Food Shopping & Storing Food Shopping & Storing How Do You Unclump Brown Sugar? Real Simple answers your questions. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on July 3, 2008 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Kirsten Strecker Q. What's the easiest way to un-clump brown sugar? Colleen Reilly South Pasadena, California A. Revive it with some bread. If you're pressed for time, try the microwave. Place the dried-out brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and top with a slice of fresh bread or a damp paper towel. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave it in 15-second intervals until the sugar is moist and easy to scoop. You'll be well on your way to getting those cookies in the oven. If you discover hard brown sugar and have time to spare, Susan M. Reid, editor of The Baking Sheet blog from King Arthur Flour, suggests placing the sugar in a resealable plastic bag overnight with a slice of bread or a couple of apple wedges. She explains that since sugar is hygroscopic (fancy talk for spongelike), it will naturally absorb moisture from the bread or the apple, so you don't have to zap it in the microwave. Once the sugar is back to its old self, Reid suggests storing it in an airtight container with a terra-cotta brown-sugar saver. Soak the disc for 15 minutes, pat it dry, and package it with the sugar to prevent clumps. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit