Molasses Butter
Molasses butter is one of those simple recipes that feels like home to me. Growing up in Nova Scotia, molasses was a staple in our kitchen, especially on soft buttered rolls or brown bread. With just three ingredients—butter, molasses, and flaky salt—it’s easy to make in about five minutes.
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Ingredients For Molasses Butter
Ingredient Notes
- Butter (Salted): To achieve the best results, soften the butter for easy whipping.
- Molasses (Fancy): Fancy molasses is milder and more refined than blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter for this recipe.
- Salt (Flaky): Flaky salt is sea salt with large, flat, delicate crystals that are easy to crush between your fingers. I like it because it gives you more control than table salt.
It’s important to note that when making substitutions in recipes, the texture and flavour may be slightly different. However, these substitutes are the best options for changing the original recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butter (Salted): If you don’t have salted butter, you can use unsalted butter or margarine. Add extra flaky salt to taste.
- Molasses (Fancy): If you can’t find fancy molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup for a lighter sweetness, though the flavour will be different.
- Salt (Flaky): Regular table salt will work if you don’t have flaky salt. Sprinkle it in gradually, and stir well between each addition to avoid over-salting.
Recipe Variations
Try any of the following for a twist on this molasses butter recipe:
- Chai Spice: Add ½ teaspoon of my homemade chai spice when adding molasses.
- Cinnamon: Mix in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Nuts: Fold in ¼ cup of finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Orange Zest: Stir in 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest.
- Vanilla: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of this post, or scroll to the bottom to see the PRINTABLE recipe card with ingredient measurements and complete instructions.
How To Make Molasses Butter
STEP 1: Whip the butter in a mixing bowl until pale and creamy.
STEP 2: Add the molasses. Mix until well combined.
STEP 3: Sprinkle in the flaky salt.
STEP 4: Stir by hand with a spatula until the salt is evenly distributed. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Expert Tips
1. Start with soft butter. It should hold its shape but spread easily with a knife.
2. When folding in the salt, use a light hand to avoid deflating the whipped butter.
3. Taste as you go, checking for a balance between salty and sweet you like best.
Recipe Notes
- Molasses is messy! If you have a digital kitchen scale, I highly recommend using it rather than measuring cups.
- Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl as needed.
- Molasses butter can sometimes develop crystals. This is normal and delicious.
Storage
- Molasses butter can be stored in an airtight container or jar at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerated for up to two weeks for longer storage.
More Molasses Recipes
- Molasses Baked Beans: This is a year-round family favourite. I soak my beans in the morning and slow-bake them overnight.
- Chewy Molasses Cookies: These are a timeless, old-fashioned treat rooted in Maritime traditions.
- Oatmeal Molasses Bread: A true Nova Scotia classic, this bread is perfect with butter, chowder, or baked beans.
Did you make this molasses butter? Please rate the recipe and tell me how it went in the comments below. Also, stay in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to see more Nova Scotia recipes and simple comfort food.
Printable Recipe Card
Molasses Butter
Special Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons or digital kitchen scale
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ¼ cup molasses, fancy (not blackstrap)
- ¼ teaspoon flaky salt
Instructions
- Use an electric mixer at high speed to whip the butter in a medium mixing bowl until pale and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the molasses and mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Sprinkle in the flaky salt. Switch to a spatula and fold in the salt by hand, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Transfer the molasses butter to an airtight container or jar and store at room temperature for up to one week.
Recipe Notes
- Molasses is messy! I highly recommend using a digital kitchen scale rather than measuring cups if you have one.
- Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl as needed.
- Molasses butter can sometimes develop crystals. This is normal and delicious.
Storage
- Store molasses butter in an airtight container or jar at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided as a courtesy. For precise nutritional data, please calculate it independently using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Hi, I’m Kelly Neil. This is where I share Nova Scotia recipes and easy comfort food. I’ve worked with brands such as Loblaws, Lee Valley, Cavendish Farms, Canada Beef, and many more. Subscribe to my email newsletter for new recipes and inspiration!
Great idea for the butter!