Are you ready to indulge in a world of rich, velvety flavors? Look no further than the sweet and savory world of molasses! This thick, dark liquid is made from the juice of sugarcane or sugar beets and has been a staple ingredient in many cuisines for centuries. With its deep, caramel-like flavor, molasses adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from classic baked goods to savory main courses.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 sweet molasses recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From warm spices like ginger and cinnamon to sweet treats like cookies and pies, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on an old favorite or inspiration for a special occasion, these recipes are sure to delight. So let’s get started and dive into the world of molasses!
Molasses Gingerbread Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the richness of molasses with the warmth of ginger, perfect for a cozy treat any time of year. With just the right balance of spices, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Classic Molasses Baked Beans
Rich and flavorful, these classic molasses baked beans are a staple of American comfort food. Perfectly sweet and tangy, they’re a delicious side dish for your next family gathering or BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or baking dish, combine the soaked and drained navy beans, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the bean mixture and add the water.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Spiced Molasses Glazed Ham
Spiced Molasses Glazed Ham: A sweet and savory twist on a classic ham recipe, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into any crevices or scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30-45 minutes
Molasses Brown Sugar Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of these Molasses Brown Sugar Ribs! A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this recipe will elevate your BBQ game.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons molasses
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, molasses, honey, cinnamon, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
4. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
5. Brush the sweet and savory mixture evenly onto both racks of ribs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and caramelized.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Old-Fashioned Molasses Bread
Classic Old-Fashioned Molasses Bread Recipe
A sweet and satisfying treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite meals. This recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf with a hint of molasses depth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract; mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Molasses Pumpkin Pie
A twist on the classic pumpkin pie, this recipe adds a rich and deep flavor with molasses, creating a unique and delicious dessert perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin, heavy cream, sugar, molasses, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with pumpkin mixture and smooth top.
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until filling is set.
6. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Molasses Barbecue Sauce
Take your barbecue game to the next level with this rich and tangy molasses-based sauce, perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until smooth, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Molasses Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Warm and chewy Molasses Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a perfect treat for any time of day. This classic cookie recipe combines the natural sweetness of molasses with the comfort of oatmeal and plump raisins.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar, molasses, and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in raisins.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Molasses Braised Short Ribs
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs recipe, perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion. The deep flavor of molasses pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the short ribs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 beef short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup molasses
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove ribs from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add molasses, wine, broth, and thyme. Stir to combine.
6. Return short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Molasses Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole takes the classic Southern dish to new heights with the addition of rich, dark molasses. The result is a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup marshmallows
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, molasses, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Top with marshmallows and chopped pecans (if using).
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Molasses Spice Cake
Moist and aromatic, this molasses spice cake is a perfect treat to brighten up any day. With the comforting blend of spices and sweet molasses, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– 1 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Molasses Granola Bars
These sweet and satisfying bars are packed with the deep flavor of molasses, perfect for a healthy snack or as an energy boost on-the-go. With only 7 ingredients, they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix molasses, honey, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Molasses Marinated Chicken Wings
Transform your chicken wings into a sweet and tangy delight with this simple recipe. The molasses marinade adds a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Molasses Pecan Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the rich flavors of molasses and pecans to create a decadent pie that’s perfect for special occasions. With its deep, velvety filling and crunchy pecan topping, this Molasses Pecan Pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, molasses, sugar, and melted butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggs, vanilla extract, and pecan halves.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the molasses mixture.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
6. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Molasses Glazed Carrots
Add a touch of sweetness to your vegetable side dish with this simple recipe for Molasses Glazed Carrots. The rich flavor of molasses pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of carrots, creating a deliciously balanced side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons dark molasses
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped carrots and butter. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses and honey until smooth. Pour the glaze over the carrots and toss until they’re well-coated.
4. Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
6. Season with salt to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Molasses Cornbread Muffins
These sweet and savory muffins combine the warmth of molasses with the classic comfort of cornbread, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. With their tender texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Unsalted butter, melted (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses, egg, and buttermilk.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the deep flavor of molasses and the richness of dark chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your cravings, these chewy treats are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the flour mixture.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Molasses Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your Brussels sprouts game with this simple recipe that combines the natural sweetness of molasses with a hint of spice. Perfect as a side dish or added to salads, these roasted Brussels sprouts are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, molasses, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavor of molasses with these 18 sweet and savory recipes. From classic baked beans to spiced ham, pumpkin pie, and chocolate chip cookies, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Discover new ways to use molasses as a marinade, glaze, or added depth to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert or a twist on traditional holiday recipes, these sweet molasses recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and become new family favorites.
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