Grocery
Old-Fashioned Brown Sugar
What it is
This is a type of sugar that has molasses added to it. The molasses gives it a distinct brown color and a moist texture. It is a granulated sugar, meaning the crystals are larger and less refined than white sugar. The presence of molasses contributes a unique flavor profile that is often described as caramel-like or toffee-like. It is a staple in many baking recipes.
How people cook with it
Brown sugar is a versatile ingredient, commonly used to add moisture and depth of flavor to baked goods and other dishes.
- Moistening baked goods
- Adding caramel notes
- Glazing meats
- Sweetening sauces
When baking, brown sugar is often packed into measuring cups to ensure the correct amount is used, as its moist texture can compact easily. It is excellent for cookies, cakes, and muffins, where its moisture content helps create a tender crumb. It can also be used in savory applications, such as marinades and glazes for meats, or to add a subtle sweetness to barbecue sauces and baked beans. Its flavor complements both sweet and savory profiles.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to white granulated sugar, old-fashioned brown sugar contains molasses, which imparts a darker color, a softer texture, and a richer, more complex flavor. White sugar is pure sucrose and lacks these characteristics. Light brown sugar has less molasses than dark brown sugar, resulting in a milder flavor and lighter color.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks who appreciate a deeper, more nuanced sweetness in their creations.
How to keep the rest
To keep this 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.