The Secret to Storing Brown Sugar So It Stays Soft, According to a Pro Baker

Brown sugar doesn’t always behave. One day it’s perfectly soft and scoopable; the next, it’s a solid, unyielding block. Why does this happen, and how should you store brown sugar to avoid hard lumps?

We spoke to baking expert and cookbook author Benjamin Delwiche, who shares his baking videos on TikTok. He explains what causes brown sugar to harden and the smartest ways to prevent it. Learn which containers work best, whether the fridge or freezer is a good idea, how long brown sugar lasts, and what to do if it’s already turned rock solid. There are even a few storage myths to steer clear of—because when it comes to brown sugar, the right method makes all the difference.

Why Brown Sugar Hardens

The soft, slightly sticky texture of brown sugar comes from molasses—a moisture-rich syrup that gives the sugar its signature flavor. Over time, if exposed to air, that moisture evaporates, causing the sugar to dry out and harden into lumps. Often poor storage is to blame, from containers that don’t fully seal to bags that aren’t properly closed.

The Best Way to Store Brown Sugar

To keep brown sugar soft for as long as possible, Delwiche recommends storing it in an airtight container. He personally likes Cambro containers for their quality and range of sizes, but any well-sealing container will help preserve the sugar’s moisture.

Fridge? No. Freezer? Yes.

It might seem like the fridge would help preserve freshness, but Delwiche cautions against it, since the cold environment pulls moisture out, making clumping worse.

However, freezing brown sugar can be a smart solution, especially if you live in a dry climate. Just store it in an airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag, and allow enough time for it to come to room temperature before using. This method prevents moisture loss and extends shelf life.

How Long Brown Sugar Lasts

When stored correctly in a sealed container and kept in a cool, dry place, brown sugar can last up to two years. Still, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging for freshness recommendations.

What to Do If Brown Sugar Hardens

If you need your brown sugar right away, you can soften it using the oven or microwave. Wrap the clumpy sugar in a damp towel and place it in a 250-degree Fahrenheit oven for a few minutes, or microwave it for several seconds. Be careful not to melt it.

For longer-term softening, try placing a damp paper towel or a soaked terra cotta disk in the container. These methods take a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the dryness of the sugar, but they work without affecting the sugar’s flavor.

Methods to Avoid

You may have heard that placing a slice of apple or bread in your sugar can soften it. While that’s true, Delwiche cautions against it: forget to remove the food in time and you risk mold or spoilage.

In short: a little care goes a long way—store your brown sugar properly, and you’ll never have to chisel through clumps again.