Brown sugar is a versatile ingredient used in many recipes. It’s particularly popular in baking recipes, like cookies and cakes, as well as in savory recipes like barbecue sauces and glazes. But if you’ve had your brown sugar sitting in the pantry for a while, you may find it has hardened and is no longer usable. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks for making your brown sugar soft and pliable once again.
Using the Microwave
The quickest and easiest way to soften hardened brown sugar is to use the microwave. To do this, all you need is a microwave-safe, airtight container and a damp paper towel. Place the hardened brown sugar into the container and add a damp paper towel to the top. Seal the container and microwave for about 30 seconds. Check the sugar to see if it has softened and, if not, microwave it in 10-second intervals until it is soft. Once the sugar has been softened, remove the paper towel and mix the sugar with a spoon.
Using the Oven
If you don’t have a microwave, you can use your oven to soften hardened brown sugar. Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oven is preheated, place the hardened brown sugar in a shallow baking pan and place it in the oven. Allow it to bake for about five minutes, stirring it occasionally with a spoon. Once the sugar has softened, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool before using it.
Using an Apple
If you’re looking for a low-tech option for softening hardened brown sugar, you can use an apple. Start by placing your hardened brown sugar in an airtight container. Cut an apple in half and place one half on top of the hardened brown sugar. Close the container and leave it overnight. The moisture from the apple will help to soften the brown sugar. The next day, remove the apple and mix the brown sugar with a spoon before using it.
Using Corn Syrup
Another way to soften hardened brown sugar is by using corn syrup. Start by pouring a teaspoon of corn syrup into a microwave-safe container. Add the hardened brown sugar and stir to combine the two ingredients. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds and then stir it with a spoon. If the brown sugar is still too hard, microwave it for an additional 10 seconds. Once the brown sugar has softened, remove it from the microwave and use it in your recipe.
Using White Vinegar
White vinegar can also be used to soften hardened brown sugar. To do this, place a teaspoon of white vinegar in a microwave-safe container and add the hardened brown sugar. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds and then stir it with a spoon. If the sugar is still too hard, microwave it for an additional 10 seconds. Once the sugar has softened, remove it from the microwave and use it in your recipe.
Using Boiling Water
If you don’t have any of the ingredients listed above, you can also use boiling water to soften hardened brown sugar. Begin by pouring boiling water into a microwave-safe container. Add the hardened brown sugar and stir to combine the two ingredients. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds and then stir it with a spoon. If the sugar is still too hard, microwave it for an additional 10 seconds. Once the sugar has softened, remove it from the microwave and use it in your recipe.
Using a Food Processor
If all else fails, you can use a food processor to break down hardened brown sugar. Start by pouring the hardened sugar into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the sugar until it is broken down into smaller pieces. Once the sugar has been broken down, use it in your recipe.
Conclusion
Hardened brown sugar doesn’t have to be thrown away. With a few simple tricks, you can easily soften the sugar and get back to baking. Whether you use the microwave, oven, apple, corn syrup, white vinegar, boiling water, or food processor, you can get your brown sugar back to its original soft and pliable state in no time.