What does adding molasses do to a cake?

Molasses is a syrup produced by boiling sugarcane or sugar beet juice. It has a dark brown color and a slightly bitter flavor. Molasses is a common ingredient in cakes and other baked goods. It can be used to add sweetness, moisture, and flavor to cakes. Molasses can also help to keep cakes moist and prevent them from becoming dry and crumbly.

Here are some of the specific benefits of adding molasses to cakes:

* Sweetness: Molasses is a natural sweetener that can be used to replace some or all of the sugar in a cake. This can help to reduce the amount of calories and carbohydrates in the cake.

* Moisture: Molasses is a humectant, which means that it helps to absorb and retain moisture. This can help to keep cakes moist and prevent them from becoming dry and crumbly.

* Flavor: Molasses has a rich, slightly bitter flavor that can add depth and complexity to cakes. It can also help to enhance the flavor of other ingredients in the cake, such as chocolate, spices, and nuts.

* Color: Molasses can add a dark brown color to cakes. This can be desirable for cakes that are meant to be dark in color, such as chocolate cake or gingerbread.

* Tenderness: Molasses can help to tenderize cakes by breaking down the gluten in the flour. This can result in a cake that is more tender and crumbly.

Molasses is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add sweetness, moisture, flavor, color, and tenderness to cakes. It is a healthy and natural alternative to sugar, and it can be used to create a variety of delicious cakes.