Orange zest is the best orange extract substitute, used at a 1:1 ratio by teaspoon. It gives a bright, fresh, slightly bitter citrus punch that stands out in cakes, cookies, glazes, marinades, and salad dressings.
For cooking, Orange Juice also works well - adjust the amount to taste.
Got a recipe screaming for orange extract and you're fresh out?
There are some awesome swaps you won't believe you didn't think of sooner.
They're easy to find and might already be hanging out in your kitchen.
Plus, they'll keep your dish tasting just as zesty as you planned.
We're here to give you the details on the top five substitutes that'll save your dish.
No need to dash to the store or rifle through endless online forums.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Orange Extract
If you're all out of orange extract or just don't like the taste, there are plenty of substitutes that will work in a pinch.
Here are the five best substitutes for orange extract.
1 - Orange Zest
Orange zest is a flexible ingredient that can brighten up any meal.
The zest is the outermost layer of the peel, and it contains a high concentration of oils that give it a strong citrus flavor.
Zest can be used to add a touch of acidity to sweet dishes or added to savory dishes for a hint of sweetness.
It also pairs well with other complementary flavors, such as ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla.
When using orange zest, be sure to zest only the orange part of the peel-the white pith beneath the zest is bitter and can ruin the flavor of your dish.
With a little zest, you can take your cooking to new heights.
2 - Orange Juice
Oranges are a popular fruit for their juicy flesh and sweet-tart flavor.
Many people enjoy eating oranges, but they can also be used in cooking and baking.
Orange juice is commonly used as a substitute for extract, and it can be used in many different ways.
For example, orange juice can be used to add flavor to cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
It can also make marinades and glazes for meats and vegetables.
And, of course, orange juice makes a refreshing drink.
If you're looking for an orange juice substitute for extract, simply use an equal amount of juice in your recipe.
You'll get all the flavor of oranges without the alcohol content of the extract.
3 - Another Citrus Extract
As any baker knows, orange extract is a key ingredient in many recipes.
Its citrusy flavor is a good match for cakes, cookies, and other sweets.
However, orange extract can be difficult to find, and it can be expensive.
Thankfully, there are several substitutes that can be used in its place.
One easy-to-find alternative is lemon extract.
Like orange extract, the lemon extract has a strong citrus flavor that can brighten up any recipe.
It can also be used in smaller quantities than orange extract, so it's a great way to stretch your baking budget.
Another option is grapefruit extract.
Grapefruit extract has a slightly different flavor than orange extract, but it can still add a delicious boost of citrus to your baked goods.
Whatever extract you choose, your desserts are sure to be delightfully fresh and flavorful.
4 - Orange Liqueur
Ever find yourself in the middle of a recipe that calls for orange extract, only to realize you're out?
Orange liqueur can be used in place of orange extract, and it's a great way to add a bit of extra flavor to your dish.
Just keep in mind that liqueur is much stronger than extract, so you'll need to use less of it.
For every teaspoon of orange extract called for, use only one-quarter teaspoon of orange liqueur.
With this substitution, your recipe will come out just as delicious as always - maybe even more so.
5 - Orange Oil
Orange oil is a popular flavoring for many cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
Unlike orange extract, which is made from the peel of the fruit, orange oil is made from the pulp.
As a result, it has a more intense flavor that can be used to improve the taste of many recipes.
Orange oil can be found in most grocery stores, although it may be labeled as "orange essence" or "Orange Zest Oil".
If you can't find it in your local store, you can always order it online.
When substituting orange oil for orange extract, use one teaspoon of orange oil for every two teaspoons of orange extract called for in the recipe.
With its bold flavor, orange oil is the perfect way to add a zesty twist to any dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orange Zest, Orange Juice, Another Citrus Extract, Orange Liqueur, and Orange Oil. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for BEST Orange Extract.
Absolutely. Orange Zest is the closest swap.
Orange Juice also works in a pinch. Match the original amount and tweak from there.
Can this substitute be used in baking as well as cooking?
Some work in both, but baking is less forgiving.
Substitutes that alter fat content, sweetness, or moisture can shift the structure of baked goods.
Test with a small batch first.
Frozen substitutes sometimes change texture after thawing. This matters more in raw applications like salads than in cooked dishes where texture is softened by heat anyway.