My Copycat Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce is thick, smoky, sweet and perfect to use with pulled pork, ribs, chicken and anything else you like to pour your sauce on!

Copycat Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is so smoky, sweet and delicious, I could literally eat it with a spoon. I won’t, but don’t underestimate me!
Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce has been our favorite sauce for a long time so I decided it was high time I made it myself at home. I love to recreate recipes we love at home in my own kitchen. You know what’s going in them and it’s a fun challenge.
Table of Contents
Ingredients

- ketchup
- molasses
- brown sugar
- pineapple juice
- liquid smoke
- apple cider vinegar
- garlic powder
- ground mustard
- salt
- cayenne pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.

Step 2. Stir until combined.

Step 3: Bring to a simmer on medium-high heat.
Once the sauce is simmering, lower the heat and continue simmering for 30 minutes, stirring often.

Step 4: Let cool slightly and brush onto meat of your choice.
Hint: If you can make it the day before, this BBQ sauce tastes even better the next day.
Variations
- Spicy – if you like your BBQ sauce a little spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper.
- Kid friendly – the cayenne pepper in this sauce definitely has a little kick. If you’re feeding little mouths, you can definitely leave it out.
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- measuring cups and spoons
- glass jar or Mason jar for storing, optional
Storage
This sauce can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. It can be frozen in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
Top tip
Make sure to simmer your sauce for at least 30 minutes for a flavorful result!
Related
Looking for other summertime recipes? Try these:

Copycat Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- measuring cups and spoons
- glass jar or Mason jar, optional for storage
Ingredients
- 2 cups (470g) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (85g) molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup (250g) pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan. Stir until combined.
- Bring sauce to a simmer on medium-high heat.
- Once the sauce is simmering, lower the heat and continue simmering for 30 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Brush onto meat of your choice.
Notes

Now that summertime is in full swing around here, I will be making this BBQ sauce a lot. I hope you love it as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below. It would make my day.
Sweet regards,
Michele



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