How to make Homemade Apple Molasses from Apple Cider
Apple molasses is a delightful and versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations. Made from the sweet essence of apple cider, this rich syrup offers a unique flavor profile that can enhance everything from baked goods to savory dishes. In this blog post, we will guide you through the simple process of making homemade apple molasses, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat straight from your kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, you’ll find that crafting your own apple molasses is both rewarding and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet and tangy goodness!

What is Apple Molasses?
Apple molasses, sometimes known as boiled cider, is actually on the endangered-food-species list of the Slow Foods Ark. Its use can be dated back as far as the late 1600s, and as suggested by the name “molasses,” was commonly used in New England as an indigenous sweetener in baking. Sugar was a much more rare, expensive commodity.
These days, sugar is common, and cheap, and apple molasses is not. In fact, it’s difficult to even get your hands on raw, pure, unpasturized apple juice unless you make it yourself–as you want to be sure that you’re using apple juice or cider that does not have potassium sorbate or other anti-fungal additives in it.
Apple Molasses Ingredients
There is only one ingredient needed, fresh unpasteurized apple juice or apple cider.
If you can find pure apple juice or cider, or make it (check with the Amish or some of your local orchards with flavorful apples), you should absolutely make apple molasses. Your Christmas baking will never be the same.
How to make Apple Molasses from Apple Cider or Juice
You’ll want to reduce it to between 1/7th to 1/10th of its volume by simmering it in a non-reactive, uncovered pot. Don’t boil just simmer, don’t risk burning it!
It will darken and thicken as the liquid reduces on the burner. For every (US) gallon of cider, you will end up with about 2.28 cups – 1.6 of molasses, depending on the thickness you prefer. Oh, and skim the foam and impurities off the top as you go.
This apple cider syrup can also be made in a slow-cooker if you don’t have the time or patience to watch the pot on the stove!
How to use Apple Molasses
At 1/7th volume, the cider has the consistency of maple syrup, and can be used as a vegan substitute for honey, or even a cheaper alternative to real maple syrup (it goes great on pancakes!). You can pour a little of it into your homemade apple sauce to give it a more potent kick, or reconstitute it with a little hot water to make hot apple cider whenever you want it.

At 1/9 to 1/10th volume, the cider is very thick, like molasses. This super-thick product is sometimes known as apple jelly, and can be used as such, or substituted wherever you would use molasses traditionally. It will add a rich, smoky-caramelized tart, apple flavour to things and turn your old recipes on their heads. I’ve made Gingersnaps and caramels with it. It’s also delicious as a drizzle on vanilla ice cream, waffles or on toast with butter. Apple molasses has a delicious brown sugar flavor that your whole family will love!
Store your apple molasses in jars in a dark place or the fridge. You can make a large or small batch. Feel free to add aromatic spices like cinnamon or ginger, if desired.
Apple molasses can be used in any recipe where traditional molasses is called for. I love that there is no added sugar when I use apple molasses in cake, apple crisp or even in my mug of hot tea with brandy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making apple molasses from apple cider is a rewarding and straightforward process that allows you to capture the rich flavors of autumn in a versatile ingredient. By simmering down fresh apple cider, you can create a thick, sweet syrup that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Whether drizzled over pancakes, used as a glaze for meats, or incorporated into baked goods, apple molasses adds a unique twist to your culinary creations. Embrace this delightful homemade treat and share it with friends and family to enjoy the essence of apples long after the harvest season has passed. Happy cooking!
If you love this Apple Molasses Recipe, try these Apple Recipes Next:
- Chai Tea Apple Custard Pie
- Probiotic Apple Carrot Cooler
- Honey Mustard Pork Chop Kale Bowl with Apples, Mushrooms and Cauliflower Rice

How to make Homemade Apple Molasses from Apple Cider
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
Instructions
- Place apple cider in a dutch oven, or other similar heavy bottomed pot. Bring to a simmer over medium/low heat. Stirring occasionally until reduced into a thick syrup .
Nutrition

Thank you for more ideas as well as recipies for molosses more health concious people need to learn of old and reliable alternatives to healthy eating for full body health
This is something I will have to make. Thank you for the post.