If you’re looking for the best substitute for lemon extract, consider one of these options.
Lemon extract isn’t an essential ingredient in many recipes. You might even find that the following substitutes for lemon extract provide better results than the extract itself.
Here are some alternatives to substitutes for lemon extract in your favorite baking recipe and beyond. Let’s go through them together.
1. Pure Lemon Juice
When a recipe calls for lemon extract, it is always best to substitute pure lemon juice for it.
If you don’t have any, add a drop or two of pure lemon oil. Juice is usually significantly less expensive than oil.
Additionally, you can use as much or as little as possible without affecting other flavors in your recipe. Plus, a little goes a long way.
Only one teaspoon of lemon juice equals about two teaspoons of extract! Using fresh lemons has some other advantages.
Most importantly, they have no nutrients in the lemon extract (like vitamin C). They add flavor to recipes that can be used in multiple ways, thus saving you money. It will also add an unmistakable freshness (and aroma) to baked goods.
2. Orange Extract
Have you ever seen a recipe that calls for lemon extract and thought you’d like to try it? Unfortunately, you were discouraged when you saw how much it costs (one tiny bottle can cost more than $15). It would help if you thought about one of the substitutes for lemon extract.
Orange extract is made from bitter oranges, giving it a solid citrus taste similar to lemon. For example, instead of adding one teaspoon of lemon extract to your cookie recipe, add 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract.
You can even add a bit more if you want some zing! Finally, Orange extract has a less intense flavor than lemon and soaks into dough faster.
Therefore, use less in recipes where the flavor isn’t as crucial. Orange extract is a fantastic substitute for lemon extract.
3. Juiced Lemons
One of the flavors in baking is lemon. I like using fresh lemons, but getting a lot of juice out of them is hard. This is why you need excellent substitutes for lemon extracts.
Also, in some recipes, such as lemon bars or curd, it’s essential to use an equal amount of juice as butter. The problem is that a medium-sized lemon only yields about two tablespoons. Fortunately, you have another option.
Add 1/4 cup of water, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and four lemons (peeled) to your juicer. Juice all four lemons and use the resulting mixture instead of lemon extract in your recipe.
You won’t notice any difference in flavor. However, you will have at least double (and possibly triple) the amount needed.
4. Vinegar
Some might think vinegar is just for cooking. Fortunately, its acidity makes it a natural substitute for lemon extract in recipes. Try adding it to batters when baking or drizzling it on fish before cooking.
Additionally, as a bonus, it won’t curdle like eggs if you accidentally add too much. If you’re making a recipe that calls for lemon zest, it’s simple. Just replace one tablespoon of zest with one tablespoon of vinegar.
Further, the taste will be slightly different but still delicious! The same goes for grapefruit juice and lime juice. If you don’t have any fresh fruit on hand, try these substitutes! You’ll be surprised at how well they work in place of your favorite citrus extracts.
5. Fruit Cocktail
One of your best substitutes for lemon extract can be found in your local grocer’s produce section. A fruit cocktail is a. mixture of dried fruit such as apricots, plums, and apples. It can be used to lend sweet flavor to desserts and salads.
Moreover, the amount needed will vary depending on what you are trying to make. Most packages contain four ounces of dried fruit per pound. You can also purchase just one type of fruit or all three together.
However, this depends on what you plan on using it for. Homemade is best when it comes to substitutes for lemon extract. You should know there’s no shame in picking up a bag from your local market!
6. Lime Juice
Sure, you could try lemon juice, but it’s not a proper substitute for lemon extract. Although the taste of lemon and lime can be very similar—lime is even referred to as a key in many recipes—they do have distinct differences.
Besides, juice from fresh limes has a more sour, tangy flavor than lemon juice. Lime rind (zest) can also add an extra kick to baking desserts.
If you cannot access fresh limes, try substituting them with one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. In conclusion, you’ll also need 1⁄2 teaspoon of lime zest.
You can also use bottled lime juice if necessary. Whatever choice you make, you have one of the best substitutes for lemon extract!
7. Grapefruit Juice
If you don’t have fresh lemons, grapefruit juice is a suitable substitute for lemon extract. You can use either freshly squeezed juice or bottled juice.
Since it’s acidic, grapefruit juice can help replace lemon’s natural acidity, but it doesn’t have as strong a flavor. However, remember that some people think grapefruit tastes better when added to sweet desserts instead of savory dishes.
One teaspoon of grapefruit juice is equivalent to one teaspoon of lemon extract. To keep your recipe balanced, reduce sugar accordingly.
8. Pear Juice
Although lemons are delicious and essential to many dishes, they are not always available. This is why we have recommended these fantastic substitutes for lemon extracts. Pear juice can be used instead of lemon juice, although it has a sweet taste.
In addition, if you add a pinch of sugar to your recipe, pear juice will dissolve and taste similar to lemon extract. Another benefit is that pear juice is cheaper than lemons or lemon extract.
To substitute one cup of pear juice, dilute 1/4 cup of regular water with 3/4 cup of fruit juice.
Also, you can use apple or grape for the fruit juice.
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon per cup) also helps with substitution. Just mix well to get your desired taste. Finally, consider adding a drop or two of yellow food coloring.
If you want to make it, it will look more like natural lemon extract. We’d like to know if these recommendations on substitutes for lemon extract have been helpful.
9. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is tasty, but it’s also packed with antioxidants. Substitutes for lemon extract with antioxidants are good for your health.
You can find fresh or frozen cranberries in most grocery stores and supermarkets. You can also try picking up a juice bottle at your local market.
Just make sure you read the ingredients carefully. This will ensure that your beverage of choice does not contain added sugars.
10. Apricot Nectar
Cooking fish, making a cake, or dressing a fruit salad requires one of these substitutes for lemon extract. There’s no substitute for one of the summer’s best-tasting fruits: apricots.
However, not all apricot nectar is created equal. Be sure to choose brands that are 100 percent pure with no added sugar, flavors, or preservatives.
It contains just 55 calories per serving, no cholesterol, and only 3 grams of fat. In conclusion, consider apricot nectar one of the healthier substitutes for lemon extract when baking or making jam. You’ll be happy you made a healthy choice!
11. Pineapple Juice
Use pineapple juice when you’re in a pinch and need one of the best substitutes for lemon extract. This tasty, tropical juice makes an excellent stand-in; add it to your recipe at a 1:1 ratio.
The flavor is subtle but will add some nice tang. Also, if you plan on using lots of pineapple juice in your recipe, we recommend using fresh fruit. The canned variety tastes too artificial (and isn’t as healthy!).
Conclusion
Lemon extract is an excellent flavoring agent but can be hard to find. This is why there are many similar-tasting substitutes for lemon extract available. Also, if your favorite baking recipe calls for lemon extract, make sure to try out some of these alternatives. You’ll get that sweet and sour taste you’re craving!
