Are you baking or cooking a recipe that calls for macadamia nuts but don’t have any? Have no fear, I will let you know the best macadamia nut substitutes.
I love baking with macadamia nuts but my local grocery store doesn’t always have them in stock. And that’s exactly why I’ve taken the time to find the best alternatives to using macadamias.
So what are the best substitutes for macadamia nuts?
The best substitutes for macadamia nuts are candlenuts, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios.
Depending on what you have on hand and what you are making, any of these replacements will offer similar results.
Macadamia Nut Alternatives
Because macadamia nuts are not always available in my local grocery store it’s best to keep some alternatives on hand. Use these replacements when you don’t have macadamias available.
Candlenuts
Candlenuts are the best substitute for macadamia nuts when you are making a cake or a pie.
Candlenuts usually are not as oily and sweet as macadamias so they will work best in recipes where these two qualities are desirable.
If you need nuts for candying, candlenuts give a unique flavor when compared with other types of nuts. They have a sharp taste that makes them the best macadamia nut replacements if they are available.
Cashews
Cashews are another nut that works well as a macadamia nut substitute. Cashews are just smaller than macadamias and tend to have a softer texture. This makes them work well in recipes where you want your cakes or cookies to stay dense and not crumble apart.
I love using cashews when I make a buttercream frosting since they hold their shape very well during the baking process.
Almonds
Almonds are another great alternative to macadamia nuts. Almonds are found in many different recipes and are the perfect nut to use in pesto.
With so many uses, almonds make a great macadamia nut replacement.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a large, dense nut that is actually from the same family as macadamia nuts.
Although they are the best alternative for macadamias when it comes to taste, they are much pricier than other nuts like cashews or candlenuts. These nuts also need to be shelled before you use them.
Walnuts
Walnuts are a great macadamia nut substitute when you want to add something crunchy and savory to your recipe. Walnuts hold up well to baking temperatures and can be used in pies or cookies.
Pecans
Pecans are another excellent macadamia nut replacement. These nuts are perfect for baking because they have a nice crunchy texture that is sometimes lacking in other nuts like almonds. Pecans also offer a nice, subtle sweet flavor that’s reminiscent of macadamias.
Pistachio Nuts
Pistachios, like almonds and walnuts are another great nut to use for making macadamia nut replacement. Pistachios also offer a nice crunchy texture that is similar to the texture of macadamias.
What Are Macadamia Nuts Used For?
Macadamia nuts are consumed in a variety of ways including baking, salting, roasting, and grilling.
These nuts are very high in oi. They are sweetly nutty and crunchy. They taste delicious, especially when added to desserts.
Macadamia nuts are also used for making nut butters much like peanut butter and almond butter. While these are the most common uses for macadamia nuts, they usually are used in desserts.
Bottom Line
Discover the best macadamia nut replacements when you are looking for nuts to use in your baked goods.
A little planning ahead will help you enjoy your favorite baked goods without having to wait for macadamias to be available.
Thank you and have a nice day!