Grocery
Light Brown Sugar
What it is
Light brown sugar is granulated white sugar with molasses added back in. The molasses gives it a distinct flavor and a slightly moist texture. It is a common baking ingredient, often used to add depth and chewiness to cookies and cakes. The color ranges from a pale tan to a medium brown depending on the amount of molasses present.
How people cook with it
This sugar is a versatile sweetener that adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor to many dishes. It is particularly favored in baked goods.
- Sweetening baked goods
- Glazing meats
- Adding moisture to doughs
- Creating caramel sauces
Light brown sugar can be used in most recipes that call for sugar. When baking, it contributes to a softer, chewier texture in cookies and cakes compared to white sugar. It dissolves readily, making it suitable for sauces and glazes. For recipes requiring a specific texture, like chewy cookies, it is often combined with granulated white sugar. Its moisture content helps keep baked items tender and fresh.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to granulated white sugar, light brown sugar contains molasses, which imparts a subtle caramel flavor and a softer, more moist texture. Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content, resulting in a stronger flavor and a darker color.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks often choose light brown sugar for its unique flavor and texture contributions.
How to keep the rest
To keep light brown sugar soft, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it becomes hard, you can revive it by placing a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container with the sugar for a day or two.