Which measurement step is used to measure brown sugar accurately?

• A. Sift before measuring
• B. Pack it in, level it off
• C. Displacement method
• D. Crack into liquid measuring cup

Answer: (B)

Brown sugar measurement relies on capturing its true volume by packing it into the cup. Because brown sugar contains air pockets from its moisture and crystal structure, scooping loosely would leave gaps and understate the amount. Packing it in fills those spaces, and then leveling the top with a straight edge gives a precise, even measurement that matches the recipe’s intended amount.

Sifting is used to aerate powders like flour, which would actually reduce the amount of brown sugar in the cup if done. The displacement method is a technique for measuring certain solids by volume displacement, not a standard approach for brown sugar. Cracking into a liquid measuring cup isn’t appropriate because brown sugar is solid and needs a dry-measure approach. So the best practice is to pack it in and level it off.