Molasses substitutes

Best swap: Dark corn syrup or maple syrup. Use 1 cup dark corn syrup or maple syrup per 1 cup.

Molasses is a dark, bittersweet syrup that gives gingerbread and rich cakes their colour and depth. Other dark syrups can stand in, with a milder flavour.

I need cups of molasses Change this and every amount below updates.

What to use instead of molasses

1. Dark corn syrup or maple syrup

Best Pantry staple

1 cup dark corn syrup or maple syrup

Best for: Baking, glazes

One-to-one. Milder and less bitter, so the flavour is gentler.

2. Honey

1 cup honey

Best for: When you want it sweeter and lighter

Sweeter and paler than molasses, so the bake will be less dark.

3. Brown sugar, dissolved

Pantry staple

¾ cup packed dark brown sugar

¼ cup warm water

Best for: In a pinch

Dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Brings back some caramel notes but less depth.

Molasses substitutes: common questions

What can I substitute for molasses?

Dark corn syrup or maple syrup swaps one-to-one with a milder flavour. Honey works too but is sweeter and lighter, so the bake will be less dark and rich.

Is molasses the same as dark corn syrup?

No. Both are dark syrups, but molasses is more bitter and mineral-rich, while dark corn syrup is sweeter and milder. Corn syrup can replace molasses when you want a gentler flavour.

More ingredient swaps

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