How to Soften Hard Brown Sugar

Got a lump of hard brown sugar in the pantry? Don't be tempted to toss it.—It'll still be usable after following one of these suggested methods.—Just choose the one that best fits your available pantry items.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Bread slice

1
Place the lump of sugar into a plastic bag that can be sealed.
2
Add a slice of soft bread and seal the bag well.

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3
Leave for several hours. When you check in a few hours, the sugar should be soft again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Microwave

1
Place the sugar into a microwave-proof bowl and zap it for a few seconds. The sugar will soften quickly.^{[1]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Damp cloth

1
Leave the sugar in a bowl and cover it with a thick, dampened cloth such as a tea towel. Use this method if you have more time.
2
Leave this overnight. By morning, the sugar should be soft again.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Slice of apple

1
Place the hard brown sugar in a plastic bag that can be sealed, or into the brown sugar container.
2
Add a slice of apple and seal the bag. This method is similar to the soft bread method.^{[2]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Kitchen foil

1
Chip off a piece of dried sugar. Wrap it in kitchen foil.
2
Bake in the oven at 150ºC/300ºF for five minutes.^{[3]
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3
Remove and allow to cool. The sugar should be soft again.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Marshmallows

1
Place one to two large marshmallows in with the brown sugar. Either a bag or a sugar container will work, provided it's airtight.
2
Leave it be. The marshmallows will soften the sugar for you. Leave them in there, and the sugar will stay soft.

Community Q&A

Question

Why is the bread needed in method one?

Community Answer

To provide moisture for the hardened (dried out) sugar. It is the same thing with the apple or damp towel, just another method to reintroduce moisture.
Question

Is brown sugar good for diabetic people?

Amy273

Community Answer

No.
Question

What is a terracotta sugar buddy?

Community Answer

Terracotta sugar buddies, often called sugar savers, are small, unglazed terracotta pieces. They're designed to be soaked in water and stored in brown sugar. Over time, they'll release water into the brown sugar and keep it soft.