Grocery
Light Brown Sugar
What it is
Light brown sugar is a granulated sweetener made from sugar cane or sugar beets. It is refined white sugar that has had molasses added back into it. The molasses gives it its characteristic color and a subtle, distinct flavor. This sugar is a common pantry staple used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. Its fine grain allows it to dissolve easily in batters and sauces, contributing to both texture and taste.
How people cook with it
This sugar is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and moisture to baked goods. It also works well in marinades and glazes.
- Baking cookies
- Sweetening oatmeal
- Glazing ham
- Making barbecue sauce
Light brown sugar is a favorite for baking because its molasses content helps create tender, moist results. It can be creamed with butter to form the base of cookies, cakes, and muffins, contributing to a chewy texture and rich flavor. It is also excellent in marinades and glazes for meats, providing a sweet and slightly caramelized finish. When making sauces or glazes, it dissolves readily, integrating its flavor and color smoothly into the mixture. Its moisture content can also help prevent baked goods from drying out.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to white granulated sugar, light brown sugar contains molasses, which imparts a moist texture and a mild caramel-like flavor. This difference in composition affects the final texture and taste of baked goods, often making them chewier and more flavorful. Dark brown sugar, on the other hand, has more molasses, resulting in a deeper flavor and moister product.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks often reach for light brown sugar to enhance the flavor and texture of their recipes.
How to keep the rest
To keep light brown sugar soft and prevent it from hardening, store it in an airtight container. If it does become hard, you can soften it by placing a damp paper towel or a slice of bread in the container with the sugar for a day or two.