10 Excellent Cinnamon Substitutes for Pastry Chef Baking

Cinnamon is a common component in bakeries. Its warm and calming tastes will undoubtedly entice your taste senses. Some individuals, however, may be allergic to cinnamon and so unable to ingest it.

Some people dislike the strong flavor of cinnamon and prefer a more delicate flavor. Here are some options to consider:

1. Nutmeg
2. Mace
3. Allspice
4. Cardamom
5. Ginger
6. Cloves
7. Cumin

If you are still unable to locate the aforementioned substitutes in your kitchen, we have compiled a thorough list of substances that may be used in place of cinnamon.

10 Best Substitute For Cinnamon 

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a ground spice derived from the nutmeg tree’s seed that is often used in cooking and baking. It tastes sweet, nutty, and woody.

One of the greatest cinnamon substitutes is nutmeg, which is ideal for individuals who like a more delicate taste.

Because cinnamon has a strong taste that some people find overwhelming, they often substitute nutmeg in their meals. Nutmeg is often used in sweets such as Christmas cookies and beverages like as chai tea and mulled wine.

Nutmeg has a lot of antioxidants. It also possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, which aid in the prevention of heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

It is also beneficial to teeth because it possesses antibacterial qualities that help inhibit the formation of germs that cause gum disease and dental cavities, such as Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon equals 4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.When substituting ground nutmeg for cinnamon, use 1 teaspoon.

Mace

Because it is produced from the same tree as nutmeg, mace is frequently referred to as the spice’s sister. As previously stated, nutmeg is created from the tree’s seed. Meanwhile, mace is formed from the seed’s protective covering. Unlike nutmeg, mace is only available in ground form.

When compared to nutmeg, mace has a sweeter and milder flavor profile. Some people say mace tastes like a blend of cinnamon and pepper, making it an ideal substitution for cinnamon in baking.

Mace offers several health advantages. It aids digestion and increases blood circulation. Others use it to keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh. It may also be used to treat colds and coughs.

When substituting mace for ground cinnamon, use it in a 1:1 ratio.

Allspice

Allspice is the next ingredient on the list of the finest cinnamon substitutes for baking. Allspice, also known as Jamaica Pepper, Myrtle Pepper, or Pimento, is derived from the dried berries Pimenta dioica.

It’s popular in Latin American, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern cooking. It tastes like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper.

Allspice is often sold whole or ground. It may be utilized in any shape; but, once ground, it soon loses its pungency and taste. Ground allspice has a stronger taste than whole allspice.

Allspice is often used to flavor meat dishes such as lamb and beef. It’s also great for seasoning stews and soups. It is often used in baking with or as a replacement for cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and nutmeg.

When replacing ground cinnamon with allspice, use 1 teaspoon allspice for every 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Allspice may aid with inflammation, nausea, and infection prevention. Some women even take it as a supplement to menopause treatment. It is also antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of two plants: Elettaria and Amomum. It has a flavor that combines mint, eucalyptus, lemon, and pepper.

Cardamom comes in three varieties: black cardamom, green cardamom, and white cardamom. The green cardamom is the most prevalent.

Cardamom is a versatile spice that may be used in both savory and sweet foods. It is used to flavor rice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

It is also used to spice curries. Cardamom is often used in beverages such as tea and coffee, in addition to cooking and baking. It is well-known for its therapeutic properties.

Cardamom is a well-known diuretic with a high antioxidant content. It is added to tea in certain cultures to decrease blood pressure, help in weight reduction, and relieve digestive disorders.

Use a 1:1 ratio of cardamom to cinnamon when substituting.

Ginger

Ginger is another ingredient on the best cinnamon alternative for baking list. Ginger, which has a warm and spicy flavor, is sometimes used as a replacement for cinnamon. Aside from that, since ginger is more readily available than other spices, it is an excellent alternative for cinnamon.

When using ginger, though, be sure to grind it finely so that it is not overwhelming when consumed. When substituting ginger for cinnamon, use it in a 1:1 ratio.

Ginger is well-known for its therapeutic benefits. It has been shown to help prevent chronic ailments such as heart disease and excessive blood pressure.

It’s also used in traditional medicine to help with digestion, immunity, and premenstrual symptoms. Others take it to help them lose weight and clean up their skin.

