Out of Currants, one case
Currants substitute for baking: cakes, breads, and more
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Raisins
Same amount as the currants
Raisins are the best substitute for currants in Christmas cake. They have similar sweetness and texture, and can be soaked in brandy or rum just like currants for the traditional flavor.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- Christmas cake
One casethe full currants card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of currants | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RaisinsChristmas cake | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Dried cranberriesChristmas cake | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Dried cherriesChristmas cake | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Dried blueberriesChristmas cake | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Dried apricots (chopped)Christmas cake | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Dried figs (chopped)Christmas cake | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Raisins
different taste, similar texture
Dried grapes with sweet, chewy texture good for baking
- Best for
- Christmas cake, Irish soda bread, scones, muffins, cookies
Most common baking substitute, similar sweetness and texture.
Dried cranberries
different taste, similar texture
Tart dried fruit that adds similar tartness to baked goods
- Best for
- Christmas cake, Irish soda bread, scones, muffins, cookies
More tart than currants but similar texture and size.
Dried cherries
different taste, similar texture
Sweet-tart dried fruit with similar size and chewy texture
- Best for
- Christmas cake, Irish soda bread, scones, muffins, cookies
Similar size and texture, slightly sweeter than currants.
Dried blueberries
different taste, similar texture
Sweet dried fruit with similar size and chewy texture
- Best for
- Christmas cake, Irish soda bread, scones, muffins, cookies
Sweeter than currants but similar size and texture.
Dried apricots (chopped)
different taste, similar texture
Chopped dried apricots with sweet flavor and chewy texture
- Best for
- Christmas cake, Irish soda bread, scones, muffins, cookies
Chop into small pieces to match currant size.
Dried figs (chopped)
different taste, similar texture
Chopped dried figs with sweet flavor and chewy texture
- Best for
- Christmas cake, Irish soda bread, scones, muffins, cookies
Chop into small pieces to match currant size.
The longer answer
About this case
Currants are a staple in many traditional baked goods, but what if you don't have them or need a different option?
Tips for substituting currants
6 tips- For Christmas cake, soak dried fruit substitutes in brandy or rum for 24 hours before baking
- For Irish soda bread, mix dried fruit substitutes with the dry ingredients before adding liquid
- Soak dried fruit substitutes in warm liquid for 10-15 minutes to plump them up before baking
- For scones, fold dried fruit substitutes gently into the dough to avoid overmixing
- For cookies, add dried fruit substitutes at the end of mixing to prevent them from breaking
- Store baked goods with dried fruit substitutes in airtight containers to maintain freshness
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the best substitute for currants in Christmas cake?
Raisins are the best substitute for currants in Christmas cake. They have similar sweetness and texture, and can be soaked in brandy or rum just like currants for the traditional flavor.
Can I use raisins instead of currants in Irish soda bread?
Yes, raisins work well as a substitute for currants in Irish soda bread. They have similar sweetness and texture, and will give you a delicious traditional bread.
What's the best substitute for currants in scones?
Dried cranberries are excellent for scones as they provide similar tartness to currants. Dried cherries or raisins also work well depending on your flavor preference.
Do I need to adjust baking times when using different currant substitutes?
Generally, no. Most dried fruit substitutes have similar properties and won't require baking time adjustments. However, if using fresh fruit substitutes, you may need to reduce liquid slightly.