What Will Soften Brown Sugar

Baking Tip of the Day

When a recipe calls for brown sugar, soft brown sugar is needed. Here are some tips on how to soften brown sugar that has dried hard as a rock.

Brown sugar is simply white sugar with molasses added. The amount of molasses determines whether the brown sugar is light or dark. Brown sugar becomes hard when moisture from the molasses evaporates. Preventing the moisture from evaporating will keep the brown sugar soft.

The easiest way to soften brown sugar for immediate use is to place the brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl with a wet paper towel. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.

To keep brown sugar soft, start by keeping brown sugar in an airtight container.

The most common way to keep brown sugar soft is to place a slice of bread in the container with the brown sugar. Change the bread every time the sugar is opened. Otherwise, replace when it starts getting hard.

Another way to keep brown sugar soft is to place a marshmallow in the container with the brown sugar.

Put the brown sugar in its original wrapping into a plastic bag. Place an apple in the bag. The apple will keep the brown sugar soft and fresh for months without touching the brown sugar. Replace the apple when it starts to shrivel.

Lastly, terra cotta brown sugar softeners can be purchased and used to keep brown sugar soft.