Lavender is a pleasant, floral flavor used in many recipes from desserts, to meat dishes, and even baked breads.
If you are making a recipe that calls for lavender extract but do not have any no need to fear. There are a few substitutions you can use in your recipe.
Lavender is a popular flavor used in French cooking and is generally used in conjunction with other herbs and spices. Unfortunately, lavender extract is not widely available in all areas so one of the alternatives found below will need to be used in it’s place.
What are the best substitutes for lavender extract?
The top lavender extract substitutes are dry lavender, Parfait Amour, rosemary, lemon thyme, or food grade lavender oil.
These lavender extract replacements will work in recipes ranging from dinner to dessert. Read on for how to use each of these equivalents in your recipe.
Lavender Extract Alternatives
When searching for an ingredient similar to lavender extract you have a handful of great options. Whether you are baking bread, making a meat marinade, or whipping up a tasty dessert, one of these alternatives will fit the bill.
Dry Lavender
Dry lavender can be easier to located in most regions making it a great way to add the lovely floral flavor of lavender to your recipe.
Dry lavender works best in baked bread, desserts and marinades. The flavor is less concentrated than lavender extract so a 3:2 ratio should be used.
So 1.5 teaspoons of dry lavender for each teaspoon of lavender extract your recipe calls for.
Parfait Amour
This lavender flavor liqueur is perfect for desserts and marinades. Just a few drops will impart a wonderful lavender flavor to any recipe.
It is a but pricier than other options on the list but it is the best option when baking.
Rosemary
Rosemary offers the most similar flavor to lavender and can be substituted in either dry or extract form.
Rosemary is readily available at most grocery stores and is likely already in your pantry.
Because of it’s similar flavor, rosemary or rosemary extract can be used in any recipe that calls for lavender extract.
Use it in marinades, baked goods, or breads. If using rosemary extract, use a 1:1 ratio, and if using dry rosemary use a 3:2 ratio.
Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme offers a wonderful flavor that works in all types of recipes. It is significantly easier to find in most grocery stores and is a relatively affordable alternative to lavender extract.
Use it in meat marinades or baked breads. Dry lemon thyme should be subbed at a 3:2 ratio for the best results.
Mint
Mint is already in most kitchens making it a convenient replacement for lavender extract. It offers a strong flavor that is particularly well suited for desserts. But it can work in marinades as well.
Dry, fresh, or mint extract can be used. Dry and fresh should be used at a 3:2 ratio but mint extract should be a 1:2 ratio.
Food Grade Lavender Oil
For a great 1:1 substitution for lavender extract, food grade lavender oil is great in a pinch. The flavor is very similar to lavender extract and it can be used in all types of recipes.
When opting for lavender oil you must be certain to use a high quality, food grade product.
French lavender is frequently included in the herb blend herbes de provence, which benefits from the subtle floral flavor. As a rule, lavender can be used similarly to fresh rosemary, in recipes like meat marinades and baked breads. Lavender flowers also make a beautiful garnish for salads, desserts
A few drops of Parfait Amour (a lavender-flavored liqueur) for dried lavender. food grade Lavender oil, dried lavender, lemon thyme or mint