RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING

Dark Brown Sugar

Dark brown sugar is a popular sweetener characterized by a moist, granular texture and deep, caramel-like color. Derived from sugarcane or sugar beet, it is made by adding molasses back into refined white sugar, with the dark brown variety containing a higher molasses content than its light brown counterpart. This ingredient adds a rich, fudgy flavor and tenderness to baked goods, sauces, and glazes and can also be used as a topping for oatmeal or fruit. In the culinary world, it is used in various recipes ranging from cookies, cakes, and muffins to savory dishes such as barbeque sauces and marinades, as well as in traditional holiday dishes like gingerbread and pumpkin pie. Its natural acidity can also be helpful for home cooks when combined with baking soda to create a tender, well-leavened crumb in baked goods. Dark brown sugar can be easily stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent hardening of the sugar.
#7
IN SUGARS & SWEETENERS
375
CAL / 100G
$0.06
AVG / OZ
dark brown sugar
100%
CARBS
0%
FAT
0%
PROTEIN
Dark Brown Sugar FAQ
Dark brown sugar is prized for its deep, molasses-rich flavor and versatility in recipes. Some of the common questions when cooking with this ingredient revolve around its interchangeability with other sugars, how to properly use it in baking and cooking, and how to prevent it from hardening. A mistake people often make is substituting it 1:1 for white sugar in recipes, not considering the extra moisture and acidity it brings to the dish. This can throw off the balance in baked goods, creating unpredictable results. To get the most out of dark brown sugar, use it to enrich the flavor of dishes where its deep caramel notes will shine. In baking, pair it with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg or use it to create a rich, caramelized surface on meat dishes. A little known tip is that it can be used to make homemade scrub for your skincare routine due to its fine granules and natural moistness.
Can I substitute dark brown sugar for white sugar?
What's the difference between light and dark brown sugar?
Can I use brown sugar in savory recipes?
Why does brown sugar harden and how can I soften it?
Can I use dark brown sugar in coffee?
How does brown sugar affect baking?
Can I make my own brown sugar at home?
How does molasses contribute to the quality of brown sugar?
Can dark brown sugar be used as a face scrub?
What can I do if I don't have any brown sugar for a recipe?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does dark brown sugar expire?
Dark brown sugar doesn’t have an expiry date, per se. When kept undisturbed in its original unopened package, it can stay at optimum quality for about 2 to 3 years! Once the package has been opened, if you store it properly, it can maintain its best quality for about a year. As for freezing, dark brown sugar can be frozen indefinitely, but it's best to use it within 2 years for peak quality.
How do you tell if dark brown sugar is bad?
Brown sugar is pretty durable, but it has a few tell-tale signs when it's past its prime. The most obvious is a harsh, chemical smell rather than the usual sweet molasses aroma. It may also become very hard or show signs of mold, insects, or other contaminations. Remember, it won't usually get you sick, but the flavor could be less appealing.
Tips for storing dark brown sugar to extend shelf life
• Keep the dark brown sugar in a cool, dry place. • Once opened, ensure the package is sealed tight. If the packaging is not resealable, transfer the sugar into an airtight container. • Add a slice of bread or a few marshmallows to the container to keep the sugar soft and prevent it from clumping together. • You can also purchase a terracotta brown sugar keeper. Just soak it in water and then place it in your sugar. The sugar will draw moisture from the keeper and stay soft. • If you decide to freeze it, try double bagging to maintain quality as long as possible.
EXPIRES WITHIN
19 - 29
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
13g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code