Skip to Content

7 Easy Walnuts Substitutes: Shake Things Up

Alright, picture this – you’re in the middle of whipping up your grandma’s legendary chocolate chip cookies, and bam, no walnuts in the pantry. No biggie, right? We’ve all hit this snack block.

Now, we’re all for sticking to the script, but sometimes life throws a curveball, and you’ve got to swing. That’s why we dove headfirst into the world of walnut stand-ins. Not just any nuts made the cut.

We tested. We tasted. Some options? Surprisingly awesome. Others… well, they made us appreciate walnuts more.

Stick with us. We’re about to lay down the lowdown on swapping out walnuts like pros.

7 Easy Substitutes for Walnuts

The best walnut substitutes mimic its texture and flavor, so the cookie’s integrity is maintained. With that said, here are seven of our favorites:

SubstituteTasteTextureRatioSuitable Dishes
AlmondsNuttyCrunchy1:1Baked goods, salads, desserts
PecansSweetCrunchy1:1Baking, salads, trail mixes
HazelnutsRichCreamy1:1Baking, spreads, desserts
CashewsMildCreamy1:1Sauces, dips, vegan cheeses
Macadamia NutsButteryCrunchy1:1Baking, cookies, granola
PistachiosSweetCrunchy1:1Baking, salads, snacking
Sunflower SeedsNuttyCrunchy1:1Baking, salads, granola

1 – Almonds

Almonds are pretty awesome as a stand-in for walnuts. They’ve got that similar crunch and a gentle flavor. So, we tried them out in grandma’s cookie recipe. The verdict? Nobody missed the walnuts at all.

How did we do it? Super simple. Just a straight swap, one for one. For every cup of walnuts, we tossed in a cup of almonds instead. Baking was a breeze, and the taste? Just a little different, but in a really good way.

Almonds rock in both sweet and savory dishes. We were kinda blown away by how flexible they are. They’re not fussy about where they end up.

Got a curiosity for trying out different nuts? Take a peek at these top picks for almond alternatives. You might just stumble on the perfect match for your next kitchen experiment.

2 – Pecans

Pecans shine as walnut swaps. Their buttery texture and sweet edge bring new life to any bake. We went in, trading walnuts for pecans, cup for cup. The cookies came out with a richer flavor that everyone raved about.

Pecans blend seamlessly into both sweet treats and savory dishes. They carry a taste that’s notably milder than walnuts, yet they hold their ground in recipes. We found they add a depth that’s hard to match.

Curious about other nut substitutes that could refresh your baking? Look no further than our handy guide on alternative nuts to pecans for more inspired ideas.

3 – Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts, stepping up as walnut alternatives, surprised us. They add a unique nutty flavor and crunchy texture. We used them in cookies, swapping one for one. The results? A rich, slightly sweet twist that received thumbs up all around.

They’re not just for sweets; savory dishes welcome them too. Hazelnuts blend well, enhancing flavors without overpowering. For those curious about broadening their nut horizons, swapping options like these might spark some inspiration.

Interested in similar switches? Our tests and findings on substitutes for hazelnuts in recipes offer more insights.

4 – Cashews

Cashews, believe it or not, work wonders as stand-ins for walnuts. Their creamy texture and sweet undertone hit the cookie spot. Swapping cashews in, we kept it even, cup for cup. The cookies? They came out super soft with a slight sweetness we didn’t see coming.

We all agreed, cashews added a smooth twist, making every bite interesting. For folks looking to switch things up in their pastries, consider these cashew alternatives for a pleasant surprise.

They simply blend right in, proving sometimes a subtle change has big impact.

5 – Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts? Total game players in the walnut swap game. We threw these in, same amount, cup for cup. The cookies? They were richer, kinda buttery.

Macadamias have a unique creaminess, making desserts feel more luxurious. Tried them once, and you’ll see why we keep coming back.

For those who love tweaking recipes, macadamias are a solid go-to. Need more nutty ideas? Our experience led us to this fab list of macadamia alternatives.

6 – Pistachios

Pistachios bring a sweet, nutty zest to recipes. We swap them for walnuts, cup for cup, and get cookies that friends and family can’t stop talking about.

They add a unique color and crunch we all love. For any looking to shake up their baking, pistachios are a top-notch choice. Our cookie tests proved pistachios blend in seamlessly. They make each bite interesting, without overshadowing other flavors.

Interested in more nut swaps? Check out our guide on finding the best pistachio alternatives for your recipes.

7 – Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds, our latest test subject, stood out for their crunch. They nailed it as a walnut alternative, cup for cup. These seeds brought a nutty taste to our cookies, yet not overpowering. We found them unexpectedly perfect. They mix well, keeping cookies crunchy.

For our cookies, we simply swapped walnuts for sunflower seeds, using the same amounts. The results? A pleasant, slightly earthy flavor that everyone loved.

They’re a solid pick for anyone looking to switch up their baking routine. Our cookies turned out so good, we might just skip the walnuts next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almonds instead of walnuts in baking?

Yes, almonds can replace walnuts in most baking recipes, providing a similar crunch and flavor, but with a slightly sweeter taste.

Are pecans a good substitute for walnuts in salads?

Yes, pecans work well in salads and offer a similar texture and rich flavor, although they are slightly milder than walnuts.

Can I use cashews instead of walnuts in smoothies?

Yes, cashews can replace walnuts in smoothies, providing a creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Are macadamia nuts a good substitute for walnuts in desserts?

Yes, macadamia nuts are a great substitute in desserts, offering a rich, buttery flavor that complements sweet dishes.

Can I use sunflower seeds in place of walnuts in granola?

Yes, sunflower seeds are an excellent alternative for walnuts in granola, adding crunch and a mild, nutty flavor.

Index