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Substitute for Molasses

What it does in a recipe: Deep, bittersweet caramel notes; reacts with baking soda for lift in gingerbread.

3 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Dark corn syrup

per 1 cup molasses

US1 cup dark corn syrup
Metric240 ml
CommonBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Similar body, less acidity — keep the baking soda.

What changes: Milder and sweeter

Best for: Gingerbread, BBQ

Brown sugar + water

per 1 cup molasses

US3/4 cup packed brown sugar + 1/4 cup water, stirred
Metric150 g + 60 ml
Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Molasses dissolved into sugar approximates brown sugar.

What changes: Lighter flavor

Best for: Cookies, dark breads

Black treacle

per 1 cup molasses

US1:1
Metric1:1
SpecialtyBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

The British twin — slightly more bitter.

What changes: More bitter

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Molasses?
Brown sugar + water: 3/4 cup packed brown sugar + 1/4 cup water, stirred. Dark corn syrup: 1 cup dark corn syrup.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Molasses?
Brown sugar + water (per 1 cup molasses) — US: 3/4 cup packed brown sugar + 1/4 cup water, stirred. Metric: 150 g + 60 ml.
What changes when you substitute Molasses?
Milder and sweeter. Lighter flavor.

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