Sweetener | Vegetarian Vegan Diet (check processing)

Dark Brown Sugar

Saccharum officinarum (source plant for molasses) Allergen-Free
dark brown sugar

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae (for sugarcane)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sugarcane|Sugar beets|Molasses

The Forktionary Angle

"The secret to intensely moist and chewy baked goods, thanks to its higher molasses content which inhibits gluten development and retains moisture."

Definition

Granulated sugar with a high molasses content, giving it a deep caramel flavor, moist texture, and dark color.

Sensory Profile

TasteRich caramel, Molasses, Sweet
TextureMoist, Soft, Slightly granular
AromaMolasses, Caramel
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Moisture Retention

Its hygroscopic nature helps keep baked goods soft and moist longer.

Molasses Content

~6.5% molasses by weight, compared to light brown sugar's ~3.5%.

Storage Tip

Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a terra cotta disk to prevent hardening.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (13g)
Calories377 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate97.4 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars97.4 g
Calcium85 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Potassium162 mg

Chef’s Secret

If brown sugar has hardened, place it in a sealed container with a slice of bread or an apple wedge overnight to re-moisturize.

Substitutions

Best Match

Light Brown Sugar

1:1

Good for most applications, though flavor will be milder and color lighter.

Granulated Sugar + Molasses

1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp molasses

Perfect for mimicking flavor and moisture; mix well.

Maple Syrup

3/4 cup syrup per 1 cup brown sugar

For liquid applications or baking, adds distinct maple flavor and moisture. Adjust other liquids.

Coconut Sugar

1:1

Provides similar caramel notes and granular texture, slightly less moist.

Buying Guide

Look for soft, moist sugar. Store in an airtight container to prevent hardening.

Flavor Pairings

Apples cinnamon ginger coffee chocolate butter vanilla oats.

Recipes Using Dark Brown Sugar

Cuisine Taste Mood Desserts Main Ingredient

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Preparation Low Protein Low Carb Low Calorie

A Newfoundlander's Coffee

Warm up with this invigorating Newfoundlander's Coffee recipe! A delightful blend of rich coffee, bold screech (or dark rum), and sweet liqueurs, topped with luscious whipped cream and a cherry. This cozy cocktail will chase away the chills and leave you feeling wonderfully warm and relaxed. Perfect for cold evenings or a special treat.

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Drop Cookies Dietary Cookies And Brownies Drop Cookies

Almond Cookie Cups

Indulge in these delightful Almond Cookie Cups, a treasured recipe from the Italian Inn Cookbook! Crispy, buttery almond cookies are baked into charming little cups, perfect for filling with your favorite creams, fruits, or chocolates. Endless possibilities await – get creative and make them your own! Easy to make and utterly delicious, these are perfect for parties, desserts, or a special treat.

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Cuisine Preparation Salmon Healthy

Applebee's Honey Pepper Sauce For Salmon Copycat By Todd Wilbur

Recreate the irresistible Applebee's Honey Pepper Sauce at home! This copycat recipe, inspired by Todd Wilbur's "Top Secret Restaurant Recipes," delivers a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements flaky salmon. Featuring honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and a touch of spice, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen!

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Cuisine Preparation Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less

Australian Jack

Indulge in the unique flavor of Australian Jack, a delightful baked treat! These golden-brown squares, somewhere between a bread roll and a cake, offer a surprisingly moist and subtly spiced texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a taste of Aussie charm to your kitchen. Get ready to be surprised!

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Easy Meat Course 5 Ingredients Or Less

Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These crispy, bacon-wrapped breadsticks are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast. Perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Prepare to be amazed by how addictive these little bites are!

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Occasion Equipment Main Ingredient Occasion

Bailey's Irish Cream Bread Pudding

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Holiday Event Easy Kid Friendly Main Ingredient

Baked Beans With Ground Beef And Bacon

Crowd-pleasing baked beans recipe! This hearty and flavorful dish features tender ground beef, smoky bacon, and sweet baked beans. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a comforting weeknight meal. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Low Protein Healthy Easy Nuts

Baked Pears With Maple Nut Sauce

Relive the retro charm of a 1970s Sunset cookbook with this elegant yet surprisingly simple recipe for Baked Pears with Maple Pecan Sauce! Perfectly tender pears baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with a rich and nutty maple sauce. This dessert is perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party. Get ready to savor the nostalgia!

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Low In Something Taste Mood 30 Minutes Or Less Course

Balsamic Sauteed Mushrooms

Elevate your dinner with these irresistible Balsamic Sauteed Mushrooms! Perfectly browned and glistening, these earthy mushrooms are bursting with balsamic sweetness and a hint of garlic. Serve as a sophisticated appetizer, a delightful side dish for steak or chicken, or enjoy them on their own – they're that good! This easy recipe from Fine Cooking is guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a flavor adventure in just 25 minutes!

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Brunch Comfort Food Occasion Course

Banana Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping

Indulge in this moist and delicious Banana Coffee Cake, perfect for Christmas morning or any special occasion! This recipe features a rich, decadent cake base infused with the warm aroma of coffee and the sweetness of ripe bananas, topped with a crunchy, irresistible streusel topping. Serve warm with a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy breakfast treat.

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Desserts Nuts For Large Groups 60 Minutes Or Less

Banana Rum Coconut Cookies

Indulge in these irresistible Banana Rum Coconut Oatmeal Cookies! A healthier, low-fat twist on a classic, these cookies boast a delightful blend of sweet bananas, creamy coconut, and a hint of warming rum. Get ready for a taste explosion that's both satisfying and guilt-free. Courtesy of Cooking Light inspiration.

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Taste Mood Main Dish Broil Equipment

Barbecued Baby Back Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender baby back ribs, slow-simmered to perfection and then finished with a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce under the broiler. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful ribs that are guaranteed to impress! Get ready for a rib feast!

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Grilling Meat Preparation Main Ingredient

Barbecued Ribs

Prepare for an unforgettable flavor explosion! These fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs are worth every minute of the 5-hour cook time. Tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky sweetness, they're guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. This recipe delivers the ultimate BBQ experience, perfect for impressing friends and family.

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Weeknight Beef North American Meat

Barbecued Ribs Either Beef Or Pork

This legendary barbecue rib recipe, passed down for over 30 years, is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to have your guests begging for the sauce! Simple yet incredibly satisfying, these tender ribs are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce. Prepare to be amazed by the melt-in-your-mouth texture and unforgettable taste. Perfect for a weekend feast or special occasion.

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Low Carb Time To Make Low Carb 60 Minutes Or Less

Beef Yakiniku

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly flavorful Beef Yakiniku! This easy-to-follow recipe uses thinly sliced sukiyaki beef (easily found at Asian markets) and a savory sauce featuring sake and white wine for an unforgettable taste. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's the perfect balance of speed and deliciousness. Serve over fluffy steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Beginner Cook Dietary Easy 60 Minutes Or Less

Best Little Smokies Ever

Forget everything you thought you knew about little smokies! This recipe delivers explosive flavor, transforming humble little smokies into a holiday, game day, or any-day party sensation. These aren't your grandma's BBQ sauce and jelly recipe – these are ridiculously addictive and always disappear first. Easy stovetop or slow cooker options mean minimal effort for maximum deliciousness!

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Bethie's Baked French Toast

Say goodbye to soggy baked French toast! This recipe delivers a deliciously crisp and custardy casserole that's perfect for brunch or a special occasion. Inspired by a desire for a better baked French toast, this recipe features a unique topping and is easily customizable to your taste. Add your favorite dried or fresh fruits like apples, pears, or bananas for extra flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless! My family raved, and I know yours will too. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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