How to Soften Brown Sugar

As a baker, I’m sure that most of us have encountered a package of hard brown sugar from time to time. And it can be so frustrating! So I thought I’d share some tips on How to Soften Brown Sugar, how to store it, and maybe how to keep it from getting too hard in the first place.

Also check out my Baking tips, What to do with leftover cream, and How to ship baked goods for more helpful baking information!

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Storage

I like to stock my vacation place with some basic things so that when I’m there I can still cook and bake. But, I like to make sure that the food I keep won’t attract any critters.

So, I keep things like sugar in airtight sealed containers. But, when I’m not at the cabin, I store those containers in the fridge. Keeps the smells down, and the critters away.

That storage method, though effective for keeping pests away, is horrible for the brown sugar. Every time I visit the cabin, the brown sugar is rock hard, a solid brick, and not usable at all.

I’ve found a great way around this! So I wanted to share it with you!

Softening hardened brown sugar

Put the hard brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, lay a moist paper towel on top, and microwave it for 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, try breaking up the rock o’ sugar with a sturdy fork.

I usually have to do these 20 second intervals a couple (few) times. So, feel free to give it another 20 seconds in the microwave, breaking up big pieces each time with a fork.

That’s it! Super easy and really effective!

Some brown sugar tips

Always keep your brown sugar in a sealed, airtight container.

You can also seal the sugar in a ziptop plastic bag first, before storing it in the container.

I do this now, partly because it helps me get the brown sugar out of the container if it turns hard again, making it easier to pop it in a microwave safe container when I need it!

Keep the sugar from getting hard

Here are some things you may want to try to keep the sugar from getting hard in the first place.

Make sure to get as much air out of the bag as you can. Air is not a friend to fresh brown sugar.

Place a marshmallow (or a few marshmallows) in with the sugar. Get a {affiliate link} terra cotta brown sugar keeper. The marshmallow and terra cotta keeper work by keeping the moisture level at a good point for the sugar.

Keep a slice of bread or an apple or orange peel in with the sugar. You’ll need to keep the bread or peel fresh, so change it out every few days. So, this method won’t work for me, but it is inexpensive and easy to do.

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