It’s always disappointing when you open your baking cabinet, reach for the brown sugar, and realize it has turned into a solid brick. Thankfully, there’s an easy trick to revive it that will save you from throwing it away and running to the store to buy more.
The Fix for Hardened Brown Sugar
Remove the block of brown sugar from its bag or container and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle the block with a teaspoon of water, cover it with a damp paper towel, and stick it in the microwave for 30 seconds.
When the microwave beeps, check the consistency of the brown sugar. If it’s still solid, microwave it for another 30 seconds. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, loosening the brown sugar with a fork each time, until it’s soft. This process may take a couple of minutes. Be careful not to overcook the brown sugar, as it will eventually begin to caramelize and burn.
If you don’t have a microwave, you can achieve the same results in an oven. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the hardened brown sugar on the baking sheet and stick it in the oven. Check on it every few minutes and occasionally fluff it with a fork until it softens.
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Why Does Brown Sugar Harden So Quickly?
Brown sugar is prone to drying out when it isn’t stored in an airtight container. It contains molasses, which is what gives it its soft texture. When it’s exposed to air, the moisture evaporates, causing the sugar crystals to clump together and harden. That’s why brown sugar tends to harden pretty quickly after opening if it’s stored in the original packaging or a loosely sealed container.
How To Keep Brown Sugar Fresh
Although we’ve previously written about using marshmallows or a slice of bread to prevent brown sugar from clumping, the most effective method for keeping it soft is to store it in an airtight container with a removable terracotta disk. We recommend this product, which combines both elements and comfortably holds a 32-ounce bag.
