The almond extract comes in handy when making homemade cookies and cakes, but it can be difficult to find or expensive, depending on where you live.
Luckily, you can use substitutes in your baking that mimic almond extract’s flavor and scent, including vanilla extract, coconut extract, or rose water.
If you can’t find any of these or want to try something new, check out this list of these substitutes for almond extract that you can use in your baking.
Almond extract isn’t necessarily the most common ingredient on the grocery store shelf, but plenty of recipes out there call for it.
Unfortunately, almond extract can be expensive and hard to find in certain areas of the country.
If you’re looking to experiment with your cooking without breaking the bank or ordering special ingredients online, try some of these substitutes for almond extract.
1. Lemon Extract
Lemon extract is one of the most popular substitutes for almond extract, and it’s easy to see why. It has a more intense flavor than almond extract.
You can also replace the almond extract with other extracts, like vanilla or coconut. If you’re looking for something different, try adding liquors like amaretto or cognac to your recipe instead.
2. Mint Extract and Chocolate Extract
Mint extract and chocolate extract are great substitutes for almond extract. A teaspoon of mint extract instead of almond extract is great in recipes such as chocolate chip cookies and chocolate frosting.
The chocolate extract has the same flavor as almond extract and can be used in recipes like brownies or red velvet cakes.
Vanilla, nutmeg, allspice, or cinnamon can also be used to flavor the desired recipe similarly.
3. Cherry Pit Syrup
If you’re in need of substitutes for almond extract, try using cherry pit syrup. It’s made from boiled crushed cherries with sugar and is available at most specialty food stores. This syrup will add fruity flavor to your baking or cooking recipe.
It can be used in quantities as large as 1/4 cup per tablespoon of the almond extract you want to replace.
Another option is to make your own extract using this recipe from ChefSteps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Spread almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, so they don’t overbrown and get bitter.
- Cool completely before making the extract.
4. Walnut Extract
Walnut extract is a great substitute for almond extract because it is stronger and has more flavor. Like most of the substitutes listed here, it can be found at your local grocery store.
The other thing you should know about walnut extract is that you need to use less than almond extract. Start with 1/8 teaspoon of walnut extract instead of one tablespoon of almond extract, and go from there.
5. Pecan Extract
Almonds are often used to flavor baked goods because of their sweet, nutty flavor. But what if you’re allergic or otherwise can’t enjoy almonds? The good news is that many other options will boost your recipes.
Pecan Extract tastes like almonds but has a more subtle, fruity taste. Pecan extract is renowned for having nutty pecan and butter notes and a sweet, rich vanilla flavor.
If you don’t have a tree nut allergy, pecan extract can be used as a substitute for almond extract in recipes.
6. Hazelnut Extract
Hazelnut extract is one of the most popular substitutes for almond extract. It has a similar flavor and can be used in many recipes.
It is well known that hazelnut extract has a nutty flavor with a faint hint of hazelnut flavor. The flavor of a hazelnut extract is not as strong as consuming a full nut.
Because hazelnut extract has the same light, nutty and earthy characteristics as almond extract, it functions well as a substitute for almond extract. When used as a replacement, it can be utilized in a one-to-one ratio.
7. Homemade Almond Extract
It’s not difficult to produce your own almond extract, but it will take you a few weeks to complete.
So, if you’re seeking a replacement, you can use it immediately, pick one of the options listed above, or simply omit it from your recipe.
About 12 almonds should be lightly toasted before being placed in a jar with an extract solution, such as vodka or glycerin, that is safe for food. For a few weeks, let it sit. The extract is then separated from the solids.
8. Cherry Juice
Cherry juice is one of the substitutes for almond extract. It has the same aroma and delicious taste as almond extract.
You can use it as an ingredient in your cake, bread, and many other dessert recipes. The consistency of cherry juice depends on the type of cherry you use.
For example, tart cherries will have more water than sweet cherries, giving your food a more liquid content. If you are using it to replace almond extract in baking recipes.
Even though there are so many substitutes for almond extract, they don’t give the same flavor as almonds. Cherry juice is one option to help get around this problem without sacrificing flavor when baking with it!
9. Orange Zest
One thing to remember is that almond extract has an intense flavor, so you’ll want to adjust the amount of extract you’re adding based on the other flavors in your recipe.
For example, add just a bit of almond extract if you’re using ginger and lemon as flavorings. If you’re using pumpkin pie spice mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, use almond extract.
Gingerbread cookies will taste delicious with 1 tablespoon of almond extract mixed into the batter.
10. Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is one of the most popular and versatile substitutes for almond extract. When used in recipes, cocoa powder imparts a rich, chocolaty flavor similar to what you might find in a chocolate cake or brownie.
That being said, not all recipes need to be chocolate-flavored, so don’t limit yourself when trying out this substitution.
Try adding cocoa powder to your favorite banana bread recipe or whipped cream as the perfect topping on your favorite pumpkin pie.
One thing to keep in mind is that the flavor of cocoa powder will intensify as it sits with other ingredients. If you use cocoa powder as a substitute for almond extract in something like whipped cream, make sure you make it right before serving!
11. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are one of the most popular substitutes for almond extract. They have a similar flavor and aroma but with more depth and warmth.
You can use cumin seeds in any recipe where you would normally use almond extract. For example, add 1 tsp of ground cumin seeds to your favorite cookie recipe instead of almond extract.
12. Cinnamon
Almond extract can be a flavoring agent in sweet and savory dishes. It’s frequently used in desserts and baked goods but can also be used to enhance the flavor of meat-based dishes.
Because it has such a distinct taste, almond extract is often not replaced with an identical ingredient.
However, some substitutes for almond extract will help add depth to your dishes while still capturing the flavor of almond extract.
Cinnamon is one option that works particularly well in baking because it pairs beautifully with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
Cinnamon also brings out the natural sweetness of many fruits. So you may find that it enhances the flavor of your favorite fruit recipes without making them too sweet or cloying.
13. Nutmeg
Almond extract is typically used in baking to give baked goods a delicious, nutty flavor. But what if you’re out of almond extract? No problem!
There are many substitutes for almond extract that will give your recipes an extra boost of flavor. Nutmeg is one substitution you may not have tried before, but it’s worth experimenting with.
Nutmeg has a sweet and slightly peppery taste, and its warm spices make it perfect for cookies, bread, and anything else you need to add some spice to.
You can also use other spices like cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon, which all offer different flavors.
14. Maraschino Cherry Juice
Maraschino cherry juice is the most popular substitute for almond extract. It’s sweet and tart and has all the same qualities as almond extract, giving your recipe a delicious boost of flavor.
Other substitutes include vanilla extract, amaretto liquor, orange liqueur (like Cointreau), coconut cream/milk, strawberry puree, or strawberry syrup.
15. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a nutty, sweet flavor and aroma, which can be used as a substitute for almond extract. It is often used in baking to give baked goods an extra layer of flavor and richness.
In order to use coconut oil as an almond extract substitute, you would need to use one tablespoon of oil per teaspoon of extract.
Simply mix the ingredients together, then add the mixture to your recipe at the appropriate time.
16. Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great substitute for almond extract because it has a similar texture and flavor. If you want to make your own, mix unsweetened almond milk with sugar or honey.
Blend until smooth and pour into an airtight container to store in the fridge, ingredients that work well as replacements are cinnamon or vanilla extract.
You could also add some lemon juice or another type of liquid to create a different flavor profile.
17. Brown Butter
Brown butter is great as a substitute for almond extract. It has a deep, nutty flavor and is easy to make.
Browning butter requires patience, but the results are worth it: Once the milk solids turn brown and begin to smell nutty, the butter is done browning.
You can then pour off the liquid fat and strain out the browned milk solids with a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
The result is a rich, nutty-flavored butter that’s perfect for baked goods like cookies, cakes, or pies.
18. Almond-Flavored Liqueur, Amaretto
Almond extract is a staple ingredient in many baked goods, but it’s not always easy to find. If you don’t have any on hand, several other options will work just as well.
One of the most popular and easiest-to-find alternatives is Amaretto liqueur. It has a strong almond flavor and works well as an addition to cookies, cakes, or anything else.
Plus, it was not too expensive! Other substitutions for almond extract include things like white chocolate or almonds themselves.
Both add a strong flavor of nuts to baked goods and are commonly used by pastry chefs looking to lighten up their recipes.
The key with these two substitutes is to use them sparingly, so they don’t overpower the dish.
19. Diluted Almond Essential Oil
Almond essential oil is one of the most common substitutes for almond extract as it has a similar flavor profile and can be used in various recipes.
However, while they both have similar flavors, they don’t have identical properties, so you will need to play with the ratios when substituting.
One thing to keep an eye out for is how the end result tastes and smells. If it doesn’t taste or smell like what you were going for, switch back to almond extract or try another substitute.
One of the other less common substitutes for almond extract that can be used in baking is almond meal. You’ll want to substitute an almond meal per teaspoon of almond extract.
20. Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste is a great substitute for almond extract and tastes really good. It’s also very easy to make, so if you love to bake, it’s worth the effort to make it at home.
All you need is some vanilla beans, sugar, vodka, and water. Combine all of the ingredients together in a jar or other airtight container and shake it up.
Once the sugar has dissolved, store it in your pantry and keep shaking it before each use. You may need to experiment with how much paste to use but start with a teaspoon before adding more as needed.
You’ll be able to tell when the flavor starts getting too strong. Because it will impart a tinge of bitterness on top of the sweetness.
21. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla Extract is a tasty and versatile substitute for almond extract. It’s easy to find and tastes like vanilla so it won’t change the flavor of your recipe too much.
You can also try using one of these other substitutes for almond extract: Amaretto, cinnamon, maraschino cherry juice, maple syrup, Nutella, or pumpkin puree.
Conclusion
Almond extract adds an amazing depth of flavor to baked goods, but it’s not always available everywhere or affordable to buy in bulk.
Fortunately, if you can’t find almond extract locally, you can use several substitutes for almond extract instead! Check out those substitutes for almond extract that you can use in your baking!
