Fiori di Sicilia always felt like a fancy splurge. We bought it once out of curiosity, and wow—it was like dessert royalty had arrived. The cookies we baked? Instant crowd-pleasers.
Then came the day we went to use it again and, surprise, the bottle was empty. We weren’t about to drop everything and run to the store. Instead, we got creative with what we had on hand. Turns out, you can recreate that citrus-meets-vanilla magic with a few clever swaps. Some alternatives even brought a depth we didn’t expect!
You don’t need Fiori di Sicilia to make your desserts shine. We found five solid substitutes that get the job done beautifully. Bonus? You’ve probably got most of them right there in your pantry already.

5 Easy Substitutes for Fiori di Sicilia
Here’s the lowdown on what to use instead of Fiori di Sicilia in a pinch.
1 – Vanilla Extract
What if I told you that vanilla extract is the easiest swap for Fiori di Sicilia? It’s simple, straightforward, and gets the job done. The flavor isn’t exactly the same, but it brings that sweet, warm richness we all expect in baking.
Use a 1:1 ratio for this substitute. If the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Fiori di Sicilia, stick in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Easy math.
The citrusy hint might be missing, but that’s nothing a splash of fresh orange or lemon juice can’t fix. Vanilla extract gives desserts the cozy, familiar flavor we all like.
Looking for more ideas? Check out this list of vanilla extract substitutes for even more options!
2 – Orange Extract
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap in orange extract. It’s citrusy, bold, and brings a bright pop of flavor. It’s actually the closest match to Fiori di Sicilia. The best part? You just need a 1:1 ratio. If a recipe needs 1 teaspoon of Fiori di Sicilia, use 1 teaspoon of orange extract.
The flavor skews more straight-orange with no vanilla notes, though. To balance it out, add a drop or two of vanilla extract. This combo keeps things balanced yet vibrant. Orange extract works best in desserts that already need citrus.
Need more ideas? Check out this list of orange extract substitutes for backup options.
3 – Lemon Extract
For a clean, authentic citrus taste, lemon extract is the way to go. Like orange extract, it’s a solid substitute for Fiori di Sicilia. Swap at a 1:1 ratio and add a drop of vanilla extract if you have it.
Lemon isn’t as bold as orange extract, so be sure to adjust accordingly in your recipe. Add more drops for intensity—just keep tasting until you get the balance right.
Looking for more ideas? Check out this list of lemon extract substitutes for other options to try.
4 – Orange Zest
Some recipes insist on adding the zest of an orange. Guess what? You can totally swap it with orange zest as a substitute for Fiori di Sicilia. Grate the peel lightly to avoid the bitter white pith. Use one teaspoon of orange zest to replace the same amount of Fiori di Sicilia in your recipe.
It gives a fresh, natural citrus touch. The aromatic oils in the zest shine when added to baked goods. The flavor isn’t as intense as the extract, so you may need a little more. Start small and taste as you go.
Looking for more orange zest tips? Check out orange zest substitutes for additional ideas to make the most of this swap.
4 – Citrus Zest with Vanilla Extract
It all started when I ran out of Fiori di Sicilia. Citrus zest mixed with vanilla extract swooped in to save the day. It’s simple and smells amazing.
Use equal parts orange or lemon zest and vanilla extract. This mix brings a bright, tangy kick and a smooth sweetness. It’s not as bold as Fiori di Sicilia, but it gets pretty close with its fresh aroma.
Use the same amount of this combo as your recipe calls for Fiori di Sicilia. For example, if you need one teaspoon, use half a teaspoon each of zest and vanilla. Easy ratio, easy swap.
It works best in fruity desserts, cookies, or any dish needing a citrus-vanilla vibe. This combo nails that sweet and tangy balance with zero hassle.
5 – Almond Extract
This one substitute will save your recipe with ease. Almond extract brings a nutty, sweet vibe that’s smooth and aromatic. It’s not overpowering but still adds a bold flavor. Use half the amount your recipe calls for Fiori di Sicilia. If it’s one teaspoon, grab just half a teaspoon of almond extract.
This swap blends well in desserts like cookies or cakes. It works wonders for recipes needing a mild, nutty tone paired with sweetness. Keep it simple for balanced results.
If you’re curious about more options, check out this article on almond extract substitutes for extra ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanilla extract is a common substitute and offers a similar aromatic flavor.
Orange extract offers a citrusy flavor, making it a suitable substitute when you need that zesty touch.
Lemon extract provides a bright citrus flavor, similar to the floral notes of Fiori di Sicilia, though with less complexity.
Mix citrus zest (like orange or lemon) with vanilla extract to mimic the fragrant blend of Fiori di Sicilia.
Yes, almond extract has a sweet and nutty flavor, making it an excellent alternative for some recipes, though it may lack the floral undertones of Fiori di Sicilia.

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.