How to Soften C&H® Brown Sugar

Quick softening method

If you need to use hard brown sugar immediately, preheat oven to 250˚ F. Transfer the sugar from the package onto an oven-safe pan and heat until it softens, watching it carefully. As soon as the sugar is soft, remove the pan from the oven and measure or weigh the amount you need right away. Caution: the sugar will be hot and will harden again as it cools.

Microwave softening method

Place the desired amount of hardened brown sugar in microwave safe bowl. Cover sugar with two pieces of wet, but not dripping, paper towels. Tightly cover a bowl with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. Work the sugar with a fork to separate the clumps, then use immediately. Caution: Sugar will be hot. Microwave-softened sugar also hardens as it cools so microwave only the amount of sugar needed. Microwave ovens vary in power; cooking time may need adjusting.

Time-permitting softening method

Place hardened brown sugar in a tightly- sealed container. Add any of the following into the container with the sugar:

1. A piece of plastic wrap or foil covered with two pieces of dampened – not dripping, paper towels.

2. A dampened terra cotta disk (available in many kitchen supply stores).

3. One or two slices of bread.

4. One or two large marshmallows.

Place lid on container and seal tightly. Remove whatever has been added to the sugar after about 2 days or whenever the sugar has absorbed the moisture and has softened. Work the sugar with a fork to separate the clumps; then tightly reseal the container. Sugar should remain soft.