Out of Almond flour, one case
Almond flour substitutes for macarons
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Hazelnut flour
Same amount as the almond flour
For macarons, the best almond flour substitutes are Hazelnut Flour (1:1), Pistachio Flour (1:1), and Walnut Flour (1:1). Each provides different flavor profiles while maintaining macaron structure.
- Best for —
- macarons
One casethe full almond flour card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of almond flour |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hazelnut flourmacarons | Same amount |
| 2 | Pistachio flourmacarons | Same amount |
| 3 | Walnut flourmacarons | Same amount |
| 4 | Pecan flourmacarons | Same amount |
| 5 | Cashew flourmacarons | Same amount |
Hazelnut flour
rich, nutty
Ground hazelnuts that provide similar protein and fat content to almond flour. Creates rich, nutty macarons with excellent structure.
- Best for
- macarons, when you want nutty flavor, chocolate macarons, nut-based desserts
- Texture
- similar to almond flour
Hazelnut flour has a richer, more intense flavor than almond flour. Works well in chocolate-based macarons and provides excellent structure.
Pistachio flour
distinctive, nutty
Ground pistachios that create unique, flavorful macarons. Provides similar protein and fat content with a distinctive green color.
- Best for
- macarons, when you want unique flavor, green macarons, nut-based desserts
- Texture
- similar to almond flour
Pistachio flour creates macarons with a distinctive green color and unique flavor. Works well in most macaron recipes with minimal adjustments.
Walnut flour
rich, earthy
Ground walnuts that create rich, earthy macarons. Provides similar protein and fat content with a distinctive flavor.
- Best for
- macarons, when you want earthy flavor, nut-based desserts, rich macarons
- Texture
- similar to almond flour
Walnut flour has a rich, earthy flavor that works well in macarons. May need additional binding agents in some recipes.
Pecan flour
rich, buttery
Ground pecans that create rich, buttery macarons. Provides similar protein and fat content with a distinctive flavor.
- Best for
- macarons, when you want rich flavor, nut-based desserts, buttery macarons
- Texture
- similar to almond flour
Pecan flour has a rich, buttery flavor that works well in macarons. May need additional binding agents in some recipes.
Cashew flour
mild, creamy
Ground cashews that create mild, creamy macarons. Provides similar protein and fat content with a neutral flavor.
- Best for
- macarons, when you want mild flavor, nut-based desserts, creamy macarons
- Texture
- similar to almond flour
Cashew flour has a mild, creamy flavor that works well in macarons. May need additional binding agents in some recipes.
How it behaves in this recipe
For macarons, almond flour serves as both a structural ingredient and a flavor component. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar protein and fat content, which is essential for proper macaron structure and texture.
Tips for substituting almond flour
7 tips- For macarons, use superfine nut flour for best texture
- Sift nut flour multiple times to ensure smooth texture
- Macarons are sensitive to humidity - work in dry conditions
- Let macaron shells rest 30-60 minutes before baking
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements
- Pipe macarons onto parchment paper or silicone mats
- Tap the baking sheet to remove air bubbles from macarons
Notes on almond flour
- Combine different nut flours for unique flavor profiles
- Use almond flour for only part of the flour in a recipe
- Add extra binding agents like egg whites for better structure
- Use almond flour in recipes specifically designed for macarons
Questions
5 questionsCan I use coconut flour instead of almond flour for macarons?
No, coconut flour is too absorbent and will not work for macarons. Stick with nut flours that have similar protein and fat content to almond flour.
What's the best almond flour substitute for macarons?
Hazelnut flour works best as it has similar protein and fat content to almond flour. Pistachio flour and walnut flour also work well for different flavor profiles.
Can I use regular flour for macarons?
No, regular flour contains gluten and will not work for macarons. Macarons require nut flours with specific protein and fat content for proper structure.
Why do my macarons turn out flat with substitutes?
This usually happens when the substitute flour doesn't have enough protein or fat content. Ensure you're using nut flours with similar nutritional profiles to almond flour.
Can I combine different nut flours for macarons?
Yes, you can combine different nut flours for unique flavor profiles. Just ensure the total amount equals the original almond flour amount in your recipe.