Grocery
Dark Brown Sugar
What it is
Dark brown sugar is a type of granulated sugar that has a distinct molasses flavor and a moist texture. It is made by adding molasses back into refined white sugar. The higher molasses content gives it its characteristic dark color and rich taste. This sugar is a staple in many kitchens for baking and cooking.
How people cook with it
This sugar is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and moisture to a wide range of dishes.
- Baking cookies
- Making glazes
- Sweetening sauces
- Moistening cakes
Dark brown sugar is excellent for baking because its molasses content helps to create tender and moist baked goods. It can be used in cookies, cakes, muffins, and quick breads to impart a rich flavor and a soft texture. In savory cooking, it is often used to balance the acidity in sauces, marinades, and glazes, providing a complex sweetness. It dissolves well and can be used to sweeten beverages, though its strong flavor is most appreciated in cooked applications.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to light brown sugar, dark brown sugar contains a higher percentage of molasses. This results in a deeper, more intense molasses flavor and a darker, moister texture. White granulated sugar, by contrast, contains no molasses and has a neutral flavor and dry, crystalline texture.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks who enjoy adding rich flavor and moisture to their recipes.
How to keep the rest
To keep dark brown sugar soft and prevent it from hardening, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it does become hard, you can often soften it by placing a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container with the sugar for a day or two.