I went to make my mother’s pork chops and found my brown sugar had turned into a solid block. I nearly threw it out.
You don’t have to.
Why It Hardens
Brown sugar is white sugar with molasses, which keeps it soft and moist. When it’s exposed to air, the moisture dries out and the sugar clumps into a hard lump.
How to Soften It Fast
- Microwave: Put the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel and heat it in short bursts of about 20 seconds. Break it up with a fork between bursts.
- Overnight: Put a slice of bread in the container with the sugar and close it. By morning the sugar is soft. Take the bread out.
How to Keep It Soft
- Store it airtight. A container with a tight lid or a zip-top bag with the air pressed out.
- Add a softener. A terracotta brown sugar saver, soaked in water and dried, keeps it moist for weeks.
- Keep it cool and dark, away from the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hard brown sugar still good?
Yes. It doesn’t spoil. It just dries out.
Can I use a marshmallow instead of bread?
Many people do, and it works the same way.
That brick in the pantry is just thirsty. Give it a little moisture.
