What can I substitute for molasses?
Running low on molasses? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is a by-product of refining sugar cane or sugar beets into table sugar. It has a robust, bittersweet flavour with notes of caramel, liquorice, and a slight mineral edge. In baking, it adds moisture, deep colour, and a distinctive richness to products like gingerbread, barbecue sauces, and dark breads.
Best substitute
Dark treacle
Dark treacle is the closest British and Australian equivalent to molasses, sharing the same bittersweet, robust flavour and thick consistency. It can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio with virtually no adjustment needed.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of molasses
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Alternative
Dark brown sugar
Dark brown sugar contains a higher proportion of molasses than light brown sugar, giving it a comparable depth of flavour. Dissolve it in a small amount of warm water to approximate the liquid consistency of molasses.
Use ¾ cup dissolved in ¼ cup warm water for every 1 cup of molasses — reduce other liquids slightly
bakingsaucesmarinadesNot suitable for: recipes requiring intense colour
Alternative
Golden syrup
Golden syrup provides a similar thick, sticky consistency but has a lighter, buttery-caramel flavour and lacks the bitterness of molasses. It works well where texture is more important than a strong, dark flavour.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of molasses
What is molasses called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | treacle (dark treacle) |
| Canada | molasses |
| New Zealand | treacle |
| United Kingdom | black treacle |
| United States | molasses |