Molasses Substitute

Whether you’re in the middle of baking gingerbread cookies or whipping up a BBQ sauce and realize you’re out of molasses, don’t worry—there’s no need to make an emergency store run! You can make a molasses substitute at home with just a few pantry staples. This simple recipe delivers a rich, syrupy alternative that works perfectly in any recipe calling for molasses.

What is Molasses?

Molasses is a thick, dark syrup derived from sugarcane or sugar beets during the sugar-making process. It’s known for its deep, robust flavor that adds richness to baked goods, marinades, and even savory dishes.

If you don’t have molasses on hand or want a homemade version, this substitute captures its essence beautifully using dark brown sugar and a few other ingredients.

Homemade Molasses Substitute Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dark brown sugar
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Combine the dark brown sugar, water, cream of tartar, and lemon juice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
2. Heat and Dissolve: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Simmer: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens into a syrup. Remember, the syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. Cool and Store: Once cooled, transfer the syrup to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 3-4 months.

Tips for Best Results

• Consistency Check: If the mixture becomes too thick or starts to crystallize over time, gently reheat it to dissolve the granules.
• Adjust for Taste: For a deeper flavor, you can experiment with adding a small amount of blackstrap molasses (if you have it) to the mix.

How to Use Your Molasses Substitute

This homemade syrup can be used in any recipe calling for molasses, such as:

• Gingerbread cookies
• Marinades and glazes
• BBQ sauces
• Sweet breads and cakes
• Baked beans

Why Make Your Own Substitute?

• Convenience: No need to halt your cooking or baking projects if you run out of molasses.
• Cost-Effective: Brown sugar is often more affordable and readily available than molasses.
• Customizable: This recipe lets you control the flavor and thickness to suit your needs.

A Pantry Hack You’ll Love

With this homemade molasses substitute, you’ll always have a reliable backup to keep your recipes on track. It’s simple, delicious, and the perfect solution for those moments when molasses is missing from your pantry.

Happy cooking and baking! 🥄✨

Molasses Substitute

Using a molasses substitute is a quick and easy way to add sweetness and depth to recipes without the need for actual molasses.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Calories 1674 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 2 cups dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice freshly squeezed

Instructions

 

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, over medium heat, add the sugar, water, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.
• Once the sugar dissolves, turn down the heat and let the syrup simmer steadily for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes a slightly thick syrup. Please remember that as it cools it will get thicker.
• Use this molasses substitute in any recipe in place of molasses. It will last 3-4 months in an airtight container at room temperature.
• This makes 1 1/2 cups of molasses substitute.

Notes

If it starts to harden simply heat it back up again to dissolve the granules.

Nutrition

Calories: 1674kcalCarbohydrates: 432gProtein: 1gSodium: 132mgPotassium: 709mgSugar: 427gCalcium: 371mgIron: 3mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!