Out of Cashew, one case
Cashew substitutes for baking
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Almonds
Same amount as the cashew
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 for —
- cakes
One casethe full cashew card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cashew |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almondscakes | Same amount |
| 2 | Walnutscakes | Same amount |
| 3 | Macadamia nutscookies | Same amount |
| 4 | Pecanscakes | Same amount |
| 5 | Pine nutscookies | Same amount |
| 6 | Brazil nutscakes | Same amount |
| 7 | Sunflower seedsnut-free recipes | Same amount |
| 8 | Pumpkin seedsnut-free recipes | Same amount |
Almonds
mild, slightly sweet
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
- cakes, cookies, muffins, bread, trail mix, when you want mild flavor, general baking
- Texture
- similar to cashews
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
rich, earthy
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
- cakes, cookies, muffins, bread, when you want richer flavor, chocolate desserts
- Texture
- similar to cashews
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
very similar to cashews
Macadamia nuts are the closest substitute to cashews in baking with their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. Good for cookies and desserts.
- Best for
- cookies, desserts, when you want closest match, creamy baked goods, shortbread
Macadamia nuts are the most similar to cashews in both texture and flavor. They're good when you want the closest possible substitute in baked goods.
Pecans
sweet, buttery
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
- cakes, cookies, muffins, desserts, when you want sweet flavor, pie crusts
- Texture
- similar to cashews
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
buttery, mild
Pine nuts provide a mild, buttery flavor to baked goods and work well as a cashew substitute. They're good for cookies and delicate desserts.
- Best for
- cookies, delicate desserts, when you want buttery flavor, shortbread, biscotti
- Texture
- similar to cashews
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
rich, slightly sweet
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
- cakes, cookies, muffins, when you want rich flavor, desserts
- Texture
- similar to cashews
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
mild, slightly nutty
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 recipes, cakes, cookies, muffins, when you need nut-free option, trail mix
- Texture
- similar to cashews
Sunflower seeds are good 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
mild, slightly nutty
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 recipes, cakes, cookies, muffins, when you need nut-free option, trail mix
- Texture
- similar to cashews
Pumpkin seeds are good for people with nut allergies and provide good nutrition. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and work well in most baked goods.
Tips for substituting cashew
6 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
Questions
5 questionsWhat'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.