Fresh basil sugar is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to preserve the flavor of basil. With just two ingredients, you can create a fragrant herbal sugar that’s perfect for baking, stirring into tea or lemonade, sprinkling over fresh fruit, or adding a subtle garden-fresh flavor to cookies, cakes, and scones. Whether you grow sweet basil, lemon basil, or cinnamon basil, this simple recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy your herb harvest long after the growing season ends.
Cost Estimate: $2.70 Per Batch
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 2 ingredients
- An easy way to preserve fresh basil
- Perfect for baking and beverages
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Makes a thoughtful homemade gift
- Easy to customize with different basil varieties
Ingredients
Fresh basil leaves – The star ingredient, adding a sweet, herbal aroma.
Granulated sugar – Absorbs the basil’s essential oils while preserving its flavor.
Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Fine mesh sieve (optional)
- Airtight glass jar
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Drying Time: 8–24 hours
- Total Time: 8–24 hours
How to Make Basil Sugar
- Wash the basil leaves and dry them thoroughly. Any moisture left on the leaves can shorten the shelf life.
- Remove the leaves from the stems.
- Place the basil and sugar into a food processor.
- Pulse until the basil is finely chopped and evenly distributed throughout the sugar. The sugar will become slightly green and wonderfully fragrant.
- Spread the basil sugar in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow it to air dry for 8–24 hours, stirring once or twice. Alternatively, dry it in a dehydrator at 95°F (35°C) until completely dry.
- If desired, pulse briefly again or sift to remove any larger pieces of basil.
- Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle over fresh strawberries, peaches, nectarines, or blueberries.
- Stir into hot tea or iced tea.
- Sweeten lemonade.
- Use in sugar cookies or shortbread.
- Sprinkle over muffins before baking.
- Mix into whipped cream or vegan whipped topping.
- Rim cocktail or mocktail glasses.
- Sprinkle over oatmeal or yogurt.
- Dust pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Salts, Spice Mixes & Seasoning Blends
Easy Chorizo Spice Blend
Vegan Bacon Seasoning
Make Your Own Rosemary Salt
Make Your Own Basil Salt
Make Your Own Rose Sugar
Make Your Own Basil Sugar
Storage
Once completely dry, basil sugar will keep in an airtight container for 6–12 months in a cool, dry pantry.
Tips for Success
- Dry the basil completely before processing.
- Allow the finished sugar to dry thoroughly before storing.
- Store in glass rather than plastic to preserve the aroma.
- Pulse rather than blend continuously to avoid making the sugar too fine.
- Try different basil varieties for unique flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil produces the best flavor because its essential oils are transferred into the sugar. Dried basil won’t have the same bright, aromatic result.
Can I use organic cane sugar?
Absolutely! Organic cane sugar works beautifully.
Why does my sugar look green?
That’s completely normal. The basil naturally colors the sugar.
Can I make this with other herbs?
Yes! Mint, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, and thyme all make delicious flavored sugars.
Does it need refrigeration?
No. As long as the sugar has dried completely before storing, it can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container.
Fun Facts
- Sugar has long been used to preserve the aroma of herbs and edible flowers.
- Basil belongs to the mint family.
- Lemon basil creates a citrusy sugar that’s wonderful in tea and baked goods.
- Cinnamon basil makes a delicious flavored sugar for fall desserts.
- Herb-infused sugars make beautiful homemade holiday gifts.
Basil Sugar Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar ($0.70)
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves ($2.00)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil thoroughly.
- Remove the leaves from the stems.
- Pulse the basil and sugar together in a food processor until finely combined.
- Spread onto a baking sheet.
- Air dry for 8–24 hours, stirring occasionally, or dry in a dehydrator at 95°F.
- Pulse again or sift if desired.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
The Wrap
If you’re looking for more fresh basil recipes, give this basil sugar a try! It’s an easy way to enjoy a little summer flavor all year long. This homemade flavored sugar is great for basil preservation, and you can even add lemon zest to make lemon basil sugar. Whether you’re experimenting with basil for baking, stocking up on vegan pantry staples, or looking for edible herb gifts, this simple herb infused sugar is a fun and delicious recipe to keep on hand.
Hello! I’m Lisa, a vegan artist, photographer, author, Vegan Life Coach Educator, and RYT 200 yoga teacher. I love showing others how simple and delicious a plant-based diet can be. I draw and paint, cook, write, take lots of pics, eat lots of chocolate, and practice gratitude daily.