Sweet Showdown: Light Brown Sugar vs. Dark Brown Sugar - What's the Difference?

Ever stare blankly at the brown sugar options in the baking aisle, wondering which one to grab? You're not alone! Light and dark brown sugar are both pantry staples, but they're not interchangeable. The key difference? Molasses!

Dark brown sugar contains significantly more molasses than its lighter counterpart. This extra molasses gives it a deeper color, a more intense, almost caramel-like flavor, and a stickier texture. Think of dark brown sugar for recipes where you want a rich, robust sweetness, like gingerbread cookies, chocolate cakes, or BBQ rubs.

Light brown sugar, on the other hand, has a milder molasses flavor. It's a great all-purpose sweetener that won't overpower other flavors in your recipe. Use it in recipes like cookies, quick breads, and crumbles where you want a subtle sweetness and moistness.

In a pinch, you *can* substitute one for the other. Just be aware that dark brown sugar will add more moisture and a stronger molasses flavor, potentially altering the outcome of your baked goods.