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Out of almond flour?

Almond Flour Substitutes for Macarons

Use this

Hazelnut Flour

Use the same amount as the almond flour you are replacing

Best for macarons

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.

At a glance

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Almond Flour substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of almond flour, use
1Hazelnut FlourSame amount
2Pistachio FlourSame amount
3Walnut FlourSame amount
4Pecan FlourSame amount
5Cashew FlourSame amount

Every almond flour substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Almond Flour

  1. 1. Hazelnut Flour

    Use the same amount

    Ground hazelnuts that provide similar protein and fat content to almond flour.

    What changes

    Creates rich, nutty macarons with excellent structure.

    Best for
    macarons, when you want nutty flavor, chocolate macarons, nut-based desserts
    Taste
    rich, nutty
    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.

  2. 2. Pistachio Flour

    Use the same amount

    Ground pistachios that create unique, flavorful macarons.

    What changes

    Provides similar protein and fat content with a distinctive green color.

    Best for
    macarons, when you want unique flavor, green macarons, nut-based desserts
    Taste
    distinctive, nutty
    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.

  3. 3. Walnut Flour

    Use the same amount

    Ground walnuts that create rich, earthy macarons.

    What changes

    Provides similar protein and fat content with a distinctive flavor.

    Best for
    macarons, when you want earthy flavor, nut-based desserts, rich macarons
    Taste
    rich, earthy
    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.

  4. 4. Pecan Flour

    Use the same amount

    Ground pecans that create rich, buttery macarons.

    What changes

    Provides similar protein and fat content with a distinctive flavor.

    Best for
    macarons, when you want rich flavor, nut-based desserts, buttery macarons
    Taste
    rich, buttery
    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.

  5. 5. Cashew Flour

    Use the same amount

    Ground cashews that create mild, creamy macarons.

    What changes

    Provides similar protein and fat content with a neutral flavor.

    Best for
    macarons, when you want mild flavor, nut-based desserts, creamy macarons
    Taste
    mild, creamy
    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.

This page covers one situation. For the full ranked comparison, see all 7 almond flour substitutes.

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 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

Can 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.

More almond flour substitutes

Browse the full guide, or the 2,551 ingredients in the index.