Molasses Substitute
Out of molasses? Here's what gets you closest, flavor included.
Real substitutes for 1 cup of molasses
Dark corn syrup
1 cup dark corn syrup
Much milder flavor than molasses, so baked goods will taste noticeably less rich -- still a workable 1:1 swap.
Maple syrup
1 cup maple syrup
A different but real flavor rather than a neutral one; works well in gingerbread and baked beans where a strong flavor is expected anyway.
Brown sugar dissolved in water
1 cup packed brown sugar simmered with enough water to make 1 cup
The closest flavor match since brown sugar already contains molasses -- simmer briefly until fully dissolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of molasses?
Dark corn syrup and maple syrup both work as 1:1 swaps, though both taste noticeably different from molasses. Brown sugar dissolved in water is the closest flavor match, since brown sugar already contains molasses.
Will the flavor change?
Yes -- corn syrup is much milder, maple syrup brings its own distinct flavor rather than a neutral one, and brown sugar dissolved in water comes closest since it's essentially the same ingredient in a different form.
Is dark corn syrup a good swap for gingerbread?
It's usable, but the flavor will be noticeably milder than real molasses -- gingerbread relies on molasses's strong flavor, so brown sugar dissolved in water is the better match if that matters.