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Keto Brown Sugar

Published on Jul 26, 2024. Updated on May 31, 2026. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. Leave a Comment

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Keto Brown Sugar Pinterest

Keto brown sugar is a sugar substitute designed to mimic the flavor and texture of traditional brown sugar without the high carb content. This alternative is perfect for baking and cooking, allowing those on a low-carb diet enjoy their favorite recipes that call for brown sugar.

Keto brown sugar in a bowl with a spoon

❤️ Why you'll love it

This keto brown sugar recipe couldn't be easier – it's only made with two ingredients, and you don't even have to turn on the stove. All you need is an erythritol sweetener, molasses, a microwave, and a food processor. You'll have a low-calorie, low-carb sweetener in no time!

Making your keto brown sugar at home is cost-effective and ensures you know exactly what's in your sweetener. Store-bought versions can sometimes contain additives or fillers that may not align with your dietary goals. By creating your own, you can customize the sweetness to your preference and experiment with different keto-friendly sweeteners to find the perfect blend.

This brown sugar can be used for many different things, whether baking, marinating meat, or adding flavor to coffee. Plus, it stays fresh for a long time as long as it's in an airtight container. There's no doubt that this will be a staple in your pantry!

🧾 Ingredients Used

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molasses, Erythritol sweetener
  • Erythritol sweetener: This is a sugar alcohol that adds sweetness without guilt—it's no-sugar and low-carb.
  • Molasses: This will make your sweetener taste just like brown sugar.

🔪 How To Make This Recipe

  1. Place the molasses in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave very gently to help liquify it a bit. 
  2. Add the erythritol sweetener and molasses to a food processor and mix until everything is well combined and the sweetener is a uniform golden brown. (You can also use a mixer to combine them).
  3. Transfer to an airtight container and use to substitute regular brown sugar.
Steps on how to make a keto brown sugar

🥫 Storing and Reheating

You can keep this keto brown sugar in an airtight container in the pantry for up to six months. I personally like keeping it in a glass container with a lid, which keeps it super fresh.

Feel free to make a big batch of this and store it in the pantry for several months – if you like to bake, it will definitely come in handy!

💭 Recipe Tips

  • Make it on the stove: You can heat the molasses on the stovetop in a small saucepan rather than using the microwave. 
  • Don't overheat: Be careful not to burn the molasses – just heat it little by little.
  • Use a handheld mixer: A mixer or blender also works great if you don't have a food processor.
  • Use other keto-friendly sweeteners: No erythritol sweetener on hand? No worries. You can use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or any other sugar-free sweetener that you have on hand. 
  • Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter brown sugar, you can increase the amount of molasses slightly. Just be mindful that molasses does contain some carbs.
  • Add a pinch of salt: For a deeper flavor profile, add a small pinch of salt to the mixture. This can enhance the sweetness and provide a more complex taste.

💭 Recipe Variation

  • Make a spiced version: Add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to create a spiced brown sugar, perfect for holiday baking or adding to your coffee.
  • Experiment with flavors: For a unique twist, try adding a drop or two of vanilla or almond extract.
  • Create a finer texture: If you prefer a finer, powdery texture, pulse the mixture a few extra times in the food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Combine sweeteners: Mix erythritol with a small amount of stevia or monk fruit to balance the sweetness and reduce any aftertaste that some sweeteners might have.
Keto brown sugar in a bowl

🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?

Use this keto brown sugar instead of regular brown sugar in cookies, cakes, muffins, or other baked goods.

I particularly love it in my coffee! If you have a Nespresso machine, brew two pods, add two tablespoons of this keto brown sugar, and shake it up. Then add ice and a low-carb milk of choice for an iced brown sugar latte – there's no need to go to Starbucks!

It's also great in my keto iced coffee recipe, which is made with almond milk, black coffee, and low-calorie sweetener. Just add this keto brown sugar in place of the sweetener.

This versatile sweetener can be used in savory dishes as well as baking and beverages. Try adding a spoonful to your favorite barbecue sauce for a keto-friendly sweetness that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. It's also fantastic in marinades for chicken or pork, giving a rich, caramelized flavor without the extra carbs.

Another great use is homemade keto granola. Mix it with nuts, seeds, and coconut oil, then bake for a crunchy, sweet keto snack. It's also delicious sprinkled on top of keto-friendly yogurt or cottage cheese for a bit of added sweetness and texture.

👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions

Can I have brown sugar on a keto diet?

While brown sugar, which is high in carbs and calories, is typically not suitable for a keto diet, this keto brown sugar is great if you're on a keto diet because it is low in sugar, calories, and carbs.

Is there a brown sugar substitute without erythritol?

While erythritol will give you the best results, you can also make keto brown sugar from monk fruit sweetener.

How do I substitute brown sugar on a keto diet?

All you have to do is mix molasses with any zero-calorie sweetener – this keto brown sugar recipe will give you the best results!

What sugar is best on keto?

On a keto diet, you'll want to stick with sweeteners like sucralose, stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, and xylitol. If you need keto brown sugar, you can't go wrong with this recipe!

Can you make brown sugar at home?

Yes – all you have to do is combine sugar and molasses. Or if you're on keto, just combine erythritol (or another no-calorie sweetener) and molasses. It's that simple!

📚 Related Recipes

Check out these other delicious sauces and seasonings!

Keto BBQ Sauce (Spicy BBQ Sauce)

Keto Veggie Dip

African Pepper Sauce

Shito Sauce (Ghana Spicy Sauce)

Chicken Wing Marinade

Best Chicken Seasoning Recipe

Keto brown sugar in a bowl with a spoon

📖 Recipe

Keto brown sugar in a bowl

Keto Brown Sugar

Keto brown sugar is a sugar substitute designed to mimic the flavor and texture of traditional brown sugar without the high carb content. This alternative is perfect for baking and cooking, allowing those on a low-carb diet enjoy their favorite recipes that call for brown sugar.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Course: Condiments & Spices
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 16 tbsps
Calories: 3kcal
Author: Tayo Oredola

Equipment

  • Food processor
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup erythritol or your favorite low carb sweetener
  • 2 ½ teaspoon molasses

Instructions

  • Place the molasses in a small microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave very gently to help liquify it a bit.
    2 ½ teaspoon molasses
  • Add the erythritol sweetener and molasses to a food processor and mix until everything is well combined and the sweetener is a uniform golden brown. (You can also use a mixer to combine them)
    1 cup erythritol
  • Transfer to an airtight container and use to substitute regular brown sugar.

Notes

  • Make it on the stove: You can heat the molasses on the stovetop in a small saucepan rather than using the microwave.
  • Don't overheat: Be careful not to burn the molasses – just heat it little by little.
    Use a handheld mixer: A mixer or blender also works great if you don't have a food processor.
  • Use other keto-friendly sweeteners: No erythritol sweetener on hand? No worries. You can use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or any other sugar-free sweetener that you have on hand.
  • Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter brown sugar, you can increase the amount of molasses slightly. Just be mindful that molasses does contain some carbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 3kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 0.001g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 0.4mg | Potassium: 16mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Tayo Oredola
Tayo Oredola

Tayo Oredola is the founder of Low Carb Africa, where she shares healthy, low carb dishes with global flavors. She is passionate about teaching people how to cook drool-worthy dishes while losing weight and living their best lives. Tayo’s recipes have been featured on MSN, Women’s Health, Parade, Yahoo News, Pure Wow, Essence, and other online publications.

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