Description
This homemade barbecue sauce blends smoky, sweet, and tangy notes using molasses, blackberry preserves, apple cider vinegar, and a bold spice blend—perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing.
Ingredients
2 cups ketchup
½ cup unsulphured molasses
⅓–½ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup seedless blackberry preserves
1 tsp liquid smoke (mesquite)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chipotle chili powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground mustard
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired (e.g., vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, chipotle for heat).
- Remove from heat and let cool before using or storing.
Notes
- Substitute blackberry preserves with apricot, cherry, or peach jam.
- Omit liquid smoke and increase smoked paprika if needed.
- Use honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
