Sassy Mama: Brown sugar hack

Running out of an ingredient while cooking can be frustrating, but simple pantry substitutions can often save the day. Sassy Mama shared an easy way to make brown sugar at home using just two ingredients: white sugar and molasses.

Brown sugar, first developed in the West Indies in the 1700s, is made by combining granulated sugar with molasses. This process creates a moist, caramelized sweetener that enhances the texture and flavor of baked goods.

To make brown sugar at home, mix one cup of white sugar with one tablespoon of molasses. While this can be done by hand in a bowl, a food processor speeds up the process. Adding more molasses creates a darker brown sugar, while less results in a lighter variety.

This simple substitution allows home bakers to continue their recipes without an extra trip to the store. Stored in an airtight container, homemade brown sugar remains fresh and ready for use in cookies, banana bread, and other baked goods.

By using common pantry staples, home cooks can save both time and money while ensuring their favorite recipes turn out just right.