🥜 Nuts & Seeds

Best Cashew Substitutes for Baking: Complete Guide

Find the best cashew substitutes for baking cakes, cookies, and desserts. Discover which nuts work best in baked goods and get perfect ratios for every recipe.

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Quick Answer

The best cashew substitutes for baking are almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts using a 1:1 ratio. Almonds work best for most baked goods, walnuts add richness, and macadamia nuts provide the closest texture match to cashews.

Best Substitutes

Almonds

1:1

Almonds are the most versatile cashew substitute for baking with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and good texture. They work well in most baked goods and provide similar nutritional benefits.

Best for:

cakescookiesmuffinsbreadtrail mixwhen you want mild flavorgeneral baking

Almonds have a slightly firmer texture than cashews but provide similar nutritional benefits. They work particularly well in baked goods where you want a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Walnuts

1:1

Walnuts add a rich, earthy flavor to baked goods and work well as a cashew substitute. They provide good texture and complement many dessert flavors.

Best for:

cakescookiesmuffinsbreadwhen you want richer flavorchocolate desserts

Walnuts have a more pronounced flavor than cashews and add richness to baked goods. They work particularly well in chocolate desserts and recipes where you want a stronger nut presence.

Macadamia Nuts

1:1

Macadamia nuts are the closest substitute to cashews in baking with their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. Perfect for cookies and desserts.

Best for:

cookiesdessertswhen you want closest matchcreamy baked goodsshortbread

Macadamia nuts are the most similar to cashews in both texture and flavor. They're perfect when you want the closest possible substitute in baked goods.

Pecans

1:1

Pecans add a sweet, buttery flavor to baked goods and work well as a cashew substitute. They provide good texture and work particularly well in desserts.

Best for:

cakescookiesmuffinsdessertswhen you want sweet flavorpie crusts

Pecans have a sweeter flavor than cashews and work particularly well in baked goods and desserts. They add a nice sweetness to the final product.

Pine Nuts

1:1

Pine nuts provide a mild, buttery flavor to baked goods and work well as a cashew substitute. They're perfect for cookies and delicate desserts.

Best for:

cookiesdelicate dessertswhen you want buttery flavorshortbreadbiscotti

Pine nuts are more expensive than cashews but provide excellent flavor in baked goods. They work particularly well in delicate desserts and cookies.

Brazil Nuts

1:1

Brazil nuts add a rich, creamy flavor to baked goods and work well as a cashew substitute. They provide good texture and work well in most baked goods.

Best for:

cakescookiesmuffinswhen you want rich flavordesserts

Brazil nuts are larger and have a richer flavor than cashews. They work well in baked goods where you want a more substantial nut presence.

Sunflower Seeds

1:1

Sunflower seeds are a great nut-free cashew substitute for baking with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. They work well in most baked goods and are safe for people with nut allergies.

Best for:

nut-free recipescakescookiesmuffinswhen you need nut-free optiontrail mix

Sunflower seeds are perfect for people with nut allergies. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and work well in most baked goods that call for cashews.

Pumpkin Seeds

1:1

Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious nut-free cashew substitute for baking with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. They work well in most baked goods and provide good nutrition.

Best for:

nut-free recipescakescookiesmuffinswhen you need nut-free optiontrail mix

Pumpkin seeds are perfect for people with nut allergies and provide good nutrition. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and work well in most baked goods.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For best results, toast nuts before using in baking to enhance their flavor
  • 💡Consider the fat content of your substitute when baking for best texture
  • 💡Almonds work best for most baked goods and provide consistent results
  • 💡For nut-free options, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds work well
  • 💡When substituting in cookies, consider the texture you want in the final product
  • 💡For delicate desserts, pine nuts and macadamia nuts work best

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for cashews in baking?

Almonds are the best substitute for cashews in baking. They have a similar texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well in most baked goods. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.

Can I use walnuts instead of cashews in cookies?

Yes, walnuts work well as a cashew substitute in cookies. They add a rich, earthy flavor and provide good texture. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider toasting them first for enhanced flavor.

What's the best substitute for cashews in cakes?

Almonds and macadamia nuts are the best substitutes for cashews in cakes. Almonds provide a mild flavor, while macadamia nuts offer the closest texture match. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.

Can I use sunflower seeds instead of cashews in baking?

Yes, sunflower seeds work well as a nut-free cashew substitute in baking. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and work well in most baked goods. They're also safe for people with nut allergies.

What's the best substitute for cashews in muffins?

Almonds and walnuts are the best substitutes for cashews in muffins. Almonds provide a mild flavor, while walnuts add richness. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider toasting them first for enhanced flavor.