Substitutes For Almond Extract (How To Use Them)

Did you run out of almond extract and your recipe doesn’t tell you what you can substitute for it? Well there’s no reason to stop making your recipe, there are a number of excellent replacements for almond extract you can use for your recipe.

No matter what you’re making, whether a cake, ice cream, donuts or anything else, one of these kitchen staples will save the day.

So what are good almond extract substitutes?

The best replacements for almond extract are vanilla extract, vanilla bean, other nut extracts, imitation almond extract, and Disaronno Amaretto.

Depending on what you have on hand and what you are baking, read on for more on each of these alternatives and how to use them.

Almond Extract Alternatives

batch of fresh baked muffins in a basket

Almond extract is produced by soaking whole almonds in alcohol. It’s a common ingredient used in many baked goods, as well as other foods and drinks.

Almond extract has a mild almond flavor and is often used as an alternative to vanilla extract. Different brands of almond extract may have varying levels of sweetness, or no sweetness at all. As it’s made from whole almonds, most brands contain toasted almond oil that enhances the flavor.

For most of these substitutes you will use close to a 1:1 replacement ratio. As with any new ingredient, you should taste test to make sure you get your desired flavor. And as far as the amaretto goes, I use that only when making adult desserts. I skip it when baking for the kiddos.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is my go to almond extract alternative. It provides the same level of flavor as almond extract and provides an excellent aroma. It goes well in almost anything you would use almond extract in.

The flavor is a classic for so many sweet recipes, it’s a great all around flavor enhanced that can be used in any recipe that calls for almond extract.

Equivalent
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract

Vanilla Bean

Real vanilla bean is a super flavorful replacement for almond extract. The flavor pairs wonderfully in most recipes that call for almond extract.

If you are making a recipe that already contains vanilla, using vanilla bean may be a little too strong. Otherwise, it works well in just about any recipe.

Related: Vanilla bean replacement

Equivalent
1 scraped vanilla bean pod equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract

Other Nut Extracts

I love using different types of nut extracts such as walnut, pecan or hazelnuts when I’m baking. You can create a unique flavor profile that many will not have tasted before.

The nutty, earthiness will be quite similar to almond extract, and will pair well with just about any recipe that calls for almond extract.

Equivalent
1 teaspoon of nut extract equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract

Imitation Almond Extract

Imitation almond extract (almond flavoring) is a quick and easy replacement for almond extract.

I find it to have a slightly bitter flavor, but it does get the job done. You can use almond flavoring in sweet or savory recipes.

If you want to use this type of extract you will have to reduce the amount used by half of how much almond extract is called for.

Equivalent
1/2 teaspoon of imitation almond extract equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract

Amaretto

Disaronno Amaretto is an Italian liqueur made with apricot kernels, almonds and citrus fruits. And it provides a flavor with notes of almonds. That makes it a great replacement option when creating desserts for adults.

The flavor pairs particularly well in sweet dishes, and if you have some on hand, it’s a great way to spice up your dessert.

Equivalent
1 1/2 teaspoons of amaretto equals 1 teaspoon of almond extract

Bottom Line

The best thing about having these alternatives to almond extract is that you can use them to replace almond extract in many different types of recipes.

Even if the original recipe calls for almond extract, you can swap it out for one of these and get great results.