Molasses extract is used in all types of recipes and even non culinary mixtures. If you are all out of molasses extract no need to fear, there are multiple substitutes you can use no matter what you are making.
High quality molasses extract is not carried at all grocery stores but is readily available online from multiple sources. But if you are making something that calls for molasses extract and do not have time to wait to order some or drive to a specialty store you have a few excellent alternatives to choose from.
So what are the best molasses extract substitutes?
The top substitutes for molasses extract are molasses, honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar.
Read on for how to use each of these molasses extract alternatives in your recipe.
Related: Substitutes for Molasses
Molasses Extract Alternatives
Whether you are making a sweet dessert or a savory dinner that calls for molasses extract, you can use these great alternatives with great results.
Molasses
The best way to impart the flavor of molasses extract is to go right to the source, molasses! While molasses extract can be difficult to find in some areas, molasses is readily available at most grocery stores.
You will get all the great flavor of molasses extract but it will add volume to your recipe. So you may need to adjust some other ingredients if you find your consistency off. But otherwise, molasses is the best substitute for molasses extract.
Equivalent
1/2 cup molasses equals 1 tsp molasses extract
Related Recipe: Simple Gingerbread Cookies without Molasses
Honey
This delicious, natural sweetener is a incredibly versatile and makes a great replacement for molasses extract. While the flavor is not the same, honey works wonderfully in most recipes that call for molasses extract.
Honey is particularly well suited for desserts and baked goods, but can be used in almost any recipe that calls for molasses extract. I prefer to use local organic honey, but any natural honey will work well.
Equivalent
1/4 cup honey equals 1 tsp molasses extract
Related Recipe: Honey Cocoa Puff Cereal Cookies
Maple Syrup
One of my favorite molasses extract alternatives, maple syrup offers a rich and sweet flavor that goes well in all types of recipes.
It offers a level sweetness similar to molasses extract and is my favorite substitute to use when baking.
Go with pure maple syrup instead of the artificial type and your recipe will taste amazing.
Equivalent
1/2 cup maple syrup equals 1 tsp molasses extract
Related: Maple Syrup Substitutes
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is made by combining granulated sugar with molasses so it is a great ingredient to use instead of molasses extract.
A bit sweeter than molasses, you may want to slightly reduce the amount of other sugars in your recipe. Also opt for dark brown sugar as it offers a flavor more similar to molasses extract (light brown sugar will work though).
Equivalent
1/2 cup brown sugar equals 1 tsp molasses extract
Related: Dark Brown Sugar vs Light Brown Sugar
Molasses Extract Replacement FAQ
Can I skip molasses extract?
I don’t recommend omitting molasses extract all together. Instead, use on of the substitutes listed above in your recipe.
What can I use instead of molasses extract in gingerbread?
The best substitutes for molasses extract in gingerbread are brown sugar, molasses, or honey. These substitutes will work in gingerbread cookies, houses, or any other type of gingerbread you are making.
What is the best substitute for molasses extract when baking?
You have multiple options for substituting molasses extract when baking. Brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup are excellent replacement for molasses extract.