Cooking Substitutions, Recalculated

What can I use instead of molasses?

Best substitute for 1 cup molasses
1 cup maple syrup
Maple syrup — 1:1; lighter flavor.
cups
Amounts below are for 1 cup molasses

4 substitutes for molasses

SubstituteUse this muchNotes
Maple syrup1 cup maple syrup1:1; lighter flavor.
Honey1 cup honey1:1; milder.
Dark corn syrup1 cup dark corn syrupSimilar body, less bold.
Brown sugar + water3/4 cup packed brown sugar + 1/4 cup waterDissolve into a syrup.

Molasses is a dark, bittersweet syrup. Other syrups swap 1:1, with a lighter flavor.

Tips

  • Maple syrup is the easiest 1:1 swap.
  • For flavor depth, dissolved brown sugar mimics molasses.

FAQ

What can I substitute for molasses?
Equal parts maple syrup, honey or dark corn syrup.
Can I make molasses from brown sugar?
Sort of - dissolve 3/4 cup brown sugar in 1/4 cup water for a stand-in.