How to Soften Dark Brown Sugar

Take extra care and soften the dark brown sugar.

Dark brown sugar has a full-bodied flavor that comes from natural molasses syrup. Used to sweeten fruits, puddings, fruitcakes, gingerbread and cakes, it adds both color and flavor to the desserts. You can also create special dishes by adding dark brown sugar to barbecue sauces, marinades, chili, pickles and chutneys. If the dark brown sugar is not stored properly, the molasses syrup will evaporate and create a hard block of sugar.

Instructions

1. Place the dark brown sugar in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When taking the sugar out of the refrigerator, let it sit for 15 minutes, and it will return to room temperature. Freezer-stored sugar will return to its powdered form in about an hour's time.

2. Add different foods or items if you wish to store the dark brown sugar in its original bag. Use a piece of bread, half an apple or an orange slice to keep the sugar moist. Change the apple and orange slice every few days. Alternatively, you can purchase a small, clay disk from a specialty store. Soak the disk in cold water before inserting it in the bag of sugar. Ensure that the sugar covers the disk.

3. Use your microwave oven to soften hardened blocks of dark brown sugar. Place about half a pound of the hardened sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Place two wet paper towels over the sugar, and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave for two to 2.5 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Divide the warmed sugar with a fork, and use it immediately.

4. Preheat the oven to a very low temperature -- 200 degrees or 250 degrees F. Place the dark brown sugar on a baking sheet and bake for approximately five minutes. Check regularly to ensure that the sugar does not melt.

5. Plan ahead -- the day before -- and let the dark brown sugar soften gradually. Place the sugar in a bowl and position foil or plastic wrap directly upon the sugar. Place a crumpled and dampened paper towel on top of the wrap. Remove the paper towel after it has dried out; the dark brown sugar has absorbed the moisture.

References

• CSR Sugar: Dark Brown Sugar
• Joy of Baking: Sugar
• Professor's House: Storing Brown Sugar