How should brown sugar be measured for accuracy?

Packing brown sugar tightly in a dry measuring cup is the correct method for measuring it accurately because brown sugar contains molasses, which gives it a moist texture. This moisture requires the sugar to be compacted to ensure that you're measuring the correct amount. If brown sugar is measured loosely or heaped, it can result in an inaccurate measurement, potentially leading to inconsistencies in recipes where precise sugar content is crucial.

When sugar is packed into the measuring cup, air gaps are removed, and the measurement reflects the true volume, ensuring that the recipe contains the right balance of ingredients. This method is particularly important in baking, as the precise proportion of sugar can impact the texture and sweetness of the final product.

While measuring by weight is another reliable method, not all home cooks have access to a scale, making the packing technique the most practical for everyday use.