You’re a few steps into these community-favorite bran muffins when you realize: Uh-oh, no molasses in sight. The recipe only calls for three tablespoons—so can you swap it out? Good news: Yes, you definitely can. Whether you’re baking cookies, mixing BBQ sauce, or whipping up gingerbread, there’s a molasses substitute for you. Below, we’re diving into what molasses actually is, how it behaves in recipes, and the best molasses alternatives to use in a pinch (including two more options for subbing barley malt and date syrup, per your comments!).

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What is molasses, anyway?

Simply put, molasses is a byproduct of sugar processing, whether that’s sugar cane or sugar beets. When sugar is refined, “the juice squeezed from these plants is boiled to a syrupy mixture from which sugar crystals are extracted,” according to The New Food Lover’s Companion. “The remaining brownish-black liquid is molasses.” Got it!

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Every week we get Down & Dirty, in which we break down our favorite unique seasonal fruits, vegetables, and more.

What Is Lemon Balm?

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Vanilla extract is one of those pantry staples we don’t think much about—until we suddenly need it. Whether you're halfway through a cookie recipe or baking a birthday cake and realize you're out, don't stress. There are plenty of vanilla extract substitutes out there, and chances are, you already have a few of them on hand. From dark liquors like rum and bourbon to pantry sweeteners like maple syrup and even almond extract, these easy swaps can add warmth, depth, and just the right touch of something special to your favorite bakes. Ahead, we’re breaking down the best alternatives to vanilla extract—and exactly how to use them.

Why You Can (and Should) Sometimes Skip the Vanilla

By now, you’ve probably been told once or twice to make your own vanilla extract. (One of those times may or may not have been by us.) Recipes tell you how easy-breezy it is to DIY the solution, which is essentially just vanilla pods soaked in alcohol. Just buy vanilla beans, split down the center, stuff in a jar, drown in booze (most people use vodka; bourbon is fair game, too).

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