Molasses provides a moist, rich flavor to baked goods and traditional favorites such as morning oatmeal or baked beans. Making substitutions like swapping out sugar for molasses in recipes can help with achieving healthy eating goals. It's recommended to swap out at least part of the sugar in a recipe with molasses and measure carefully. Because molasses is higher in moisture and has a different texture and flavor than sugar, it's important to adjust recipes accurately. Follow these basic guidelines for substituting molasses for sugar in order to achieve satisfying results.
Calculate the amount of molasses needed for the recipe. For example, to replace all of the sugar with molasses in a recipe calling for 2 cups of sugar, use 2 2/3 cups molasses. To replace half of the sugar, use 1 1/3 cups of molasses and 1 cup of sugar.
Reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1/3 cup per cup of sugar replaced. For a recipe calling for 2 cups of sugar, reduce the liquid by 2/3 cups. This keeps the balance of moisture in the recipe correct, as molasses adds moisture to the recipe.
Tip
Use light molasses for a less intense molasses flavor. Experiment by creating a small batch of the recipe the first time, such as a half batch of cookies. Evaluate the flavor, moisture, browning and cooking or baking times and make adjustments as needed. For baking, reduce baking powder by 1/2-tsp and adding 2 tsp. of baking soda for each cup of molasses that you substitute for sugar.
Writer Bio
Gryphon Adams began publishing in 1985. He contributed to the "San Francisco Chronicle" and "Dark Voices." Adams writes about a variety of topics, including teaching, floral design, landscaping and home furnishings. Adams is a certified health educator and a massage practitioner. He received his Master of Fine Arts at San Francisco State University.