If you are making a cherry pie recipe that calls for almond extract but you’re all out, no need to worry!
There are multiple almond extract substitutes that can be used when baking a cherry pie, and you will learn how to use each of them in this article.
The nutty, earthy flavor of almond extract provides a wonderful counter note to the other sweet ingredients, so when substituting for it you will want to use something that provides similar flavor notes.
So what are the best almond extract substitutes when making a cherry pie?
The top alternatives you can use instead of almond extract in cherry pie are vanilla extract, walnut extract, cashew extract, and Amaretto.
Make sure to read on to learn how to use each of these alternatives in your cherry pie recipe.
Related: Best substitutes for Almond Extract
Almond Extract Alternatives when Baking Cherry Pie
The reason almond extract is called for in cherry pie is for the earthy, nutty flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tart of the cherry filling.
All of these replacements provide a similar flavor and will work wonderfully in any cherry pie recipe.
Vanilla Extract
The best overall substitute for almond extract for cherry pie filling is vanilla extract. While it doesn’t offer the same nutty flavor, it hits the right notes for pairing with cherry.
Vanilla extract is likely already in your pantry, so it means no extra trip to the grocery store. On top of that, you can use pure vanilla extract or imitation, both will work wonderfully in your pie.
Almond extract has a stronger flavor, so you will want to use more vanilla extract than your recipe calls for.
Note: If your recipe also calls for vanilla extract already, do not add more. In this case you can either use one of the other substitutes or omit it completely.
Related: Does vanilla extract go bad?
Equivalent
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract
Walnut Extract
If you want to keep the earthy notes of almond extract for your cherry pie then walnut extract is a great substitution option.
With it’s nuttiness, walnut extract pairs so well with the sweet and tart of your filling. It is a little harder to find in some areas than vanilla or almond extract, but if you can get ahold of some it’s a great addition to any cherry pie recipe.
Related: How to reheat cherry pie
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of walnut extract equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract
Cashew Extract
I may be a little partial (I absolutely love the flavor of cashews) but cashew extract is an exceptional almond extract substitute. It has a more subtle, nutty flavor than almond extract, and it hits the perfect balance for the sweet ingredients in your recipe.
In my area, I only find it at specialty grocery stores, but you can also find it offered by multiple online retailers.
Related: How long does cherry pie last
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of cashew extract equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract
Amaretto
Amaretto is a great option if you have it on hand and none of the others. The alcohol content cooks out, so no worries there. But the flavor is quite good when paired with traditional cherry pie filling.
I’ve found a light touch works best with Amaretto, but you can use more than my recommended amount if you are a fan of it’s flavor.
Related: How to freeze cherry pie
Equivalent
3 teaspoons of Amaretto equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract
Bottom Line
As you can see, you have multiple options when it comes to substituting almond extract in cherry pie. The key they all have in common is that they provide a flavor that goes well with the sweet and tart of your filling.
And if you don’t have any of these alternatives available, you can simply omit the almond extract altogether and continue with your recipe otherwise unchanged.