Sweetener|Syrup | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Molasses

Saccharum officinarum (source plant) Allergen-Free
molasses

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae (for sugarcane)
  • Primary Cuisine Caribbean|Southern US|Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sugarcane|Sugar beets

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of gingerbread and BBQ sauces, providing not just sweetness but also unique depth, color, and trace minerals."

Definition

A thick, dark syrup produced during the refining of sugar cane or sugar beets, known for its robust, bittersweet flavor and nutritional benefits.

Sensory Profile

TasteBittersweet, Caramel, Earthy, Robust
TextureViscous, Thick, Sticky
AromaDeep caramel, Earthy, Slightly burnt
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Common Varieties

Light, Dark, Blackstrap, and Sulphured/Unsulphured.

Nutritional Value (Blackstrap)

Rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Storage Stability

Indefinite shelf life if stored in a cool, dark place once opened, though quality may slowly degrade.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (20g)
Calories290 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate74.7 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars74.7 g
Calcium205 mg
Iron4.72 mg
Potassium1464 mg

Chef’s Secret

When measuring molasses, coat the measuring spoon with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.

Substitutions

Best Match

Dark Corn Syrup

1:1

Best for texture and sweetness, though it lacks the complex flavor and nutrients of molasses.

Maple Syrup (dark grade)

1:1

Provides similar depth of flavor and sweetness, good for baking, but with a distinct maple note.

Honey

1:1

Adds sweetness and viscosity, but has a different floral flavor profile.

Brown Sugar (packed)

1 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup liquid per 1 cup molasses

For baking, provides sweetness and some moisture, but will lack the intense flavor.

Buying Guide

Choose unsulphured molasses for a purer flavor. Darker varieties like blackstrap are richer in nutrients.

Flavor Pairings

Ginger cinnamon cloves oats pork baked beans gingerbread rum.

Recipes Using Molasses

Course Cuisine Oven Preparation

Better Then Bush's Baked Beans

This isn't your average can of baked beans! This recipe, a true labor of love, delivers intensely flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth baked beans that surpass even the best store-bought brands. Double the recipe for an even better result – perfect for potlucks or large gatherings! Get ready for the most delicious baked beans you've ever tasted.

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Time To Make Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Number Of Servings Preparation

3 Way Bbq Baked Beans Oamc

Elevate your BBQ game with this incredibly versatile 3-Way BBQ Baked Beans recipe! Perfect for meal prepping and freezer-friendly, this recipe lets you customize your bean blend (use any 3 types!). After mixing, choose your cooking method: freezer storage for future meals, slow-cooking in a crockpot for ultimate tenderness, or classic oven baking for a delicious crust. Adapted from a beyond-macaroni-and-cheese favorite, this recipe is a must-try for busy families and BBQ enthusiasts alike. Get ready for the most flavorful baked beans you've ever tasted!

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3 Steps Or Less Small Appliance Preparation Equipment

50 Whole Wheat Bread Bread Machine

Delight in this light and fluffy whole wheat bread, perfect for sandwiches! This recipe, adapted from Roxanne Mcquilkin's "Canadian Bread Machine Baking," skips the whole wheat cycle for a surprisingly tasty result. Enjoy the ease of bread machine baking without sacrificing flavor.

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Course Dietary American Puddings And Mousses

American Poverty Pudding Circa 1933

Step back in time with this nostalgic American Poverty Pudding recipe, a heartwarming baked sweet treat from a 1933 cookbook! Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, this cornflake-based pudding is surprisingly delicious and perfect for a cozy evening. Learn the secrets passed down through generations and experience a taste of history – with an optional upgrade for when times are better!

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Seasonal Condiments Etc Low In Something Marinades And Rubs

Apple Jack Pork Marinade

Fall into flavor with this incredible Apple Jack Pork Marinade! Perfect for pork loin or tenderloin, this recipe delivers juicy, tender results every time. Imagine succulent pork, roasted alongside sweet baby carrots and red potatoes, all bathed in a rich, autumnal glaze. Use the leftover marinade to create an irresistible pan sauce – a culinary masterpiece in just minutes!

