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Home » Cooking » Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 7, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 Easy Substitutes for Sultanas in Baking

We've been there, standing in the grocery aisle, contemplating the alternatives (like whether to use sultanas-small, light golden dried grapes from Vitis vinifera-or a different dried fruit).

But fret not, we've got your back! We've scoured the culinary realm, exploring the uncharted territories of citrus substitutes, and guess what?

We found some game-changing swaps that'll leave your palate dancing!

Get ready for our top 5 grapefruit substitutes that'll add great flavor to your dishes, minus the of searching high and low for those elusive grapefruits.

So, let's dive right into this pleasant adventure together! Bam!

5 Easy Substitutes for Sultanas in Baking Save for Later!

Table of Contents

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  • 5 Dried Fruit Alternatives to Sultanas
    • 1 - Raisins
    • 2 - Cranberries
    • 3 - Dried Apricots
    • 4 - Dried Figs
    • 5 - Dates
  • Frequently Asked Questions

5 Dried Fruit Alternatives to Sultanas

Here are five delicious alternatives to sultanas that'll add great flavor to your baking:

1 - Raisins

First up, we have good ol' raisins. These little gems are a pantry staple and an excellent substitute for sultanas in baking.

They're made from dried grapes, just like sultanas, but come in different sizes and colors (usually from Vitis vinifera varieties).

Simply use equal amounts of raisins as you would sultanas in your recipe. Check out our guide on raisin substitutes for more inspiration!

Read more about  5 Flavorful Pepperoncini Substitutes to Try

2 - Cranberries

Up next, we have the tart and tangy cranberries. These plump little berries pack a punch of flavor and make an excellent sultana substitute in baked goods (Vaccinium macrocarpon).

They add a pop of color and a pop of tanginess to your recipes, improving them to new heights. Simply use equal amounts of dried cranberries as you would sultanas in your recipe.

Check out our article on cranberry substitutes for more ideas on how to incorporate these delicious gems into your baking adventures.

3 - Dried Apricots

If you want to add a touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess to your dishes, try using dried apricots as a sultana substitute. These dried fruits have a unique flavor and work well in both sweet and savory recipes (Prunus armeniaca).

Chop them up and use them in cakes, muffins, or even salads for an unexpected burst of flavor, or pair them with savory elements like dried beef for salty contrast.

For more inspiration on how to use dried apricots, check out our guide on substitutes for apricots.

4 - Dried Figs

These sweet and chewy fruits are a fantastic substitute for sultanas in baking (Ficus carica).

Read more about  Colorful Greens: 5 Fantastic Swiss Chard Substitutes

They add a subtle sweetness and a hint of nuttiness to your recipes, making them perfect for cakes, bread, or even as toppings on salads, or try them with sun-dried tomatoes in creamy pasta for a sweet-savory twist.

Check out our article on fig substitutes for more ideas on how to use this tasty fruit in your cooking adventures.

5 - Dates

Last but not least, we have the natural sweetener and sultana substitute, dates. These dried fruits are packed with nutrients and add a rich sweetness to your baked goods (high in potassium and fiber).

They work well in cakes, bread, and even as a filling for cookies or bars. Simply use equal amounts of dates as you would sultanas in your recipe.

For more inspiration on how to use dates in your cooking, explore date substitutes or try whole-grain farro with apples and dates for a simple recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are raisins a good substitute for sultanas?

Yes, raisins are the closest alternative to sultanas, with a similar texture and sweetness.

Can dried cranberries replace sultanas in baked goods?

Yes, dried cranberries add a tart flavor that can go with the sweetness of baked goods in place of sultanas.

Read more about  5 Onion Soup Mix Substitutes to Try in Cooking
Is dried apricot a good substitute for sultanas in cooking?

Dried apricots can work, providing a chewy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that differs from the sweetness of sultanas.

Can dried figs replace sultanas in recipes?

Yes, dried figs offer a rich sweetness and chewy texture that can substitute sultanas in many dishes.

Are dates a suitable replacement for sultanas in baking?

Yes, dates are an excellent substitute, adding natural sweetness and a dense, sticky texture to baked goods.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray - CooksCrafter founder
Andrew Gray

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.

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