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 toast. With just three ingredients—butter, molasses, and flaky salt—it’s easy to make in about 5 minutes.
I keep a jar of molasses butter at room temperature on the counter next to the toaster. Try it on warm pancakes or waffles, or melt it over roasted vegetables for a sweet-salty glaze. It’s also really good on porridge bread, pumpkin banana muffins, or date scones with orange and dark chocolate. Bring a little taste of Nova Scotia to your table!
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Ingredients For Molasses Butter

Ingredient Notes
- Butter (Salted): The foundation of the recipe. Even though flaky salt is added later, using salted butter adds depth and ensures the saltiness is evenly distributed. For best results, soften the butter for easy whipping.
- Molasses (Fancy): Adds a deep, sweet, tangy flavor. 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. It has a light texture and dissolves quickly, making it ideal for finishing dishes or adding a subtle crunch. I buy Maldon sea salt flakes on Amazon. However, you can sometimes find it at specialty grocers.
It’s important to note that when making substitutions in recipes, the texture and flavor may be slightly different. However, these substitutes are the best options for changing the original recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butter (Salted): You can use unsalted butter or margarine if you don’t have salted butter. 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 flavor will be less robust.
- Salt (Flaky): Regular table salt works just as well if you don’t have flaky salt. Sprinkle it in gradually, stirring 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.
- Honey: Replace 2 tablespoons of molasses with 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Nutmeg: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
- Orange Zest: Stir in 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest.
- Pecans: Fold in ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans.
- Pumpkin Spice: Mix in ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Vanilla: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Walnuts: Fold in ¼ cup of finely chopped walnuts.
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! 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 For Molasses Butter
- 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.

More Nova Scotia-Inspired Recipes
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 delicious food and recipes!
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 For Molasses Butter
- 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 provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. If accurate data is important to you, please verify it independently.

Great idea for the butter!