How to Separate Solidified Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is made from unrefined white sugar that is mixed with molasses. The molasses content makes the brown sugar moist. If the moisture evaporates from the sugar, it hardens into clumps or blocks that are difficult to use in recipes. Separating the solidified brown sugar requires it to be softened, thus rendering it useful again. Brown sugar has an indefinite shelf life, so after softening proper storage is required to keep it usable until the next time you need it. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Container
- Plastic bags
- Apple
- Bread
- Microwave-safe dish
- Paper towels
- Oven-safe dish
Instructions
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Place the brown sugar in a plastic or rust-proof metal container that has a tight sealing lid. Use sealable plastic bags instead, if preferred.
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Wrap an apple slice in a paper towel and place it inside the container with the sugar. Alternately, place a bread slice in the container. Place the lid on the container tightly and wait two days. The moisture in the apple or bread transfers to the brown sugar and softens it.
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Soften the sugar in the microwave if you need it immediately. Measure out the amount of sugar needed for the recipe and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30 second intervals until the sugar is the desired softness.
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As an alternative, soften the brown sugar by placing it in an oven-safe pan. Place in a 250 degree F oven until it reaches the desired softness, usually within one to five minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Dispose of the bread or apple slice after the brown sugar has softened. If you have no bread or apples, dampen a paper towel and set it on top of a sheet of foil inside the sugar container.
Keep brown sugar bags and containers well-sealed to prevent future drying out.
Oven and microwave softened brown sugar becomes hard again after heating. Place any extra in a container with a bread or apple slice to finish softening.
