Tips for Softening Brown Sugar

Brown sugar includes molasses, which is what makes it brown (and slightly acidic!). But more importantly, molasses provides moisture, which is why brown sugar has a soft, almost Play-Doh-like texture. But when brown sugar is exposed to air for too long, that moisture evaporates, and the sugar crystals stick together to form a solid, dry mass.

Now that we know why it happens, here’s how to fix it.

Use a slice of soft bread (from a basic sandwich loaf) to soften brown sugar. When placed together, the brown sugar will absorb the moisture from the bread, softening it to its former glory. This method will take about 24 hours to kick into gear, but there’s a reason why bakers continuously rely on it: It works well, nearly everyone has sliced bread on hand, and it’s easy to pull off.

To soften hardened brown sugar, place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and lay a slice of sandwich bread on top before sealing it. Let it sit for 24 hours, or at least overnight, allowing the moisture from the bread to soften the sugar. Once the brown sugar is soft again, remove and discard the bread before using the sugar. You can also adapt this method to use sliced apples instead of bread.

Here’s how you can soften brown sugar quickly:

1. Grab a bag and add your brown sugar-about 8 ounces will do.
2. Put 3/4 teaspoon of water in the bag. It doesn’t take much to make a big difference!
3. Now, start kneading it with your hands until the sugar turns into a soft, pliable mass.
4. Voilà! Your brown sugar is now ready to use, no waiting necessary.

To keep your brown sugar soft, start by transferring it to an airtight container or a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing it up tight. This helps keep the moisture from the molasses locked in, so your sugar stays soft and easy to use. For an extra layer of protection, you can add a reusable Brown Sugar Saver to the container. This will help maintain the right moisture level between uses, ensuring your sugar stays soft for as long as possible.

Most beginners can complete this process in approximately 10 to 15 minutes following these step-by-step instructions.

Ensure every step is completed carefully and all materials are prepared beforehand to achieve the best results.