🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Peanut Butter Substitute for Baking: Best Alternatives for Cookies, Cakes & More

Discover the best peanut butter substitutes for baking cookies, cakes, and other treats. Learn which alternatives work best for different baking applications.

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Quick Answer

The best peanut butter substitutes for baking are almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter (for nut allergies). Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes, but adjust liquid ingredients slightly for tahini.

Best Substitutes

Almond Butter

1:1

Best overall substitute with similar fat content and texture to peanut butter

Best for:

cookiescakesmuffinsbrowniesenergy bars

Slightly sweeter than peanut butter. May need to reduce sugar by 1-2 tbsp per cup.

Cashew Butter

1:1

Creamy, mild-flavored substitute that works well in most baked goods

Best for:

cookiescakesmuffinscheesecakesfrostings

Milder flavor allows other ingredients to shine. Great for delicate baked goods.

Sunflower Seed Butter

1:1

Nut-free alternative perfect for allergy-friendly baking

Best for:

cookiesmuffinsenergy barsschool-safe treats

May give baked goods a slight green tint. Works well in chocolate recipes.

Tahini

1 cup peanut butter = 3/4 cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + 1/2 tsp salt

Sesame paste that works well in certain baked goods, especially Middle Eastern-inspired recipes

Best for:

cookiesbiscuitssavory baked goodshalva-inspired treats

More liquid than peanut butter. Reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tbsp.

Coconut Butter

1:1

Naturally sweet substitute perfect for desserts and tropical-flavored baked goods

Best for:

cookiescakesmuffinsdessert barstropical treats

Adds natural sweetness. May need to reduce sugar by 2-3 tbsp per cup.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For cookies: almond butter and cashew butter work best as 1:1 replacements
  • 💡For nut allergies: use sunflower seed butter - it bakes similarly to peanut butter
  • 💡For tahini: reduce liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons per cup of tahini used
  • 💡For coconut butter: reduce sugar by 2-3 tablespoons per cup due to natural sweetness
  • 💡For energy bars: any nut butter works, but cashew butter creates the creamiest texture
  • 💡For chocolate recipes: sunflower seed butter pairs well and masks any color changes
  • 💡For school-safe baking: use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter
  • 💡For vegan baking: all nut butters work well, but check for added honey in some brands
  • 💡For gluten-free baking: nut butters add moisture and help bind ingredients
  • 💡For low-sugar baking: coconut butter adds natural sweetness without refined sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter in cookies?

Yes, almond butter works excellently in cookies as a 1:1 replacement. It may make cookies slightly sweeter, so consider reducing sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.

What's the best peanut butter substitute for baking if I have nut allergies?

Sunflower seed butter is the best nut-free alternative for baking. It has similar texture and fat content to peanut butter and works well in most recipes.

Can I use tahini instead of peanut butter in baking?

Yes, but tahini is more liquid than peanut butter. Use 3/4 cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + 1/2 tsp salt for every 1 cup of peanut butter, and reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons.

Why do my cookies spread more when using nut butter substitutes?

Different nut butters have varying fat contents. If cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, or reduce the amount of butter/oil in the recipe by 1-2 tablespoons.

Can I substitute peanut butter powder for regular peanut butter in baking?

Yes, but you'll need to add liquid. Mix 1/4 cup peanut butter powder with 3 tablespoons water to replace 1/4 cup of regular peanut butter.

Summary

Find the best peanut butter substitutes for baking cookies, cakes, and treats. Learn which alternatives work best for different baking applications and dietary needs.