Measuring molasses with a measuring cup can sometimes be challenging because it’s so sticky. Measuring by weight is often easier and more accurate. To measure by weight, however, it’s handy to know how much 1 cup of molasses weighs.
How much does 1 cup of molasses weigh?
In general, 1 cup of molasses weighs 322 grams or about 11.36 ounces. This is just over half a pound, which tells you that molasses is dense and heavy. Most recipes that call for measurements by weight are non-United States recipes, so they’ll probably ask for ingredients to be measured in grams.
The weight of molasses can fluctuate slightly. If the molasses is fresh, it might have a slightly higher water content, which means that 1 cup will weigh a bit less than 322 grams. Older molasses might be a bit more viscous and can therefore weigh slightly more.
The weight of molasses can also vary slightly from brand to brand, depending on the exact type of molasses and how it’s made. Overall, however, the weight of molasses doesn’t vary very much, so you can feel confident when measuring by weight instead of by the cup.
How can I measure molasses accurately?
One of the most common ways to measure molasses is to pour it into a measuring cup, measure it by volume, and then add it to the recipe you’re making. This often results in inaccurate amounts, however.
Molasses is so sticky that some of the molasses usually sticks to the measuring cup and is left behind, meaning that less than the desired amount of molasses is added to the recipe.
You can solve this problem by first spraying the measuring cup with a non-stick spray. This helps the molasses slide out more easily, ensuring that you get more molasses in your recipe. You can also use a plastic scraper to move the remaining molasses to the recipe.
Another option is to measure the molasses directly into the recipe and use weight to determine how much to add. For example, if you’re making cookies, place the bowl holding the other cookie ingredients on your food scale.
Most scales allow you to zero out weight, so you can press this button to make the weight of the bowl and ingredients zero. Then, add molasses until your scale reads 322 grams or 11.36 ounces.
If you can’t zero out the scale, you can simply add 322, or whatever weight in molasses you need, to the weight of the bowl and the ingredients that are already in it.
What is molasses used for?
Molasses is sweet, but it’s used in both sweet and savory dishes. Molasses is a key component in many baked goods, such as cookies and cakes. It’s used to give gingerbread its distinct flavor and color. It also helps to keep moisture in baked goods, making them softer.
Molasses is also used in many barbecue sauces. It caramelizes when grilled or smoked, creating a sweet, almost crispy glaze. Many people pair molasses with other ingredients like hot peppers, vinegar, tomatoes, and spices to create a sauce that’s spicy or smoky but has sweet undertones. The sweetness of the molasses gives barbecue sauce depth.
How is molasses made?
Molasses is created during the sugar-making process. During the process, sugar cane or sugar beets are crushed to extract their juice. The juice is then boiled down, allowing the moisture to evaporate. This process forms the sugar crystals. When the crystals form and are removed, a thick syrup is left behind. This syrup is light molasses. It’s not as thick as other molasses types, and it has a lighter, sweeter flavor.
Light molasses is often boiled down again, allowing more water to evaporate. The second boiling produces dark molasses. Blackstrap molasses is produced by boiling the syrup a third time. Blackstrap molasses contains many vitamins and minerals, so it’s thought to be a healthier option, but it usually has a more bitter flavor than light or dark molasses.
