How to Unharden Brown Sugar

Hardened brown sugar can slow down your baking plans, but thankfully, it’s not a permanent problem. These three kitchen hacks can help soften hardened brown sugar, so you can get back to baking quickly.

The Microwave Method

• Step 1—Transfer the hardened brown sugar into a microwave-safe bowl.
• Step 2—Dampen a paper towel and lay it over the bowl.
• Step 3—Place the bowl in the microwave and set the time for 20 seconds.
• Step 4—Uncover the brown sugar and use a fork or spoon to break it up.
• Step 5—Repeat Steps 1-4 until you’ve reached the desired consistency.

The Apple Method

• Step 1—Cut an apple into slices.
• Step 2—Place the hardened brown sugar into a sealed container along with the apple slices.
• Step 3—Let the container sit for 24 hours or overnight. The moisture from the apples will help rehydrate and soften the brown sugar.

The Bread Method

• Step 1—Place the hardened brown sugar into a sealed container along with a slice of bread.
• Step 2—Let the container sit for 24 hours or overnight. The moisture from the bread will help rehydrate and soften the brown sugar.

Why Does Brown Sugar Harden?

Brown sugar gets hard when there’s a lack of moisture in the container it’s being stored in, or it’s been exposed to air for a prolonged period of time. 

How Can I Keep My Brown Sugar from Getting Hard?

To prevent your brown sugar from getting hard, keep it stored in an airtight container. Additionally, you should keep it away from any heat sources, sunlight or dry spots in your kitchen. You can even store the bag of brown sugar in an airtight container to help preserve its texture.