🔧 General

Bourbon Substitute for Baking: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for bourbon in baking recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect baked goods without bourbon.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for bourbon in baking are whiskey, brandy, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract for non-alcoholic options. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Best Substitutes

Whiskey (any type)

1:1

Any whiskey can substitute for bourbon in baking

Best for:

cakescookiespiesbread puddingfrostings

Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well

Brandy

1:1

Fruit-based spirit with similar complexity

Best for:

cakescookiespiesdesserts

Slightly sweeter and fruitier than bourbon

Rum

1:1

Sugarcane-based spirit with similar sweetness

Best for:

cakescookiespiesdessertsfrostings

Darker rum works best for closer flavor match

Apple Juice + Vanilla Extract

1:1 + 1/2 tsp vanilla per 1/4 cup

Non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon

Best for:

cakescookiespiesfamily-friendly baking

Best non-alcoholic option for most recipes

Bourbon Extract

1/4 tsp per 1/4 cup liquid

Concentrated bourbon flavoring without alcohol

Best for:

frostingsice creamcakescookies

Very concentrated - use sparingly

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Bourbon works well in pecan pie, bread pudding, and fruit cakes
  • 💡It adds depth to chocolate desserts and frostings
  • 💡Bourbon pairs beautifully with brown sugar, vanilla, and spices
  • 💡For non-alcoholic baking, apple juice with vanilla is the best substitute
  • 💡The alcohol in bourbon cooks off during baking, so non-alcoholic substitutes work perfectly
  • 💡Bourbon extract is very concentrated - start with less and add more to taste
  • 💡For frostings and glazes, bourbon adds a sophisticated flavor
  • 💡Bourbon works well in both sweet and savory baked goods

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for bourbon in baking?

The best substitutes for bourbon in baking are whiskey, brandy, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract for non-alcoholic options. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Can I substitute whiskey for bourbon in baking?

Yes, any type of whiskey can substitute for bourbon in baking recipes. Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well with a 1:1 ratio.

What's a good substitute for bourbon in pecan pie?

For pecan pie, whiskey, brandy, or rum all work well as bourbon substitutes. For non-alcoholic options, use apple juice with vanilla extract.

Can I substitute brandy for bourbon in baking?

Yes, brandy can substitute for bourbon in most baking recipes. It's slightly sweeter and fruitier, but works well in cakes, cookies, and pies.

What can I substitute for bourbon in bread pudding?

For bread pudding, whiskey, brandy, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract all work well as bourbon substitutes. Use a 1:1 ratio.

Can I substitute rum for bourbon in baking?

Yes, rum can substitute for bourbon in baking, especially dark rum which has similar sweetness and depth. Use a 1:1 ratio.

What's the best non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in baking?

Apple juice with vanilla extract is the best non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in baking. Use 1:1 ratio of apple juice to bourbon, plus 1/2 teaspoon vanilla per 1/4 cup.

Can I use bourbon extract instead of bourbon in baking?

Yes, bourbon extract is a great non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in baking. Use 1/4 teaspoon per 1/4 cup of liquid. It's very concentrated, so start with less and add more to taste.