Cloves

Clove is a spice derived from the flower buds of the clove tree, which is native to Indonesia. Cloves are used extensively in Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines.

It may be used in both savory and sweet foods, as well as beverages. Clove is used as a marinade for meats such as lamb, cattle, and pig, as well as fruits such as pears, rhubarb, and apples in various countries. It is used as a flavour for hot drinks in Indian cuisine.

Clove has a strong, pungent, yet sweet flavor. Cloves have a strong flavor because of the essential oil they contain. Cloves generally contain 15 to 20% eugenol, an essential oil. It is available whole or ground.

As previously stated, clove contains eugenol. Eugenol is a natural aromatic oil with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic effects. Cloves may be used to cure toothaches, according to scientific data.

When substituting cloves for ground cinnamon, use a one-to-one ratio.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice made from the seed of the cumin plant, which belongs to the parsley family. It is said to have originated in Egypt, although it is now widely used in North African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Cumin is often found in savory meals such as stews, soups, pickles, and rice dishes. It may also be used to make bread.

Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor character. It has a little bitterness and sweetness to it. Cumin is available whole and ground. Although they both taste the same, they are employed in distinct ways.

Ground cumin may be used as a rub, marinade, or flavor, whereas whole cumin seeds are often used in soups and spicy broths.

Cumin aids digestion, decreases blood sugar, and raises blood cholesterol. Because of its flavor, it is also used to help in the treatment of drug addiction.

Cassia

Cassia, often known as Chinese cinnamon, is a spice made from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree. The tree is native to Southern China, but it is currently grown in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia.

Cassia is an excellent alternative for cinnamon since it has a similar flavor profile. Cassia, on the other hand, has a harsher and less subtle taste than real cinnamon.

When ground, it is difficult to tell the difference between the two. The hue and scent are the differentiating factors between the two.

Cinnamon’s hue is warmer and tanner than cassia’s. It’s also a little sweeter. Cassia, on the other hand, has a reddish-brown appearance and a more bitter taste.

Because of its powerful tastes, Cassia is often used in cuisine. It’s great for curries, pickles, and meat recipes. It may be used in baking to make liqueurs and chocolate.

Star Anise

Star anise is a spice derived from the seed of the plant Illicium verum. This is an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China and northeast Vietnam.

Star anise, as the name implies, is formed like a star with eight points. Each point has just one seed. Both the pod and the seed have culinary and baking applications. Star anise is available in both ground and whole form.

The taste of star anise is both sweet and savory. It has a spiciness that makes it a decent alternative for cinnamon’s warmth.

Star anise is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking. It’s popular in meat recipes, soups, and stir-fry. It is, nevertheless, utilized in Chinese baked products like as cakes and biscuits.

It is also utilized in the production of teas and liqueurs. Apart from being a wonderful alternative for cinnamon, star anise pairs well with nutmeg, ginger, fennel, cloves, and cinnamon.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is the last item on our list of the finest cinnamon substitutes for baking. Pumpkin Pie Spice is a blend of autumn spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and cloves.

Pumpkin spice is a wonderful alternative for cinnamon since it has a comparable hot, sweet, and somewhat spicy flavor like cinnamon. Pumpkin spice complements lattes, muffins, and desserts well.

Cinnamon Substitute Related FAQs

What is a good alternative to cinnamon for baking?

As mentioned in the article, suitable cinnamon substitutes include nutmeg, mace, allspice, cardamom, ginger, cloves, cumin, cassia, star anise, and pumpkin spice.

They are the most close to cinnamon tastes and may be purchased at home or in supermarkets.

What spice is the most similar to cinnamon?

The greatest cinnamon alternative for baking is either nutmeg or allspice, according to the list.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice have the most comparable taste qualities. Furthermore, these spices are widely available.

What can I use instead of cinnamon in banana bread?

If you run out of cinnamon when making banana bread, nutmeg or allspice are suitable substitutes.

However, when using the recommended cinnamon replacements, be sure to use the correct quantities. For every teaspoon of cinnamon, add half a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice.[Source]

Because nutmeg and allspice have a stronger taste than cinnamon, they are used in lower quantities.