Molasses adds a slightly bitter, sweet taste to baked goods. Sometimes, however, the flavor is too intense or not what you want in your recipe.
Luckily, there are several excellent options to use as substitutes for molasses.
It doesn’t matter if they are substitutes; they will fit whatever need you have for them.
Let’s look at some common substitutes for molasses and when you might want to use them.
In your recipes, we’ve provided a list of reserves instead of molasses.
1. Maple Syrup
They are not as rich in mineral content as molasses, and Maple syrup offers a robust and clean flavor and is also less bitter.
In addition to being delicious and versatile, maple syrup is a natural anti-inflammatory and one of the best substitutes for molasses.
Try subbing some organic maple syrup for some of the sugar in any recipe to give it more depth and complexity. I think you’ll like what you taste.
Tip: Always use Grade B when baking. It has a more robust flavor than Grade A but less dark syrups. You can find it at most health food stores or online here.
This sweetener is best used on cooked items such as baked goods or pancakes, and due to its strong flavor, it’s more preferred on these than on raw savory dishes.
2. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup has a similar flavor to molasses and is an excellent substitute for sweet and savory dishes.
It has a longer shelf life than molasses (it can be stored at room temperature) and is also much easier to keep on hand when swapping it into one of your favorite recipes.
Since it’s made from rice, it’s gluten-free! Just ensure you choose an organic version that would suit you—for example, wild Harvest Brown Rice Syrup or Central Market Organic Brown Rice Syrup. Add to coffee or smoothies instead of sugar.
Finally, use it as a marinade for meat or sprinkle it on hot cereal. It’s a fantastic substitute for molasses for your next baking occasion!
3. Stevia Extract
When making cakes, cookies, or brownies, it is essential to add sweetening and flavor to keep your dessert tasting unique. One of our favorite substitutes for molasses is Stevia extract.
Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that can be used in desserts. It doesn’t add extra calories, sodium, or fat.
We use Stevia in place of sugar when making our gingerbread spice cake.
It tastes as good as if we were using sugar without sacrificing nutritional value, and it’s your best healthy choice for a substitute.
4. Honey
With its thick texture and rich flavor, honey is a suitable substitute for molasses.
You’ll need to reduce or eliminate other liquids in your recipe when using honey instead of molasses.
Since honey is so much sweeter than most varieties of molasses, use half as much when substituting.
However, these reductions may not be necessary if you use a milder varietal honey like clover or wildflower. Start by covering one-quarter of the honey per cup of molasses called for in your recipe.
Finally, remember to taste before adding more sweetener. This will ensure that you don’t ruin a perfect baking experience!
5. Agave Nectar
You can use agave nectar in place of molasses. The flavor is much lighter than honey or syrup, which is mainly useful in quick bread.
Agave also has a low glycemic index, so it won’t cause blood sugar to spike.
This is an advantage if you have diabetes. It’s sweeter than molasses (although less flavorful). So start with 3⁄4 cup of agave syrup and then taste-test.
Moreover, you can add more in 1⁄4 cup increments until it tastes right.
Agave nectar is one of the best substitutes for molasses. It’s excellent and keeps your glucose level in check.
6. Sorghum Syrup
You’ve heard of agave nectar, but what about sorghum syrup? This sweetener may not have been tried yet. Used as a substitute for molasses in some recipes, it has a more pungent taste and a deeper color.
Because of its distinct flavor profile, sorghum syrup can sometimes replace honey or maple syrup. One significant benefit of sorghum syrup is that it contains iron and calcium.
I’m sure you’ll want to keep a bottle on hand. You’ll need it when making recipes that call for molasses, such as gingerbread cookies or muffins.
7. Dark Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is available in light and dark varieties. Unlike molasses, corn syrup is manufactured from corn starch. Dark corn syrup is perfect as a substitute for molasses because it has a flavor similar to unsulphured blackstrap molasses.
Additionally, it’s a bit sweeter than Blackstrap, which helps reduce other sweeteners when used as a substitute for molasses in recipes like gingerbread or cookies.
8. Treacle
It might seem strange to recommend Treacle when looking for molasses substitutes. However, it’s a great choice if you’re cutting back on sugar, and its mild, sweet flavor makes it work well in cakes and biscuits.
Bakers often substitute treacle for sugar in gingerbread recipes. It is easier to replace black treacle with golden syrup or light corn syrup. However, the golden syrup may not be sufficient if you want a smoother texture.
Golden syrup has tiny grains, which some people find unpleasant so light corn syrup might be more suitable. It’s always important to remember that each sugar has its properties when cooking.
9. Date Syrup
What’s in a name? In date syrup’s case, quite a lot. Date syrup is as simple as its name. Made from dates (duh), these plump little gems of carbohydrates are sweetened and put into bottles.
You can enjoy it on toast or pancakes, or perhaps my favorite use, as an ice cream topper. Dates contain several minerals and vitamins that help with digestion and boost metabolism. So not only does date syrup taste delicious, but it’s also good for you!
Therefore, It’s important to note that date syrup is darker than molasses and has a distinct flavor, and its flavor is what makes it one of the best substitutes for molasses. Some might say it tastes like prunes or figs, but primarily dates, which may or may not agree with you.
10. Sugar
A common ingredient in American baking, sugar provides sweetness and tenderness to baked goods. However, some people consider it processed food and avoid using it when possible.
If you’re looking to reduce your intake of refined sugars (even natural sugars), there are plenty of easy-to-find, healthy options.
Some suitable substitutes include agave nectar, brown rice, or maple syrup. You can swap refined white sugar with an all-natural sweetener like Stevia or xylitol.
They both have zero calories per serving and provide similar taste and texture in recipes. Experiment with different sweeteners until you find one you love; the flavor is essential! Sugar is just one of many substitutes for molasses you can try. We’ve put this together to help you choose the best suits you.
11. Barley Malt Syrup
Also known as malted barley, barley malt syrup is an excellent substitute for light and dark molasses. It gives baked goods a complex, nutty flavor and contains much more fiber than its counterparts. Barley malt syrup is one of the great substitutes for molasses you’d ever come across.
In addition to its versatility (it can be used on sweet or savory dishes). It’s also considered less processed and is often preferred by vegans and vegetarians.
You can find it at specialty grocery stores or online. Substitute 1 cup of barley malt syrup with 3/4 cup light or dark molasses.
