How to Keep Brown Sugar Soft

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Brown sugar from a newly-opened bag is fluffy and soft, but if you’re not careful, it can slowly fuse into a hard brick in your pantry over time. Fortunately, hard brown sugar is totally avoidable, and we’re here to show you the best way to store your brown sugar so it stays soft indefinitely. We’ve also included some tricks you can use to soften brown sugar that’s already hardened.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Storing Brown Sugar Properly

PDF download Download Article
  1. Brown sugar tends to get hard due to air exposure. If you want to keep brown sugar soft, you're best option is to store your brown sugar in a sealable, airtight container as soon as you open it up. [1]
    • Limit air exposure as much as possible when storing brown sugar. Choose a smaller container and pack the brown sugar to the top. Make sure to seal tightly, double checking for cracks and openings. [2]
    • You may not find a small enough container. In this case, use a small Ziplock bag. Squeeze out all the excess air before sealing the bag. [3]
  2. Kitchen shops and some grocery stores sell what are called terra cotta sugar savers. These are small, circular devices made from terra cotta clay. They are inexpensive, about $3 each, and can be easily used to soften brown sugar. They are designed to release moisture into your sugar, keeping it soft in storage.
    • After purchasing the terra cotta sugar saver, soak it in water for 15 minutes. Then, dry off the disk. [4]
    • Store the sugar saver with the brown sugar. Ideally, you should be using the terra cotta sugar saver alongside a sealable airtight container or plastic bag. [5]
    • If you add a sugar saver to a bag of brown sugar that's already hardened, it may take up to 8 hours for the sugar to soften. [6]
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Brown Sugar Soft
    If you don't have a sugar saver, marshmallows work for some when it comes to keeping sugar soft. Throw a few marshmallows into your sugar container and see if it helps. [7]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Brown Sugar Soft
    Apples and bread are both fairly moist by nature. Adding a few slices of apples or a piece of bread to a bag of brown sugar can help keep it soft. The idea is the sugar will draw moisture from the bread or fruit. If you're adding apples or bread to hardened brown sugar, it may take a day before it begins to soften. [8]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Softening Hard Sugar

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Brown Sugar Soft
    Remember, brown sugar hardens due to a lack of moisture. The simplest way to get it to soften is by adding water. Sprinkle a few drops of water over hardened brown sugar. Then, seal the sugar into a plastic bag. Set aside for a few days and it should soften considerably as the water makes its way through the sugar. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Brown Sugar Soft
    You can also use a cloth to add moisture to brown sugar. Place your hardened brown sugar in an open container. Then, get a cloth or paper towel wet. Wring out until moist and set it over the container. Leave the sugar like this overnight. If this method is successful, your sugar should be soft by morning. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Brown Sugar Soft
    You can also use tinfoil and paper towel to soften brown sugar. To start, put the hardened sugar in a sealable container.
    • Place a piece of tinfoil over the top of the hardened brown sugar. Then, get some paper towels damp and place them over the tinfoil. [11]
    • Seal the container. Let it sit long enough that the paper towel dries. This can happen overnight but may also take a few days. Once the towel is dry, the sugar should be softened. [12]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Quicker Methods

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you need to use the sugar right now, you can simply put it through a blender or food processor. This can break up the hardened chunks and produce grainy, usable brown sugar. Simply chop or pulse the sugar until it softens. [13]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Brown Sugar Soft
    If you don't have a food processor, you can use your microwave. Take the hardened sugar and set it in a microwave safe plastic bag.
    • Take one square of paper towel and get it wet. Wring it out so it's damp and not dripping.
    • Place the paper towel with the sugar and seal the bag. Microwave for 20 seconds and then check. If the sugar is not soft, keep microwaving it in 20 minute increments until it softens to your liking. [14]
  3. If you don't have a microwave or food processor, you can also use your oven. Heat the oven to 250 degrees. Then, set the brown sugar in a baking pan. Bake for 5 minutes and then check. If the sugar's still not soft, bake it for another few minutes. Keep going until the sugar gets as soft as you want it. [15]
    4. Advertisement


Join the Discussion...

How soften brown sugar quickly
WikiLynxRunner234
23
WikiLynxRunner234
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 m... Read More
WikiCheetahTamer353
WikiCheetahTamer353
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... Read More
WikiTapirChaser448
WikiTapirChaser448
Just blitz it in a food processer for a few seconds to break it up. A blender might work too.... Read More
See all 5 Replies and
Read Discussion

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you make a baked apple?
    Community Answer
    There are plenty of recipes for baked apples on the internet. A simple google search will yield several to choose from.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Will putting brown sugar in the freezer keep it longer?
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    No. Refrigerating or freezing brown sugar just makes it hard as a rock. Instead, store with a slice of bread in an airtight container or zipper bag.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • It's much easier to take preventative measure than soften sugar that's gone hard. Make sure to store your brown sugar in an airtight container soon after opening it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Store your brown sugar in the freezer to prevent it from getting hard. Just make sure it's in a tightly sealed or airtight container.
      • If you store brown sugar in a bag, roll out all of the air first so its less likely to harden up.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If using the apple or bread methods to keep brown sugar soft, replace the apple or bread once every two or three days to prevent these food items from becoming moldy and affecting the quality of your brown sugar.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      10 Ways to Keep Sliced Bananas from Turning Brown
      How to
      Make Dried Orange Slices
      How to
      Store Pavlova
      How to
      Keep a Baguette Fresh with Proper Storage
      How to
      Stop Bananas from Turning Brown Too Quickly
      How Long Do Olives Last? (And How to Tell If They’ve Gone Bad)
      How to
      Prevent Sugar Syrup from Forming Crystals (Plus, How to Fix It)
      How to
      Seal Glass Jars
      How to
      Ferment Fruit
      How to
      Store Popcorn So It Lasts Longer
      The Right Way to Refrigerate and Freeze Fresh Green Beans
      Easy and Effective Ways to Keep Cut Pears Fresh and Avoid Browning
      How to
      Keep Sandwiches Fresh
      How to
      Revive & Freshen Stale Bread
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Jennifer Levasseur .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/food/4-ways-to-keep-your-brown-sugar-soft-112228300299.html
      2. ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/food/4-ways-to-keep-your-brown-sugar-soft-112228300299.html
      3. ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/food/4-ways-to-keep-your-brown-sugar-soft-112228300299.html
      4. ↑ http://startcooking.com/how-to-store-brown-sugar
      5. ↑ http://startcooking.com/how-to-store-brown-sugar
      6. ↑ http://startcooking.com/how-to-store-brown-sugar
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/pantry-problem-solving-how-to-118215
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/pantry-problem-solving-how-to-118215
      9. ↑ https://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/
      1. ↑ https://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/
      2. ↑ https://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/
      3. ↑ https://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/
      4. ↑ https://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/
      5. ↑ https://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/
      6. ↑ https://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To keep brown sugar soft, transfer it to an airtight container once it is opened. Place a slice of bread in the container with the brown sugar. The sugar will absorb moisture from the bread so it doesn’t become hard. You can also use a few marshmallows or apple slices. To soften hard brown sugar, place a wet paper towel in the container with the sugar. Then, microwave the sugar for 20 seconds. To learn more, like how to soften brown sugar in the oven, keep reading the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 174,363 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Robin T.

        Dec 4, 2023

        "Just simply, I'd forgotten how to soften sugar that's become hard as a brick! I needed some for a recipe ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement