How to Soften Honey

Last Updated: July 16, 2021 References Tested

Honey is a delicious addition to countless foods, but it can be difficult to use once it becomes hardened, or crystallized. If you’re looking for a consistent way to soften and reheat your honey, try submerging it in a hot water bath! If you’re in a rush, try microwaving an uncovered jar for less than a minute. Enjoy using your now refreshed and rejuvenated honey!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Hot Water Bath

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Fill a large pot with warm water and place it on the stove. Find a pot that’s large enough to comfortably fit your jar or bottle of honey. Using warm tap water, fill the pot over halfway full, checking that there’s enough water to cover 75% of the honey container. Once the pot is mostly full, place it over a large burner set to high heat.^{[1]
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- Try placing the pot on your largest burner. Large burners will heat your water more efficiently than smaller ones.
- If you’re only looking to soften a small container of honey, you might not need to use a large pot.
2
Remove the water from the burner once it starts boiling. Keep an eye on the water to see if it’s bubbling or not. Once the water is actively steaming and reaching a rolling boil, turn off the heat and move the pot to a cooler area.^{[2]
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- Always use gloves or hot pads when handling a pot that’s been on the stovetop.
- Be careful when handling boiling water, so none of it spills on you.
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3
Let the water cool until the temperature drops below 140 °F (60 °C). Leave the water alone for several minutes. To keep an eye on things, stick a thermometer into the water to get an idea of how hot the water is.^{[3]
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Research source} Don’t do anything with the water until it’s under 140 °F (60 °C).^{[4]
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- If you heat up the honey too much, you could heat away the nutritious enzymes and other qualities of the honey.
- Many plastics can withstand boiling temperatures; but you shouldn’t keep plastic bottles in hot water baths that are over 140 °F (60 °C) for extended periods of time. Check the bottle’s label to see if it includes any safety information.^{[5]
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4
Place the open honey container into the warm water. Take your open honey jar or bottle and arrange it in the middle of the pot. Don’t worry about moving the honey around—instead, let it sit and begin absorbing the heat from the water. Keep a thermometer on hand so you can monitor the temperature.
- If the water gets too cold, just remove the honey from the pot and re-boil the water.
- If you’re trying to soften smaller amounts of honey, scoop out your desired amount into a small glass bowl. Place your small bowl into a larger bowl that’s filled with warm water to begin softening the honey. Stir the honey over several minutes, and refill the larger bowl with warm water as needed.^{[6]
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Tip: If you don’t want to worry about your water cooling down, try using a slow cooker! Fill your crock pot with enough water to submerge 75% of your honey jar. Next, turn on the device to the lowest possible heat setting, then leave your container of honey uncovered in the slow cooker for up to 8 hours.

Make sure that the crock pot doesn’t get any hotter than 140 °F (60 °C), or you’ll overheat the honey. Ideally, try and keep the temperature under 120 °F (49 °C).^{[7]
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5
Wait at least 30 minutes for the honey to soften. Set a timer while your honey warms up, and work on other tasks in the meantime. After a half hour passes, stir honey to see if it’s still crystallized or not. If it still hasn’t softened, leave the honey in the water for another 30 minutes, or until it’s no longer hard.
- This process might take a long time. Don’t put your crystallized honey in a hot water bath if you need to use it immediately.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Placing Glass Jars in the Microwave

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Take the lid off the jar before heating the honey. Since most jar lids are metal, always avoid heating up closed jars of honey. Instead, leave the lid on a nearby surface so the honey has room to breathe as it reheats.
- Intense microwave heat can destroy the beneficial enzymes and other nutrients in the honey. However, if you’re looking for a quick heating solution, the microwave can work in a pinch.^{[8]
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Warning: Don’t heat plastic honey bottles in the microwave, as the plastic can warp and begin to melt.
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Set your microwave to a lower power setting. If possible, check the settings to your microwave and see if you can lower the power percentage going into your device. If you don’t have specific settings, choose a “medium” power level. If your microwave is more advanced, choose “50% power” or lower.
- Your honey will overheat if you don’t lower the settings.
3
Heat the jar in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Set your microwave timer for 1 minute or less, and wait for the honey to finish warming up. Stir the heated honey with a spoon to see if the crystals are gone. If the honey still looks crusty and hardened, reheat it for 30 seconds or less.^{[9]
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- You probably won’t need to reheat the honey for a full 30 seconds.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I soften hard honey to be used in a recipe, or does it lose something?

Community Answer

Your recipe will be the same. The honey will still be absorbed when it is softened, and the flavor won't change.
Question

Can I put the honey in the fridge after I've softened it?

Community Answer

Yes, it may crystalize, but you can just heat it carefully in the microwave or a pan of hot water.
Question

How do I soften honey in a plastic container?

Community Answer

Place the container in very warm water and wait awhile. The honey should revert to liquid.