How to Make Your Brown Sugar Soft Again

Brown sugar
Image by Gabriela Sanda from Pixabay

Ever reach for a bag of brown sugar only to find out it’s hard? Yep, it’s pretty disappointing. But thankfully there are a few ways to restore the brown sugar back into usable goodness. So definitely don’t toss it! Here are some tips to try. 

The Microwave Method

If you need soft brown sugar immediately, the microwave can come to your rescue. Place the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, checking and fluffing the sugar with a fork between each interval. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can melt the sugar.

The Marshmallow Method

Marshmallows can also help to soften brown sugar due to their high moisture content. Place a few marshmallows in the container with the hardened sugar. The sugar will draw moisture from the marshmallows and become soft again. 

The Bread Technique

For a more gradual softening, try the bread technique. Place a piece of bread in an airtight container with the hardened brown sugar. Seal the container and let it sit overnight. The sugar will absorb moisture from the bread, becoming soft and usable again.