Are you making French toast but you’re all out of cinnamon? Or maybe you’re just not a fan of cinnamon and looking for a different flavor to add to your French toast?
Either way, you are in luck! There are a number of substitutes you can use instead of cinnamon to make a delicious batch of homemade French toast.
Cinnamon is a classic flavor used in many French toast recipes. The aroma and flavor works incredibly well but just because you don’t have any cinnamon doesn’t mean you can’t make wonderfully flavorful French toast.
So what are the best substitutes for cinnamon when making French toast?
The top cinnamon alternatives are pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, allspice, clove, and nutmeg.
Make sure to read on to learn how to use each of these replacement ingredients in your recipe.
Related: Best substitutes for cinnamon
Cinnamon Alternatives for Making French Toast
Cinnamon French toast is a favorite at my home and we make it often! Whether topped with syrup or whipped cream and berries, it’s always a winner.
But when you need a replacement for cinnamon, you can still make French toast perfect for any type of toppings.
The key is to use an ingredient that provides a flavor that pairs well with the rest of your recipe, and the ingredients below are exactly what you need.
Related: Egg alternatives in French toast
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is an excellent substitute for cinnamon you can use in any French toast recipe. Most pumpkin pie spice varieties contain cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger. And the flavor is absolutely perfect for French toast.
While it’s not a great option for those who do not like the flavor of cinnamon, it is a great option for anyone else who has it on hand. And no other changes need to be made to your recipe either!
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice equals 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Apple Pie Spice
Apple pie spice is another great cinnamon replacement that works with any style of French toast. Most varieties contain cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg which means it pairs perfectly with any type of toppings.
Much like pumpkin pie spice, this alternative is easy to use as you do not need to make any other recipe changes.
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of apple pie spice equals 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Allspice
Allspice is another great cinnamon alternative that provides a wonderful flavor that goes well with French toast.
The flavor is similar to a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves which makes it a great cinnamon substitute.
I’ve found that allspice is particularly well suited for sweet topped French toast.
Related: Milk replacements for French toast
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of allspice equals 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Cloves
Cloves is a great replacement option for those looking for a flavor change from cinnamon. Cloves has a strong flavor and aroma so you will want to use less than the amount of cinnamon your recipe calls for.
The flavor has spicy notes as well as bitterness and heat. The flavor pairs particularly well with sweet topped French toast.
Related: Vanilla extract replacement for French toast
Equivalent
1/2 teaspoon of cloves equals 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is one of the most popular all around substitutes for cinnamon, and it is a great choice when making French toast.
Nutmeg has an earthy flavor with nutty and sweet notes that make it perfect for any style of French toast. Use fresh ground nutmeg if possible, but any type will work.
Related: Substitute for nutmeg in apple pie
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of nutmeg equals 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Cinnamon Replacement for French Toast FAQ
Can you use cinnamon extract to make French toast?
Yes, cinnamon extract can be used instead of cinnamon in a pinch. The flavor is stronger than ground cinnamon so use a small amount and add more according to taste.
Can you use cardamom in place of cinnamon?
Yes, cardamom can be used to create a unique French toast flavor. Cardamom has a peppery, earthy flavor that pairs well with sweet toppings.
Can you use cinnamon sticks for French toast?
Yes, cinnamon sticks can be ground and added to your French toast batter. First remove the outer peel and then grind your cinnamon sticks into a powder.