How soften brown sugar quickly

09/19/24 2:58pm

Every time I buy brown sugar, it's hard by the time I want to use it, even if the package is unopened. How can I soften it quickly to use it in my recipes? And, any tricks to keep it from hardening in the first place?

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Expert Answers

Chef Jeff Woodward
Private Chef

01/03/25 7:48pm

Not all brown sugar is created equal so my first suggestion is to buy a quality brand of brown sugar. I have had to change brands when this happens frequently. I would also recommend investing in an airtight container to store the brown sugar. Put the sugar in the container as soon as you get it home to prevent hardening.

If your brown sugar becomes hard and cannot be easily broken up with your hand, I'd recommend throwing it away because it will change how your food tastes. Some chefs say you can put the hardened brown sugar in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the sugar, but it is not something I do. Brown sugar can be challenging, but good brown sugar will make your food delicious.

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Reader Answers

WikiCheetahTamer353

09/19/24 4:12pm

I pour the brown sugar in a bowl and microwave it for about 20 seconds, then break it up with a fork. If it's not softened, you microwave it for another 20 seconds or so. Works every time!

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WikiTapirChaser448

09/19/24 4:32pm

Just blitz it in a food processer for a few seconds to break it up. A blender might work too.

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WikiLynxRunner234

09/19/24 5:15pm

Try keeping your brown sugar in an airtight container; this will prevent it from getting hard in the first place. I keep mine in a basic mason jar and it keeps it soft and ready to use-but you could use an airtight bag, tupperware, or any other airtight container.

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WikiMountainSlinger234

09/19/24 7:11pm

my grandma taught me to put a few marshmallows in the bag of brown sugar and it works like magic to keep it from drying out! so simple too

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