Have you ever gone to bake some cookies and found your brown sugar turned into a rock? It’s super frustrating, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
Today, I’m going to share some super easy tips on How To Keep Brown Sugar Soft and ready to use whenever you need it. Let’s dive in and make sure your cookies, cakes, and other yummy treats come out perfect every time!
Contents
Why Does Brown Sugar Become Hard?
Brown sugar is soft and moist because it has molasses in it. Molasses is what gives it that yummy, sticky texture. But when the sugar is exposed to air, the moisture from the molasses evaporates. That’s when you end up with a hard, clumpy mess.
Think of it like a sponge. When it’s wet, it’s soft and squishy, but if you leave it out to dry, it gets stiff and hard. The same thing happens to brown sugar when it loses its moisture.
Can Brown Sugar Go Bad If It Hardens?
If your brown sugar turns hard, don’t worry—it’s not spoiled or bad. Brown sugar doesn’t go bad the way milk or bread does. When it hardens, it just loses its moisture.
The good news is that you can usually bring it back to its soft, yummy state by adding some moisture back in.
What To Put In Brown Sugar To Keep It Soft?
Keeping brown sugar soft can be a challenge, but with the right techniques, it can stay fresh and usable for all your baking needs. Here are some effective methods to ensure your light or dark brown sugar stays soft and clump-free.
Use An Airtight Container
The first thing you should do to keep your brown sugar soft is to store it in an air tight container. This is essential because it helps prevent brown sugar from drying out and forming pesky sugar crystals.
Simply transfer your brown sugar into a moisture-proof plastic bag or a container with a tight plastic lid. Even a resealable plastic bag can do wonders! By creating an airtight environment, you effectively lock in the moisture, which keeps your brown sugar soft and ready to use.
With this method, your brown sugar will stay soft for several months, making it a go-to solution for long-term storage. Plus, it’s so easy and convenient—just a quick transfer, and you’re done!
Add A Slice of Bread
Another simple and effective way to keep your brown sugar soft is to add a slice of bread to the container. The bread works wonders because it releases moisture, which prevents brown sugar from becoming dry and forming hard sugar crystals.
All you have to do is place a fresh slice of bread into the airtight container with your brown sugar. Over time, the bread will harden as it gives off its moisture, while your brown sugar stays nice and soft.
You can expect this method to keep your brown sugar soft for several weeks. When the bread becomes hard, simply replace it with a new slice. This handy tip is an easy, low-cost solution to keep your brown sugar ready for all your baking and cooking needs.
Add A Terra Cotta Sugar Saver
One of my favorite tricks for keeping brown sugar soft is using a terra cotta sugar saver. These little gems work wonders because they slowly release moisture, which prevents brown sugar from hardening and forming sugar crystals.
To use it, simply soak the terra cotta piece in water for about 15 minutes, pat it dry, and tuck it into your airtight container with the brown sugar. This method can keep your brown sugar soft for up to three months!
When you notice the sugar starting to harden again, just re-soak the terra cotta piece and repeat the process. It’s a simple, reusable, and effective solution that saves time and maintains the quality of your brown sugar.
Add A Marshmallow
A surprisingly effective way to keep your brown sugar soft is by adding a marshmallow to the container. The marshmallow releases just the right amount of moisture, preventing the sugar from drying out.
Simply place one or two marshmallows on top of your brown sugar in a re-sealable container or an airtight container. This method helps maintain the softness of your brown sugar for several weeks.
If you notice the marshmallow starting to dry out or harden, just replace it with a new one. It’s such a simple and sweet solution, literally, to store brown sugar and keep it soft without any excess moisture!
Methods To Soften Hardened Brown Sugar
Microwave With A Damp Paper Towel
If your brown sugar has already turned rock-hard, don’t worry! A quick and effective way to soften brown sugar is by using your microwave with a damp paper towel.
How It Works: This method works because the moisture from the damp paper towel helps rehydrate the sugar, making it soft and easy to use again.
How To Do This: Place the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it on high for about 20-30 seconds. Check the sugar, and if it’s not soft enough, repeat in 10-second intervals until it’s usable.
Note: This method is a quick fix, and the sugar might harden again if not stored properly afterwards, so be sure to transfer it to an airtight container to keep it soft!
Use An Oven
Using an oven is another excellent way to soften hardened brown sugar.
How It Works: This method works because the gentle heat helps break down the hard sugar clumps, making it soft and usable again.
How To Do This: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the hardened brown sugar evenly on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes. Check the sugar, and if it’s still not soft enough, give it a few more minutes. Be careful not to leave it too long, as it can melt and turn into syrup.
Note: This method requires more attention to avoid overcooking, but it’s a reliable way to get your brown sugar back to its original, soft state!
Use A Slice Of Apple
Using a slice of apple is a natural and effective way to soften brown sugar.
How It Works: Apple releases moisture, which helps to rehydrate the sugar, making it soft and easy to use again.
How To Do This: Place a slice of apple into the air tight container with the hardened brown sugar and seal it tightly. Leave it for about 24 hours, and you’ll find that the sugar has absorbed the moisture from the apple, returning to its soft state.
Note: You need to check the sugar frequently to make sure it doesn’t become too moist or start to smell like apples. Once softened, remove the apple slice and store the brown sugar in an airtight container to keep it from hardening again.
Use A Terra Cotta Sugar Saver
A terra cotta sugar saver is my favorite tool for softening the brown sugar again and again.
How It Works: These little pieces of pottery work like magic because they release moisture slowly and evenly, which helps rehydrate the sugar.
How To Use: To use one, soak the terra cotta disk in water for about 15 minutes, then pat it dry and place it in the container with your hardened brown sugar. Seal the container tightly and leave it for a few hours or overnight. You’ll be amazed to find your sugar soft and ready to use again!
Note: One of the main benefits is that these sugar savers can be reused indefinitely; just re-soak them as needed. However, a minor drawback is that it might take a bit longer compared to other methods.
FAQ’S
Can I Keep White Sugar Soft By Applying The Same Methods?
Yes, the methods for softening brown sugar, like using a slice of apple or a terra cotta sugar saver, can also help keep white sugar soft. Just place them in your white sugar container, and they will help maintain its ideal texture.
Should Brown Sugar Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
No, brown sugar should not be stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature can cause it to harden even more.
So, What Is The Best Way To Store Brown Sugar?
After discussing various methods for keeping brown sugar soft, the best way to store it is by using a combination of airtight containers and natural moisture sources like marshmallows, bread pieces, or terra cotta sugar savers.
These methods are easy to use and highly effective in preventing brown sugar from hardening.
However, if your brown sugar does become hardened, the most reliable way to soften it is by using slice of apple or an oven or microwave with a damp paper towel. Remember to always transfer the softened sugar into an airtight container for long-term storage.
