How to Soften Hardened Sugar

Soften hard brown sugar temporarily to add it to your recipe.

Brown sugar often hardens when it loses its moisture content. Instead of throwing the hard brown sugar away, you can soften it to use it in recipes. Hardened brown sugar can be difficult to measure. After you soften the brown sugar, use it immediately because it will harden again. To prevent brown sugar from hardening, it needs to be stored in a humid location in an airtight container so that it does not lose moisture.

Things You'll Need

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spray bottle
• Paper towel
• Fork
• Cookie sheet of aluminum foil

Instructions

Microwave Method

1. Break off a piece of the hardened brown sugar. If you have difficulty breaking it, then soften the entire hard block of sugar.

2. Place the hard brown sugar into a microwave-safe bowl.

3. Fill a spray bottle with water. Mist a paper towel to dampen it. If you soak it with too much water, then wring it out carefully. You do not want water dripping from the paper towel.

4. Place the dampened paper towel over the microwave-safe bowl. Heat the sugar in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.

5. Remove the bowl from the microwave carefully. Break the sugar apart with a fork. If it remains hard, place it back into the microwave for 15-second intervals until it softens completely.

6. Use the sugar immediately after it softens. The brown sugar will harden again once it cools down.

Oven Method

1. Heat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Remove the hard sugar and place it onto a cookie sheet or a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

3. Place the hard brown sugar in the oven. Turn on the oven light so you can watch it closely.

4. Remove the brown sugar after approximately five minutes or once it softens. Use it immediately to prevent it from hardening.

References

• C&H Pure Cane Sugar: Frequently Asked Questions
• University of Illinois Extension: FAQ's About Brown Sugar
• Tip Nut: 10 Ways to Soften Hard Brown Sugar