7 Molasses Substitutes for Baking

The Sweetness of Molasses

Molasses brings a rich, deep flavor and color to baked goods. Its thick, syrupy texture can be hard to replicate. But when you run out mid-recipe, several handy ingredients can step in to sweeten and bind your cookies, cakes and more.

Why Use Molasses Substitutes?

You may need a molasses stand-in if you’ve run out mid-bake. Or perhaps you want to lighten the intensity of molasses flavor and color in a recipe. People avoiding added sugars or following a vegan diet can also benefit from substitutions.

7 Viable Molasses Swaps

If you’ve found yourself in a molasses pinch, these ingredients can save the day:

Maple syrup
Honey
Brown sugar
Maple sugar
Date syrup
Applesauce
Dark corn syrup

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup makes an excellent molasses alternative thanks to its smooth, rich flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio, swapping maple syrup for molasses in your recipe.

Honey

Honey is a touch sweeter than molasses, though it shares a similar viscosity and amber hue. For every 1 cup molasses, use 1 cup honey. Reduce other liquids slightly to account for honey’s higher moisture content.

Brown Sugar

Packaged brown sugar offers affordable convenience. It contains some molasses already, providing familiar notes. Use an equal amount of brown sugar in place of molasses.

Maple Sugar

For a flavor reminiscent of molasses, look no further than maple sugar. It crystallizes maple syrup into a molasses-like spread. Substitute maple sugar 1:1 for molasses.

Date Syrup

Thick, sticky date syrup has an earthy sweetness and brown hue similar to molasses. Replace molasses with an equal amount of date syrup.

Applesauce

Applesauce can mimic the moisture, texture, and binding qualities of molasses. Replace 1 cup molasses with 1 cup unsweetened applesauce.

Dark Corn Syrup

While not exactly health food, dark corn syrup contains similar sugars as molasses. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best molasses substitute for gingerbread?

For gingerbread, maple syrup is the best molasses swap. It has a vibrant flavor that stands up well to gingerbread’s bold spices.

Can I replace molasses with honey in pumpkin pie?

Yes, honey can substitute for molasses in pumpkin pie. Use a 1:1 ratio, and reduce any other liquids slightly to account for honey’s moisture.

What can I use if I don’t have molasses or a substitute?

In a pinch, make a molasses substitute by boiling 1 cup sugar in 1/4 cup water until it thickens. Stir over low heat for 5 minutes until the sugar liquefies and resembles molasses.

Is molasses necessary for ginger cookies?

Molasses isn’t strictly necessary, but it does lend the signature flavor, chewiness and snap to ginger cookies. For best results, use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute.

What is the healthiest molasses substitute?

Maple syrup and date syrup are the healthiest substitutes for molasses. They contain nutrients like manganese, riboflavin, zinc and iron absent from plain white sugar.