What is the Difference Between Light and Dark Brown Sugar?

When it comes to baking and cooking, brown sugar is a common ingredient that adds sweetness, flavor, and moisture to many recipes. But did you know that there are two different types of brown sugar: light and dark?

Light brown sugar is made by mixing white sugar with molasses. The molasses gives it its subtle golden color, and a hint of a caramel-like flavor. Light brown sugar usually contains 3.5 percent molasses.

Light brown sugar is great for adding sweetness and moisture to recipes such as cookies, cakes, and muffins. It’s also a great addition to sauces, glazes, and rubs for meats.

Dark brown sugar is made by adding more molasses to light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar usually contains 6.5 percent molasses This gives it a much darker color and a stronger flavor. It’s great for baking recipes such as gingerbread, brownies, and breads. Dark brown sugar also has slightly more moisture due to the additional molasses as well as a little more acidity. The additional moisture in the dark brown sugar could affect how your cake will rise. The molasses also adds a hint of smokiness, making it ideal for barbecue sauces, glazes, and marinades.

When baking or cooking, it’s important to know the difference between light and dark brown sugar. Light brown sugar is slightly sweeter and less intense in flavor, whereas dark brown sugar is richer and more intense in flavor. Depending on the recipe, one type may be a better choice than the other.

To summarize, the main difference between light and dark brown sugar is the amount of molasses used in their production. Light brown sugar is made with a smaller amount of molasses and is slightly sweeter and less intense in flavor. Dark brown sugar is made with a larger amount of molasses and is richer and more intense in flavor. Depending on the recipe, one type may be a better choice than the other.