipe, this 5-minute microwave oatmeal is bursting with apple pie flavor. A quick and easy breakfast or dessert that's perfect for chilly days. Get ready for a taste of autumn in every bite!

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Beginner Cook Beginner Cook Dietary Course

Best Ever Gingerbread

Get ready to be amazed! This 1969 Sunset Magazine favorite gingerbread recipe creates a spectacularly high-rising cake that's incredibly moist and bursting with warm ginger flavor. Enjoy it plain, or elevate it with whipped cream, lemon sauce, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – perfect for holidays or any special occasion!

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60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Gifts Heirloom Historical

Apple Oat Coffee Cake

Start your day with the irresistible aroma and taste of this warm Apple Oat Coffee Cake! This delicious breakfast treat combines the sweetness of apples with the comforting crunch of oats, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and perfect for weekend brunch or a special breakfast.

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Course Course 1 Day Or More Dietary

Baked Corned Beef Brisket Ala Kevin The Bbqguru

Experience pure culinary bliss with this unforgettable Baked Corned Beef Brisket recipe, courtesy of Kevin the BBQ Guru! This legendary recipe, perfected over time, delivers fall-apart tender brisket bursting with flavor. Marinated overnight and slow-baked to perfection, it's a showstopper worthy of any special occasion. The secret? Soaking the brisket removes excess salt, allowing the incredible rub to shine. A generous splash of Guinness adds depth and richness (optional, but highly recommended!). Serve this masterpiece with fresh rye bread, horseradish, and our complementary recipe #15843 for a truly unforgettable meal. See the stunning results in the updated March 2012 photo! Prepare to be amazed – even without socks!

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Preparation Low Calorie Equipment Healthy 2

Acorn Squash And Apples

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible Acorn Squash & Apple Pie Filling Bake! Sweet and tender acorn squash halves are brimming with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling – a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive holiday side dish.

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Healthy Holiday Event Low Saturated Fat Herb And Spice Mixes

Bbq Rub

Elevate your BBQ game with this fiery BBQ rub, inspired by Chris Schlesinger's recipe! I've tweaked it for a spicier kick by increasing the cayenne pepper. This easy-to-make blend is perfect for ribs, chicken, brisket, and more. Get ready for mouthwatering flavor!

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Crusts Pastry Dough 2 Fall Course Apples

Apple Pie With Cornmeal Crust And Caramel Brandy Sauce

Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert with this irresistible Apple Pie! Featuring a unique cornmeal crust and a luscious caramel brandy sauce, this recipe (inspired by Southern Living) is a showstopper. While it involves a few extra steps, the incredible flavor is worth every minute. Get ready to impress your guests with this unforgettable pie!

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Easy Course Low Cholesterol Equipment

Baked Cinnamon Apples Crock Pot

Transform those leftover apples into a decadent, fall-inspired treat! This Crock-Pot Baked Cinnamon Apples recipe tastes just like the warm, gooey center of an apple pie. Skip peeling for extra convenience, or peel for a smoother texture – it's your choice! A perfect recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekend afternoons. Get ready for a taste of autumn comfort.

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Pork Preparation Meat Course

Apple Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops meet sweet apples in this incredibly fast and flavorful recipe! Ready in under an hour with only 4 ingredients, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Impress your family with minimal effort – the perfect balance of sweet and savory!

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4 Hours Or Less Low Sodium Healthy 4 Hours Or Less

Aunt Phyllis Orange Praline Yams

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with Aunt Phyllis's irresistible Orange Praline Yams! This sophisticated twist on a classic side dish features smooth, creamy yams infused with zesty orange and topped with a crunchy, homemade praline topping. Forget the marshmallows – this recipe is bursting with flavor and texture, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. A perfect balance of sweet and nutty, these yams are a Thanksgiving must-have!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Apples 60 Minutes Or Less

Apple Foldovers With Apple Glaze

Warm up your autumn with these irresistible Apple Foldovers! Flaky pastry crust cradles a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a crunchy walnut crumble and drizzled with a luscious caramel apple glaze. This easy Pillsbury recipe is perfect for a cozy fall dessert. Get ready for a taste of autumn bliss!

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Preparation Low Cholesterol Pasta Rice And Grains Taste Mood

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oatmeal

Wake up to the warm, comforting aroma of Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats! This incredibly easy recipe requires minimal prep – simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker the night before and enjoy a delicious, healthy breakfast in the morning. Sweet and spiced to perfection, this oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day. Add a touch of extra brown sugar before serving for a customized sweetness level.

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Time To Make Healthy 2 Preparation American

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Warm up your autumn with this irresistible Apple Cranberry Crisp! Bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries and juicy apples, topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive dessert to share. Get ready for a taste of fall that will leave you craving more!

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