Brown Sugar Substitutes For Keto: Natural Sweeteners For Your Diet

Brown sugar is a staple in many dishes, but it's not keto-friendly. This is where keto brown sugar substitutes come in—they offer the same taste, texture, and colour as regular brown sugar, but with minimal to zero net carbs. These substitutes are made with sweeteners low in carbohydrates and free from sugar, such as erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit. They are perfect for people on the keto diet or anyone looking to reduce their carb intake.

Use a granulated sweetener of choice

Substituting keto brown sugar is easy. All you need is a granulated sweetener of your choice and some molasses. The granulated sweetener can be a combination of allulose and erythritol, or you can use erythritol on its own. However, it is not recommended to use allulose by itself as the molasses will start to dissolve it.

To make the keto brown sugar, simply add the sweetener and molasses to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and mix until the sugar is fluffy. The amount of molasses you add will depend on whether you want light or dark brown sugar. For light brown sugar, add less molasses, and for dark brown sugar, add more.

This keto brown sugar substitute has a fluffy, soft texture, just like traditional brown sugar, and can be used in all your favourite keto desserts. It is also perfect for giving cookies crisp edges and soft centres.

Add molasses for colour and flavour

To make keto-friendly brown sugar, you can add molasses for colour and flavour. The amount of molasses you add will determine whether you have light or dark brown sugar. For instance, for light brown sugar, you can add 1 teaspoon of fancy molasses and 1/2 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. For dark brown sugar, you can add 2 tablespoons of molasses.

It is important to note that molasses is not keto-friendly as it is primarily made of sugar-based carbohydrates. However, only a small amount is used to make keto brown sugar, so the overall net carb count will be negligible. For instance, per 1-tablespoon serving of molasses, there are 15 grams of carbs, but per 2-tablespoon serving of keto brown sugar made with molasses, there is less than 1 gram of carbs.

To make keto brown sugar, you can combine granulated erythritol or allulose with molasses in a stand mixer. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract to enhance the molasses flavour. Blend the ingredients on medium speed until they are fully incorporated, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

Your homemade keto brown sugar should be stored in an airtight container. It will last for at least 6 months and can also be stored in the freezer.

Include caramel extract for a classic brown sugar taste

Creating a keto-friendly brown sugar alternative is easy and only requires a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time. The key to achieving that classic brown sugar taste is to include a bit of caramel extract.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make your keto brown sugar alternative:

• Erythritol sweetener
• Blackstrap molasses
• Caramel extract
• Stevia or monk fruit extract

Step-by-Step Directions

• Place the erythritol sweetener in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl if you are using a hand mixer.
• Place the molasses in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat it gently to liquify it. Stir in the caramel extract.
• Turn the mixer on to low and slowly drizzle the molasses into the bowl with the erythritol. Keep mixing until the sweetener is a uniform golden brown.
• Transfer your keto brown sugar alternative to an airtight container. Use it as you would any recipe that calls for a brown sugar replacement.

Tips

• Don't panic about the molasses. Blackstrap molasses is surprisingly low in carbs. The entire recipe takes 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses, which adds only 0.5g of carbs per serving.
• Plain erythritol is only 70% as sweet as sugar, so you will want to add a bit of a highly concentrated sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit extract. Most sweeteners on the market already include this, but purchasing straight erythritol can be more cost-effective.
• I recommend using ¼ teaspoon of stevia or monk fruit extract to increase the sweetness of your brown sugar substitute. You can always add more at the end if needed.
• Store the sweetener in a covered container on the counter for up to a month.

Store in an airtight container

Storing keto brown sugar is similar to storing traditional brown sugar. It can be kept in a sealed container for at least six months. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can store it in the freezer, ensuring it is well-sealed and away from fragrant foods.

When making your own brown sugar substitute, it is best to transfer it to an airtight container after preparation. It will last for at least a month and can be stored at room temperature.

• Use a glass jar or a sealable container to ensure it stays fresh.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• If you notice any clumping, you can add a terracotta sugar bear to help keep it soft and clump-free.
• Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.

Use in baking, drinks, and savoury dishes

Keto brown sugar is a great substitute for regular brown sugar in baking, drinks, and savoury dishes. It can be used in baked goods, such as cookies, bread, and muffins, to provide a soft texture and a rich flavour. It can also be used in drinks, such as coffee or tea, as a sweetener. For savoury dishes, keto brown sugar can be used in barbecue sauce, meatloaf, or even as a rub for meat.

When substituting keto brown sugar in baking, it is important to note that it may affect the texture of the final product. Keto brown sugar made with erythritol can recrystallize upon cooling, forming a crust-like texture. Additionally, it may not caramelize in the same way as regular brown sugar. However, it can still be used to provide a sweet and slightly bitter flavour to baked goods.

For drinks, a small amount of keto brown sugar can be added to enhance the flavour. It is important to stir the drink well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.

In savoury dishes, keto brown sugar can be used as a rub or glaze for meat, adding a sweet and sticky texture. It can also be used in sauces, such as barbecue sauce, to balance the flavours.

When using keto brown sugar in any application, it is important to start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as the sweetness and flavour can vary depending on the ingredients used. Additionally, it is always a good idea to follow a trusted recipe when substituting keto brown sugar to ensure the best results.

Frequently asked questions