Need more keto pantry staples? Try my powdered sugar substitute, keto maple syrup, and keto honey next. Brown sugar is essential in baking. It gives cookies their soft centers, and it adds moisture to breakfast breads and cakes. But what about low carb baking? You need brown sugar in that, too! That’s why I decided to make a brown sugar substitute. It has the same texture and flavor as traditional brown sugar–sans the spike in blood sugar levels.
Why I love this recipe
Cheaper than store-bought. I like Swerve, but it’s not cheap, and I don’t always want to run to the store when I need it. That’s why I like making my own. 2 ingredients. All you need is your preferred sweetener and a touch of molasses. Make it as dark or as light as you want. However, keep in mind more molasses = more carbs! AND make as much as you need when you need it. I always make a big batch since it stores so well, but you can mix up a few tablespoons if that’s all you need.
Ingredients needed
Sweetener. Combining allulose and monk fruit sweetener is best, as they balance each other out. I don’t recommend using strictly allulose, as the molasses will dissolve it, nor do I recommend stevia alone, as it has a metallic aftertaste. Molasses. I tested regular molasses and blackstrap molasses, and while both turned out good, blackstrap is slightly lower in carbs.
How to make sugar free brown sugar
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Combine. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sweetener. Drizzle molasses over the top. Step 2- Blend. Mix on low speed, gradually moving up to high speed. Continue mixing until no clumps remain. Step 3- Store. Transfer the brown sugar replacement to a sealable container or glass jar.
Arman’s recipe tips
Melt the molasses. This stuff is THICK, especially blackstrap molasses, so I often microwave it to loosen it up. If you use only monk fruit sweetener, I suggest adding a bit of stevia extract because monk fruit is slightly less sweet than sugar. Taste as you go, and add more extract as needed. Add caramel extract. I tested this recipe with and without one teaspoon of caramel extract and preferred it without. That said, if you want a more robust caramel flavor (without adding more molasses), try it.
Storage instructions
To store: Like traditional brown sugar, this keto version can be stored in a sealed container for at least six months. To freeze: Freeze this brown sugar alternative in a shallow freezer-safe container for up to one year.
Frequently asked questions
Recipes using keto brown sugar
Keto chocolate chip cookies Sugar-free barbecue sauce Keto waffles Keto coffee cake
