When a recipe calls for brown sugar, there is a really simple substitute. You will wonder why you ever bought brown sugar. This is so much easier – and easy on your budget.
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Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Updated October 2025.
Table of contents
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a popular sweetener in baking and cooking, known for its rich, caramel-like flavor. But it is not a natural product. It is made by combining processed white sugar with molasses, which gives it its distinctive color and taste. The amount of molasses added determines whether the brown sugar is light or dark. In addition to adding sweetness to recipes, brown sugar also adds moisture and flavor. It is commonly used in cookies, cakes, and other baked goods to enhance their texture and taste.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of sugar production comes from cane sugar that is grown on land using slash and burn techniques. This destructive method involves clearing vast areas of the rainforest, moving into pristine ecosystems and causing irreparable damage to the environment. Not only does this practice result in deforestation and loss of biodiversity, but it also releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. As consumers, it is important to be mindful of the environmental impact of the products we purchase, and to support sustainable and ethical practices in sugar production.
How to make Brown Sugar
We wanted to use a brand of sugar and molasses that is not harmful to the environment. Wholesome Organic sugar met that requirement, but it was harder to find a molasses that did. Then we discovered that Sorghum syrup was sustainably produced, tasted very much like molasses when used in baking, and we actually preferred the taste.
Using this brown sugar substitute from granulated sugar is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the quality of your baked goods. Once you use this substitute, you will wonder why you ever bought brown sugar. This is much less expensive, doesn’t need to be stored, doesn’t get hard like brown sugar does, and takes literally no time at all. Plus, you can control the quality of the sugar you use. You can enjoy the benefits of a higher-quality products while saving money in the process.
Since brown sugar is actually white processed sugar with molasses added, the substitute is to use a high quality granulated sugar in the recipe instead, and then add the required molasses, or something similar, during the mixing process. We tried actually making brown sugar by adding molasses to the sugar, but it doesn’t mix well. Then we realized it was just creating more work doing it that way – mixing, storing, etc. It was much easier to just add it to the mix.
Instead of molasses, we use sorghum syrup, which has a similar taste, but is not made from sugar cane, so it is more sustainable. Sorghum syrup is a sweet, thick syrup that is derived from the juice of the sorghum plant, which is an ancient grain. The syrup is made by pressing the juice from the sorghum plant and then boiling it down to create a concentrated, sweet liquid. Sorghum syrup is a sustainable sweetener option because the sorghum plant is a hardy crop that requires minimal water and fertilizer to grow. Additionally, the plant is able to thrive in a variety of climates, making it a versatile and sustainable crop choice. Sorghum syrup is a delicious and sustainable alternative to other sweeteners, and is becoming increasingly popular in the health food market.
We use WHOLESOME REGENERATIVE ORGANIC CERTIFIED CANE SUGAR – produced from organic sugar cane fields that are green cut and are not burned or treated with herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Burning sugar cane fields contributes to air pollution and climate change. It is also a major cause of the destruction of the rain forest. Buying sugar from fields that are green cut helps prevent this destruction.
This sugar is also produced using regenerative agricultural methods, which actually reverse the harmful effects of climate change. By using natural and sustainable farming practices, regenerative agriculture helps sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and restore soil health. This process not only improves the quality of the land and reduces erosion, but also promotes biodiversity and water retention. As a result, regenerative agricultural products are not only healthier for consumers, but also play a crucial role in combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating environmental degradation. By supporting regenerative agriculture, consumers can help contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system that benefits both people and the planet.
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RECIPE
CHOOSING BRANDS:
For certain products, the choice of brand will make a big difference in the outcome of the recipe and in your carbon footprint. So, for those products, we have listed the brand. We are not paid to mention a brand and have no affiliates.
Ingredients
- 200 grams Wholesome regenerative organic sugar
- 1 Tablespoons Sorghum syrup 2 Tablespoons for dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Substitute an equal amount of Wholesome regenerative organic sugar for the brown sugar that is called for in the recipe.
- For every 200 grams of sugar add 1 Tablespoon of sorghum syrup to substitute for light brown sugar, or 2 Tablespoons to substitute for dark brown sugar. Add the syrup to the wet ingredients while mixing.
Nutrition
WHY THIS RECIPE IS A GAME CHANGER:
This recipe is a total game-changer — crafted with the finest [brand name] ingredients, simplified using a master recipe with pro-tested techniques from top chefs and bakers, and designed for deliciously sustainable cooking made easy.”
True to The Master Pantry philosophy, this recipe combines the best seasonal ingredients and quality brands with homemade methods to maximize both flavor and sustainability. It was inspired by our travels and works well as a holiday recipe.
Photos by Tony Fitzgerald Photography
Recipes created by Lisa LeCoump — Food Photographer, Agricultural Expert, and Home Baker. Sharing master recipes, chef secrets, and sustainable baking for every kitchen. Featured on various publications.