Short answer: No, not really. Long answer: You could try, but it’s like trying to make a racing car out of a golf cart—it’ll move, but it won’t be pretty. Regular brown sugar brings too much moisture and acidity, so your crust will end up soft and sticky instead of crisp and golden. Browning sugar is specifically engineered for that oven-kissed crunch.
If you absolutely don’t have browning sugar and you’re in a pinch, you can try mixing a tiny bit of molasses with white sugar, but it’s not the same. You might get a decent color, but the texture will be off. Honestly, it’s worth making a special trip to the store. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
