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

Easy Healthy Drop Cookies 3 Steps Or Less

Addictive Oatmeal Molasses Cookies

These irresistible Oatmeal Molasses Cookies are a family heirloom recipe, passed down through generations! Warm, chewy, and bursting with molasses flavor, they're the perfect treat for any occasion. Feel free to substitute craisins for raisins for a delightful twist – both versions are incredibly delicious! Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

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Preparation Cheese Desserts Cupcakes

Amanda's Gingerbread Cupcakes

Warm up your autumn with Amanda's irresistible Spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes! This recipe, originally made for a fall volunteer tea in 2010, delivers perfectly moist and flavorful gingerbread cupcakes topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or a cozy afternoon treat. Get ready for rave reviews!

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course

Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies

Transform your Amish Friendship Bread starter into deliciously warm and inviting oatmeal cookies! This recipe might seem long, but don't worry – it's as easy as any other oatmeal cookie recipe. The incredible aroma baking in your kitchen will be worth it! Get ready for chewy, flavorful cookies that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).

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Low Calorie Low In Something Easy Course

Apple Baked Beans

Inspired by Paula Deen's recipe, these Apple Baked Beans offer a sweet and savory twist on a classic! Tender beans simmered in a rich sauce with sweet apples and smoky bacon – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a comforting and surprisingly delicious side dish, perfect for your next barbecue or family gathering.

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Preparation North American Preparation Weeknight

Apple Muffins Nova Scotia Style

Step back in time with this authentic Nova Scotia apple muffin recipe! Originally from the treasured "Out of Old Nova Scotia Kitchens" cookbook, these muffins reflect a time when sugar and butter were luxuries. Enjoy a subtly sweet, bread-like texture, perfectly complemented by a delectable brown sugar and cinnamon topping that caramelizes to golden perfection. A delightful twist on the classic muffin, perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. Feel free to add raisins, cranberries, or your favorite mix-ins! This recipe is not overly sweet, but you can always add more sugar to your liking.

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60 Minutes Or Less Oven Preparation American

Applesauce Cake

Indulge in this moist and delicious Applesauce Cake, a King Arthur Flour classic! The secret? Rich molasses adds a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably flavorful cake!

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For 1 Or 2 Beef Time To Make For 1 Or 2

Authentic Arawak Bar B Q Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with this authentic Caribbean BBQ sauce! Perfect for marinating fish and meat, this vibrant blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will transport you straight to the islands. A family favorite, this recipe is easy to follow and yields enough for multiple delicious meals.

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Pork Course Low Calorie Main Ingredient

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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Meat Equipment Holiday Event 4 Hours Or Less

Badazz Baked Beans Beef And Bacon

Indulge in this mouthwatering Badazz Baked Beans, Beef, and Bacon recipe! A hearty and flavorful casserole bursting with smoky bacon, juicy beef, and sweet and savory baked beans. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Get ready for a Kidelicious experience!

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Side Dishes Beans One Dish Meal Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Baked Beans Crock Pot

Fall-off-the-bone tender, unbelievably flavorful baked beans, perfected in your slow cooker! These aren't your grandma's baked beans – they're elevated with a touch of maple sweetness and smoky bacon. Soak the beans overnight for ultimate tenderness. Prepare to be amazed!

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Poultry North American Time To Make Southern United States

Baked Beans Supreme Aka Gene Brown Beans

This legendary baked bean recipe comes straight from a BBQ champion—Gene Brown! Passed down through generations, these beans are so good, they'll become a family favorite. Imagine tender beans simmered in a rich, smoky sauce, bursting with flavor. Serve over fluffy rice for a hearty and unforgettable meal. Get ready to experience BBQ bliss!

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Meat Taste Mood

Baked Beans With An Asian Flair

A delicious fusion recipe! Sweet and savory baked beans get a vibrant Asian twist with a homemade teriyaki glaze. This quick and easy 35-minute meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Inspired by a classic baked bean recipe, this upgraded version features tender ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a mouthwatering teriyaki topping that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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North American American Main Ingredient Preparation

Baked Ham With Bourbon Glaze

Elevate your holiday table with this decadent Southern-style baked ham! Our classic Easter and Christmas recipe features a rich bourbon glaze, perfectly balancing sweet honey and molasses with a tangy kick from orange juice and mustard. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth ham so delicious, you'll be fighting over the leftovers (and that amazing, rendered fat!). Learn how to achieve the perfect glaze and enjoy a truly unforgettable holiday feast.

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Wings Occasion Course Main Ingredient

Barbecued Bat Wings

Experience a flavor explosion with these intensely delicious barbecued 'bat wings'! Our unique, darkly-colored BBQ sauce, packed with sweet and spicy notes, coats tender chicken wings to perfection. Don't let the ominous hue fool you – this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers unforgettable taste! Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun weeknight meal.

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Broccoli Time To Make Course One Dish Meal

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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Course Comfort Food One Dish Meal Cuisine

Bbq Beef On A Bun

This mouthwatering BBQ beef recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for feeding a crowd! Prepare it ahead for stress-free campouts, picnics, or potlucks. Double or triple the recipe effortlessly for large gatherings. Tender, slow-cooked beef in a tangy BBQ sauce – get ready for flavor explosions!

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North American Preparation Course Independence Day

Best Baby Back Ribs In Town

Craving melt-in-your-mouth, sweet and hickory-smoked baby back ribs? Damon's Restaurant may be gone, but their legendary ribs are back! This recipe recreates the unforgettable flavor that had everyone hooked. Tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky sweetness, these ribs are a family favorite and well worth the time. The easy-to-follow instructions and make-ahead sauce (from my treasured "True Southern Family Recipes" cookbook) make this a surprisingly manageable project. Prepare to be amazed!

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Equipment Beans Meat Equipment

Best Ever Baked Beans Crock Pot

These baked beans are a family favorite, even converting the biggest bean skeptics! The secret? Smoky bacon and crispy French fried onions add unbelievable flavor. Make them in your slow cooker for ultimate convenience or bake them in the oven for a faster meal. Get ready for the most delicious baked beans you've ever tasted!

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