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Preparation Equipment Oven Preparation

Asian Pork Tenderloin

This Asian Pork Tenderloin recipe is a flavor explosion! Light, healthy, and incredibly tasty, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy pork tenderloin gets glazed with a sweet and savory honey-soy marinade, then baked to perfection. Ready in under an hour, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite! #AsianPorkTenderloin #HealthyRecipe #PorkTenderloin #HoneySoy #WeeknightDinner

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Side Dishes Time To Make Comfort Food Beans

Aunt Charolette's Calico Baked Beans

Fall in love with these easy and irresistible calico baked beans! A potluck sensation, these beans are so good, even baked bean skeptics will be asking for the recipe. Aunt Charlotte's secret recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or your next barbecue. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Stir Fry Chinese Asian

Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein

Craving takeout? Skip the delivery fees and make restaurant-quality Chinese Pork Chow Mein at home! This recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers a rich, savory flavor that's even better than your favorite takeout. Customize it to your liking – add extra soy sauce for a bolder taste, or include fresh garlic for an extra aromatic kick. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this authentic and delicious dish!

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Beans Course Dietary Beginner Cook

Baked Beans Western Style

Spice up your next barbecue or spicy meal with this incredibly flavorful Baked Beans Western Style recipe! Sweet, tangy, and rich, these beans are quick to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes. This easy side dish boasts crispy bacon and a delightful blend of spices, making it the perfect complement to your favorite barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or any fiery dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet unforgettable recipe!

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To Go 4 Hours Or Less Presentation Taste Mood

Baked Beans Pennsylvania Style

A family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, these Pennsylvania-style baked beans are a magical blend of three bean varieties simmered in a savory, tangy-sweet sauce. The perfect comfort food, this recipe is sure to disappear quickly! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion Weeknight North American Chick Peas Garbanzos

Baked Beans Quintet

This hearty Baked Beans Quintet recipe, originally from Better Homes and Gardens and passed down through generations, delivers a rich and savory flavor profile. Sweet and smoky baked beans, perfectly complemented by crispy bacon, tender onions, and aromatic garlic. A comforting classic, perfect for a family gathering or potluck!

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Heirloom Historical Course Northeastern United States American

Baked Beans Traditional Bean Hole Beans

Experience the legendary taste of lumberjack bean hole beans! This authentic recipe, straight from a local lumberman's museum, delivers tender, flavorful beans baked overnight in the earth. Imagine the rich, smoky aroma of wood-fired beans, traditionally served with biscuits, coleslaw, and molasses cookies or gingerbread. Perfect for a unique and unforgettable meal!

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To Go Dietary Easy Casseroles

Baked Beans With Bacon And Hot Dogs

This recipe elevates classic baked beans to a whole new level! Sweet and savory baked beans simmered with crispy bacon, juicy hot dogs, and a hint of spicy cayenne pepper. Customize the sweetness with brown sugar to your liking and easily adjust the number of hot dogs for your crowd. Get ready for a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a potluck, game day, or a comforting weeknight meal.

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Main Ingredient Pork Course Main Dish

Barbecued Ribs

Prepare for an unforgettable flavor explosion! These fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs are worth every minute of the 5-hour cook time. Tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky sweetness, they're guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. This recipe delivers the ultimate BBQ experience, perfect for impressing friends and family.

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Presentation Presentation Course Easy

Barbecued Salmon And Easy Marinade

Impress your taste buds with this unbelievably delicious barbecued salmon recipe! A friend's secret recipe, this dish is incredibly easy to make and delivers juicy, flavorful salmon every time. The marinade, packed with zesty flavor, ensures the salmon stays moist and tender while grilling. Plus, the oil in the marinade prevents sticking, making grilling a breeze. Marinate for at least one hour (longer is even better!) for maximum flavor.

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Main Ingredient Vegetables Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine

Barley And Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

This quick and easy 20-minute Barley and Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry recipe from Lorna Sass's "Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way" is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe uses leftover cooked barley (or your favorite grain!) and pre-sliced chicken for ultimate convenience. The savory sesame sauce, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken create a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that's sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a crisp Chenin Blanc for the ultimate culinary experience!

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North American Cuisine North American Dietary

Beer Brined Grilled Pork Chops

Unleash your inner grill master with these juicy, flavorful beer brined pork chops! A simple beer brine infuses the chops with incredible tenderness and depth of flavor, resulting in a perfectly grilled masterpiece. This recipe is easy to follow, and the overnight marinade guarantees moist, succulent pork chops every time. Get ready for the most delicious grilled pork chops you've ever tasted!

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Side Dishes Dietary Time To Make Potluck

Bess's Best Butter Beans

Elevate your next picnic, barbecue, or potluck with Bess's Best Butter Beans! This award-winning recipe (adapted from "Hollyhocks and Radishes") features a unique twist—the magical combination of molasses and sour cream (or yogurt)—that sets it apart. Made with tender butter beans (or fava beans for a sophisticated touch), this recipe is incredibly versatile. Prepare it a day or two in advance for ultimate convenience. Double the recipe to feed a crowd! Get ready for rave reviews!

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