Azúcar Morena Casera (Homemade Brown Sugar) is granulated white sugar mixed with molasses. It has a soft texture and a rich, caramel-like flavor, making it a baking essential-perfect for cookies, cakes, sauces, and more.
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We all run out from time to time, but the good news is that homemade brown sugar is quick, easy, and only takes two ingredients.
This is my go-to Azúcar Morena recipe. I use granulated sugar and unsulfured molasses-1 tablespoon for light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
Just mix them together in a bowl or blend them in a food processor until fully combined. That's it! It's ready in minutes and stores beautifully.
To keep it soft, I like to add a slice of white bread or a terra cotta brown sugar saver to the airtight container.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Granulated sugar: The base of the recipe. It provides sweetness and structure.
- Unsulfured molasses: Adds moisture, color, and a classic caramel-like flavor. Use a mild, unsulfured variety-avoid blackstrap, which has a stronger, more bitter taste.You can substitute molasses with maple syrup or agave for a different flavor, though the texture may vary slightly. I used Grandma's Molasses.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Azúcar Morena
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
1. In a food processor, add the granulated sugar and molasses.
2. Use 1 tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
3. Blend until fully incorporated and evenly colored.
4. Transfer the brown sugar to an airtight container.
5. To keep it soft, add a terra cotta brown sugar saver or a slice of white bread.
Hint: I use this terra cotta brown sugar saver to keep my sugar soft-and it's as effective as it is cute.😊
Storage
Storage: Store homemade brown sugar in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep it soft, add a slice of white bread or a soaked terra cotta sugar saver.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- No food processor? Mix the sugar and molasses by hand using a fork or your fingers. A stand mixer with the paddle attachment also works great.
- Customize the flavor: Use less molasses for a milder taste or more for a deeper, richer flavor. Taste and adjust as you go.
- Try other sweeteners: Swap molasses with maple syrup or agave for a different twist-just note that the texture and moisture may vary slightly.
- DIY sugar saver: Don't have a Brown Sugar Bear? Use a clean shard of terra cotta with no sharp edges. Scrub it free of dirt, soak it in water for 15 minutes, then blot it dry. Place it at the bottom of your brown sugar container-it will slowly release moisture, helping to keep your sugar soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade brown sugar last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it can last for months. Just keep it soft using a slice of bread or a terra cotta sugar saver.
Can I make brown sugar without molasses?
You can make brown sugar without molasses by mixing sugar with maple syrup or agave. The flavor will be different, and the texture may vary slightly, but it works in most recipes.
Can I soften brown sugar in the microwave?
Yes! Place a slice of sandwich bread in a bowl with the hardened brown sugar, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 10-20 seconds. The sugar will absorb the moisture and soften quickly.
Want More Inspiration?
Looking for a brown sugar substitute? Explore more options and expert-tested alternatives in this helpful guide from King Arthur Baking.
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Recipe
Azúcar Morena Casera
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons molasses (unsulfured)
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the granulated sugar and molasses. Use one tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar or two tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
- Mix until fully incorporated. (Alternatively, you can use a fork, your fingers, or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.) Transfer the brown sugar to an airtight container.
- To keep it soft, add a terra cotta brown sugar saver or a slice of white bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
