Have you ever been cooking/baking something only to discover your bag of sugar is hard and clumpy? It really stinks, doesn’t it?
I’ve had a 5lb bag of sugar I’ve been avoiding simply because it was hard & I didn’t know what to do with it. Every time I came across it I stressed a little thinking “I don’t want to throw this away but I also can’t use it for anything other than a rock”.
This (unfortunately) wasn’t my first hard bag of sugar so it was the final straw. I did some research hoping that there was some way to fix this. Lo and behold there is!
Why does sugar harden?
When granulated sugar is exposed to moisture it hardens; so your first step to prevention is to not store it in a moist location. A cool, dry, place is best!
How do I Unclump Sugar?
There are two options here that I’ve found to work best. I recommend the strainer/microwave method but you can also use an oven.
The Strainer/Microwave Method
You’ll Need:
– Bag of sugar (obviously)
– Large bowl
– Airtight container to store sugar
(I use the second largest in this set from
Tupperware)
– Strainer
(I use the red one in this set from
Walmart)
– Spoon
Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Directions:
– Place your sifter over the top of your sugar storage container; make sure you are using one that can sit on top of your container without being held.
– Open your bag of sugar and slowly pour your sugar into the sifter.
* By slowly pouring out the sugar the fine granulated pieces that are not clumped will
go straight through the sifter into the container.
* Pro Tip: If you’re bag is one big clump or has a big clump you should first squeeze the
bag to break your large clump down into smaller pieces. If it’s too hard tap the bag
on the counter.
– When your sifter fills with clumps dump those into your large bowl.
– Continue this process until your sugar bag is empty.
– Place the large bowl with sugar clumps in the microwave for 30 seconds.
– After 30 seconds check the sugar. The warmth of the microwave will soften the sugar
clumps; using your spoon crush the clumps of sugar.
– Continue this process until there are no more clumps in the bowl.
Voila! Unclumped sugar; ready to use in 5 minutes!
The Oven Method
You’ll Need:
– Oven-safe container large enough to
hold sugar
– Spoon
– Airtight container to store sugar
Directions:
– Preheat oven to lowest temp
(usually 150 to 200 degrees)
– Dump sugar in oven-safe container.
– Place in preheated oven for 15 minutes
– After 15 minutes check sugar. Push on
the clumps with a spoon. If the clumps
break apart, turn off the oven and leave
sugar inside the oven for for one to two
hours.
– Transfer cooled off sugar to airtight
container.
Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
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