Brown sugar may look like a different kind of sugar, but modern brown sugar is often made from white sugar and molasses. The molasses gives it a deeper flavor, a brown color, and a soft, sticky texture. Dark brown sugar has more molasses than light brown sugar. You can make a simple brown sugar substitute at home. For 100 grams of sugar, use 90–97 grams of white granulated sugar and 3–10 grams of molasses. Use less molasses for a lighter sugar and more for a darker one. Put both ingredients in a bowl. Massage them together with clean fingers until the color is even and no large lumps remain. Pack the mixture firmly into a measuring cup when you use it. Use this sugar like white sugar in baking. It can make baked food brown faster and give it a richer flavor. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The photograph shows soft brown sugar in a decorated bowl.
