How maddening to reach for the brown sugar, expecting it to be soft and fluffy, only to find a rock-hard clump in the bottom of the box. Or how about this: Brown sugar is on sale, so you stock up. Even without opening the bags or boxes left on the shelf, the contents, in time, turn brick-hard.
Should you toss the bricks into the garbage? Better idea: Learn how to keep brown sugar soft and fluffy—and how to soften after it has hardened.
Brown sugar is white sugar plus molasses. Molasses is what gives brown sugar its distinct color, flavor, and moisture. Although there is a trace amount of various nutrients in brown sugar that come from molasses, brown sugar is not considered healthier than other sugars.
Airtight Container
Typically, brown sugar comes from the store in a box or a bag. Or “sealed” in a bag inside a box. All methods are an attempt to keep that brown sugar soft. Just don’t count on it. Once opened, expect rock-hard results to follow, and sooner than you might think. A lot has to do with humidity, light, and heat.Marshmallows
Even in a supposed airtight container, unless all of the air has been vacuumed out and sealed, there is enough moisture loss for brown sugar to harden. The solution is introducing moisture to the container. An easy way to do this is with a couple of marshmallows.White Bread
Place a small piece of bread in the container with the brown sugar. Like marshmallows, white bread contains a good amount of moisture. As that transfers to the molasses in the brown sugar, the bread will become hard, the brown sugar soft. Replace that piece of bread weekly, or as needed.Apple Slice
A slice or two of a ripe apple dropped into a container of brown sugar also will keep it soft. Again, the molasses in the sugar attracts the moisture in the apple, and that keeps everyone happy—for a while.Terra Cotta
A piece of unglazed food-grade terra cotta makes for an ideal brown-sugar saver. Simply soak that piece of pottery in water, then drop it into the brown sugar container. Apply the lid and then walk away. Your brown sugar will be perfectly soft and fluffy the next time you reach for it.Brown Sugar Keeper
If you intend to purchase an airtight container for brown sugar, I suggest you get one that comes with the terra cotta disk. Now you have the best of both worlds: an excellent container and a terra cotta sugar keeper all in one. Give the terra cotta a good soak in water every few weeks and replace it in the container.Make It Yourself
It’s so easy to make brown sugar you might consider giving up storing it at all. Just make it on demand, as needed.Combine 1 cup white sugar and 1 tablespoon molasses in a bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or mixer until thoroughly blended.
