15 Easy Ways to Substitute for Almond Extract

Here are 15 easy ways to substitute for almond extract when you’re in a pinch or for those with a nut allergy + how to make your own!

Almond extract is a popular dessert and baking ingredient. It’s also used in lots beverage and hot chocolate recipes. You’ve probably enjoyed it’s strong, nutty and sweet flavor in recipes with cherry, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee flavors.

If you don’t have any on hand, you might wonder what you can use to substitute its warm and aromatic flavor.

Luckily, there are several easy ways to substitute for almond extract and easy methods to make your own.

Below, are the best almond extract replacements that can stand in for almond extract in a pinch and for those with an allergy to nuts, plus a simple DIY recipe.

Clear glass jar of almond extract surrounded by almonds on a wooden table.

Common Ways to Substitute for Almond Extract

Almond extract has a strong flavor, so you’ll generally need to use more of your replacement ingredient to achieve a similar potency.

Each substitute ingredient will make your dish taste a bit different, so make sure it goes well with the other ingredients in the recipe. You should also pay attention to your ratio of dry and wet ingredients.

If you need a lot of a particular liquid substitute, you should consider decreasing the amount of your other wet ingredients to compensate.

1. Vanilla Extract

Labeled jar of vanilla extract on a table next to a bundle of vanilla beans.

Vanilla has a similar warmth and comforting aroma as almond extract. It is used in similar recipes and makes a great substitute because it’s a more popular ingredient. It’s likely you have some in your pantry right now.

It doesn’t have as powerful a flavor, so you’ll need to use twice as much vanilla in your recipe as you would almond extract.

2. Almond-Flavored Liqueur

Shot glass of almond-flavored liqueur surrounded by almonds and a white kitchen towel.

An almond-flavored liqueur (like Amaretto) is another easy substitute. These liqueurs can be made from apricot pits, almonds, or both.

You’ll need quite a bit more liqueur to achieve the same potency as almond extract, though. Be extra careful with the other wet and dry ingredients in your recipe when baking.

You’ll need 4-8 times as much liqueur as you would almond extract.

3. Imitation Almond Extract

Brown bottle of imitation almond extract next to a wooden spoon and pile of almonds.

Synthetic or imitation almond extract is the perfect substitute for those who have a nut allergy. It’s made using BENZALDEHYDE and not almond oil. Thankfully, pure and imitation extracts taste virtually the same.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute.

4. Vanilla Bean

Overlapping vanilla bean pods next to white vanilla plant flowers on wooden table.

Vanilla bean makes a suitable replacement for almond extract in baking recipes. Keep in mind, you may see some dark flecks in your dessert if it is light in color.

Again, you’ll need more vanilla bean paste to replace almond extract. Substitute 2 to 1.

5. Maraschino Cherry Juice

A white bowl filled with red maraschino cherries on a wooden table.

Did you know cherry pits taste like almonds? Or, so I’ve heard! Cherry and almond flavors play well together and are sometimes used in the same recipes.

While it may seem unusual, cherry juice can make an excellent almond extract substitute. Replace 4 parts cherry juice to 1 part almond extract in your recipe.

6. Cinnamon

Large pile of cinnamon powder in small white dish next to a bundle of cinnamon sticks.

Ground cinnamon is a great, aromatic spice that lends well to recipes that call for almond flavor. Cinnamon is best used as a substitute for almond in non-fruity desserts.

Use 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per 2 drops of almond extract.

7. Orange Zest

Kitchen grater next to pile of orange zest, a zested orange and several fresh oranges.

Orange zest works well as an almond replacement in baked cakes and cupcakes, muffins, and pies, especially those with fruit involved. It also makes a great addition to icing and filling recipes.

Use 1 teaspoon orange zest per 2-3 drops of almond extract.

8. Walnut Extract

A glass of walnut extract surrounded by several whole and chopped walnuts.

A great way to substitute almond extract in a recipe is to use another nut extract. Walnut has a great, nutty flavor that works well with lots of baked goodies.

For most recipes, you can go with a 1:1 ratio.

9. Pecan Extract

A pile of shelled pecans spill off of a large rustic wooden spoon.

Pecan extract is another great, nutty replacement for almonds. You can use it as a substitute the same way you would walnuts. Imagine how delicious this would be in holiday baking recipes!

10. Hazelnut Extract

A large mound of hazelnuts spill out of a brown bowl onto a wooden table.

Enter another great nut extract, hazelnut! You can also use this as a 1 to 1 substitute in most recipes. Hazelnut has a great, warm and nutty flavor that works perfectly for baked goods and beverages, especially seasonal goodies.

11. Diluted Almond Essential Oil

Bottle of almond essential oil surrounded by scattered almonds and pink almond flowers.

Almond essential oil is most often used in cosmetics to make things like soap, but it can be used for culinary applications when diluted. Only a very small amount should be used because it is so highly concentrated.

Start with a tiny drop and add more if desired.

12. Mint Extract

Two bottles of mint extract with cork stoppers next to pile of mint leaves.

Here’s another extract ingredient that can be used as a 1 to 1 substitute. Mint extract is also nut-free and friendly to those with allergies. Mint works best to replace almond extract in chocolate recipes. Just be sure you like the taste before making the switch.

13. Chocolate Extract

Bottle of chocolate extract with blank white label rolls across pile of cocoa powder.

If you happen to have some chocolate extract lying around or find it in a store, you can use it to replace almond extract in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and certain pies. You could also use it in beverages like hot chocolate.

Use as a 1 to 1 substitute for applicable recipes.

14. Leave it out!

Baking ingredients including eggs, vanilla extract and food dye on white marble countertop.

If your recipe doesn’t rely heavily on almond flavor, and it already includes ingredients like vanilla and butter, you can simply omit the almond extract. Your recipe will obviously lose some flavor, but will likely still be delicious!

How to Make Your Own

Homemade almond extract in an old fashioned jar next to pile of whole almonds.

It’s really easy to make your own almond extract, but it can take at least a couple of months to develop the proper flavor. It’s definitely not a quick substitute option, but once you have a completed batch, it will last a long time.

Here’s a simple recipe to try:

INGREDIENTS

12 skinned almonds
1 cup vodka or 1 cup food-grade glycerin

DIRECTIONS

First, lightly TOAST the almonds over medium-high heat to bring out the flavor. Allow them to take on a little color but do not let them brown.

REMOVE the almonds from the pan and CHOP them into small chunks.

PLACE the almonds into a sealable glass jar and POUR 1 cup of vodka or glycerin over the almonds.

Allow the mixture to sit for a few months so the flavors can develop, SHAKING regularly for best results.

Recipes with Almond Extract

And here’s a delicious recipe for cinnamon white hot chocolate. Use this to try out your favorite substitute for almond extract, above.

15 Easy Ways to Substitute for Almond Extract