How To Measure and Pack Brown Sugar (2024)

FAQs

How To Measure and Pack Brown Sugar? ›

Recipes with brown sugar almost always call for it “packed” while most other baking ingredients are sifted or merely scooped. Why the special treatment for brown sugar? Packing brown sugar just means pressing it firmly into the measuring cup.

Recipes with brown sugar almost always call for it “packed” while most other baking ingredients are sifted or merely scooped. Why the special treatment for brown sugar? Packing brown sugar just means pressing it firmly into the measuring cup.

In my kitchen and in America's Test Kitchen, a “packed” cup of brown sugar is 7 ounces/200 grams.

Brown sugar is measured a little differently. Pack brown sugar firmly into a dry measuring cup with a back of a spoon until it's level with the cup's rim. Brown sugar should hold the shape of the measuring cup when you turn it out.

Measuring Brown Sugar or Solid Fats: fill a dry measuring cup, using a spoon or rubber spatula. Pack down the ingredient, and level off, if necessary, so it is even with the top of the cup.

Can packed brown sugar be substituted for regular brown sugar in recipes? Yes, packed brown sugar can generally be used as a substitute for regular brown sugar in recipes. However, it's important to keep in mind that packed brown sugar will provide a slightly stronger flavor and more moisture due to its denser nature.

Honey, Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup

While combining them with white sugar may produce an effect similar to brown sugar, these sweet liquids can also be a brown sugar substitute all on their own, particularly if the finished product is a liquid like a glaze or sauce.

How many cups are in a box of packed brown sugar? ›

Available in a 1-lb. box containing 4 cups of light brown sugar.

For brown sugar: use a spoon to scoop the brown sugar from the container. Use the spoon to press the brown sugar into the measuring cup. If your recipe calls for “lightly packed” brown sugar, press lightly. If it calls for “packed” or “firmly packed” brown sugar, press harder until all the air spaces are filled.

Powdered sugar should be measured same as flour. Brown sugar should be packed into a dry measure. Use measuring spoons for small amounts of ingredients and level.

If it doesn't indicate any sifting, use a scale or spoon and level. Otherwise, here's a tip on how to read the recipe: 1 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted = spoon and level (or weigh) one cup THEN sift.

Put the hard brown sugar in a microwave safe bowl or container and place a dampened paper towel on top of it. Then, microwave for about 20 seconds and break it up with a fork as you go. The moisture from the paper towel should help get the brown sugar soft.

Measure out dry ingredients using a ¹/₃ measuring cup twice. For liquid ingredients, use a liquid measuring cup. A ²/₃ cup is equal to exactly 10 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons, or a ¹/₂ cup, 2 tablespoons, and 2 teaspoons. Place your dry ingredients on a kitchen scale to get precise measurements for your recipes.

Powdered sugar should be measured same as flour. Brown sugar should be packed into a dry measure. Use measuring spoons for small amounts of ingredients and level.