Oh, almonds. They’re super tasty, aren’t they? But sometimes, you just run out. Or maybe nuts aren’t your thing.
Totally get that. It’s all about finding that perfect crunchy thing to toss into our baking or snacks when almonds just aren’t happening.
So, we got to experimenting in our kitchen, throwing in all sorts of unexpected stuff. Sure, some of those experiments were total fails, but others? Pure genius.
Here are our top picks for swapping out almonds. And trust us, this list isn’t the same old, same old. We’re talking about stuff you’ve probably got hanging out in your pantry right now, ready to take your dishes from meh to amazing.
7 Easy Substitutes for Almonds
Without further ado, here are the 7 easy swaps for almonds:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
Cashews | Creamy, mild | Smooth, buttery | Desserts, sauces, pesto |
Pecans | Sweet, buttery | Crunchy | Baked goods, salads, candies |
Walnuts | Earthy, slightly bitter | Crunchy | Breads, cakes, pies |
Hazelnuts | Sweet, nutty | Crunchy | Chocolate desserts, spreads |
Macadamia Nuts | Buttery, rich | Creamy | Cookies, ice cream, sauces |
Pine Nuts | Sweet, buttery | Crunchy | Pesto, salads, pasta dishes |
Sunflower Seeds | Nutty, earthy | Crunchy | Breads, crackers, trail mixes |
1 – Cashews
Cashews add a creamy touch to every bite and are awesome in both sweet and savory dishes. They’re bold yet smooth and mix into recipes like a dream. We absolutely love them for sauces and baking. Cashews have this subtle sweetness that almonds just can’t match – they’re a game-changer for vegan recipes, giving that lush creamy texture we all crave. Swap them in 1:1 for almonds in most recipes.
We’ve nailed it with everything from pesto to cookies using cashews. Want more tips on switching up nuts in your recipes?
Explore these innovative substitutes for cashews here. Trust us, finding the right alternative can truly elevate your dish with a wow factor.
2 – Pecans
Pecans, with their awesome rich taste, fit right into recipes that call for almonds. We just swap them one-for-one. These nuts add a crunch that’s unbeatable in both baked treats and salads. Plus, they’ve got this slight sweetness that just makes any dish better.
We tried swapping pecans for almonds in cookies once, and wow, it was a game-changer. Pecans are tough, but they mix right in without taking over the flavor of everything else. For anyone looking to mix up their nut game, checking out cool pecan alternatives is super helpful.
3 – Walnuts
Have you ever tried walnut butter? If not, drop everything and go make it. It’s the most delicious thing on the planet – promise. But we digress…walnuts are another great almond substitute (1:1 swap), and they’ve got a perfect balance of bitterness that almonds lack. While we love walnuts on their own, sometimes their bold flavor can be too much in a delicate dish. So, we recommend using them in bold-flavored recipes like dark chocolate brownies or rich stews.
Craving more ways to use walnuts? Check out the coolest walnut substitutes here.
4 – Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts aren’t just for Nutella, they’re awesome as an almond swap too! They’ve got a similar vibe and add that perfect nutty flavor to any recipe. Just like with almonds, you can chop ’em up and add them to cookies or sprinkle over salads for some crunch.
But the best way to use hazelnuts? Crush ’em and mix ’em into a pound cake. Seriously, it’s insanely good. Looking for more fun ways to use hazelnuts in your recipes? Check out these cool hazelnut swaps. You’ll thank us later!
5 – Macadamia Nuts
When it comes to rich and buttery, macadamia nuts take the crown. They’re super smooth and add an indulgent touch to anything they’re in. We love them for snacking on their own (or maybe dipped in chocolate – whatever we don’t judge), but they also make a great substitute for almonds.
Macadamias have this mild taste that works well with both sweet and savory dishes. They’re perfect in sauces or baked goods, adding a touch of luxury to every bite. Not sure how to use them? Here are some great substitutes for macadamia nuts that will help you get started.
6 – Pine Nuts
Pine nuts, don’t we just adore them for that buttery crunch they add to our salads? They bring a touch of luxury without being too much. We usually go for a straight swap with almonds, 1:1.
In our kitchen, these little guys are the real MVPs of pesto. Switching to pine nuts once, the flavor was just mind-blowing. Seriously, you’d be amazed how such a simple switch can take a dish to the next level.
Got an itch to try pine nuts in new ways? Check out creative pine nut alternatives for some extra kitchen inspo.
7 – Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are our go-to when almonds are nowhere to be found. They’re awesome in pretty much any dish, thanks to that nice crunch and nutty taste.
We just swap them in one-for-one, and it works like a charm. They fit right in with baked treats and salads. Oh, and have you tried them in pesto? Seriously, just use these instead of almonds, and you’re golden.
But hey, they’re not just for munching on. If you’re looking to shake things up in your kitchen, check out sunflower seed swaps for cooks.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.