Molasses Sauce

Cook: 20 min

A rich, sweet molasses sauce with a hint of cinnamon and tart vinegar, perfect for apples, rice pudding, or hot oatmeal for a comforting treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. molasses
  • 1/2 c. warm water
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 Tbsp. vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine molasses, warm water, butter, cinnamon, salt, and vinegar in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer together for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve warm over apples, rice pudding, or hot oatmeal.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your molasses sauce, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you don’t have molasses, dark brown sugar mixed with a bit of water can be a suitable substitute. For a vegan version, swap butter for coconut oil. Stirring regularly while simmering prevents sticking and burning, ensuring a smooth sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This molasses sauce pairs beautifully with warm apples, rice pudding, or hot oatmeal. Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a delightful breakfast. For a more indulgent dessert, serve it alongside English Christmas Pudding or vanilla ice cream. It also complements roasted sweet potatoes or can be used as a glaze for meats.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover molasses sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Molasses Sauce contains roughly 91 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1770mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

91 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 16.1g 6% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 10.4g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1770.2mg 77% DV
Potassium 103.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 1.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 49.4mg 4% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of molasses?

Yes, you can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup or honey, but the flavor will differ. If you want a closer taste, use a combination of brown sugar and water, adjusting the proportions until you achieve the desired consistency.

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?

If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering until it thickens.

Is this sauce suitable for a vegan diet?

The original recipe contains butter, so it is not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. This way, you maintain the sauce's rich flavor while keeping it suitable for vegetarian recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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