BBQ Sauce with Molasses (Homemade Sweet & Smoky)

Name: BBQ Sauce with Molasses (Homemade Sweet & Smoky)
Cuisine: From Scratch
Ingredients: 400 ml Tomato ketchup; 100 ml Molasses (dark or blackstrap); 80 ml Apple cider vinegar; 80 g Brown sugar; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; ½ tsp Black pepper; ¼–½ tsp (for heat) Cayenne pepper (optional); ½–1 tsp Liquid smoke (optional)

A recipe from From Scratch.

From ScratchBBQSauceMolassesFromScratchSweetSmokyGrillingHomemadeAmericanStyle

BBQ Sauce with Molasses (Homemade Sweet & Smoky)

Nutrition (per serving)

180Calories

1 gProtein

42 gCarbs

2 gFat

36 gSugar

1200 mgSalt

Ingredients

400 ml Tomato ketchup
100 ml Molasses (dark or blackstrap)
80 ml Apple cider vinegar
80 g Brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Smoked paprika
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
½ tsp Black pepper
¼–½ tsp (for heat) Cayenne pepper (optional)
½–1 tsp Liquid smoke (optional)

Method

In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Stir well over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is uniform (≈3–5 min).
Bring to a gentle simmer → reduce heat to low → simmer uncovered 15–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to desired consistency (should coat the back of a spoon).
Optional: stir in liquid smoke during last 5 minutes for extra smokiness.
Taste & adjust: more molasses for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, more cayenne for heat.
Remove from heat → let cool to room temperature (sauce will thicken more as it cools).
Transfer to clean glass jar or bottle → seal tightly.
Refrigerate up to 3 weeks (flavor improves after 1–2 days).
Brush on ribs, chicken, burgers, or use as dipping sauce — rich, sticky molasses BBQ sauce from scratch.