How to Substitute Molasses for Dark Corn Syrup

Molasses is made from sugarcane.

Light corn syrup is a type of sweetener made from corn starch; whereas, dark corn syrup is made from sugar in much the same process as molasses. Molasses is a sweetener produced mostly from sugarcane. A small portion of molasses is produced from sugar beets. Light molasses comes from the first boil of the sugarcane or sugar beets. The less-sweet variety, dark molasses, comes from the second boil of the sugarcane or beets. Substitute molasses for dark corn syrup, but mix it with light corn syrup because molasses and dark corn syrup are not interchangeable.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring utensils, cups or spoons, depending on the recipe
• Light molasses
• Light corn syrup

Instructions

1. Read your recipe to determine how much dark corn syrup is necessary for the food product you are intending to prepare. Dark corn syrup is often used in baked goods, candies, sauces, cookies and relishes.

2. Substitute the molasses for dark corn syrup in your recipe using a three-to-one ratio of light corn syrup and light molasses. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 cup of dark corn syrup, add 3/4 cup of light corn syrup and 1/4 cup of light molasses.

3. Store your molasses and light corn syrup in a cool, dark place. If you don't use them often, they can be stored in the refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

• Another substitution for 1 cup of dark corn syrup is 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar and 3 or 4 tbsp. of water.

• Do not attempt to substitute granulated sugar with molasses.

References

• Karo Syrup.com: FAQ
• Joy of Baking.com: Ingredient Substitution Table
• The Nibble: How Sweet it Is: A Glossary of Sugar & Syrup Types
• Gourmet Sleuth: Dark Corn Syrup