Walnuts are a tough act to follow in any recipe.
They bring that unique crunch and nutty flavor that seems irreplaceable.
Yet, here we are, about to rock your kitchen with five mind-blowing alternatives.
Ever had a baking disaster because you were out of walnuts?
Or maybe you’re catering to nut allergy sufferers and need a safe swap? No problem.
We’ve done the homework and found substitutes that not only work but might even steal the show.
Get ready to transform your dishes with swaps so good, your old walnut recipes won’t know what hit them.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Walnuts
If you’re in a pinch and need to substitute walnuts from your favorite recipes, here are 5 of the best options:
1 – Almonds
Almonds are a versatile and delicious nut that has become increasingly popular across the world.
With a sweet, nutty flavor and slightly crunchy texture, almonds can be used to top salads, baked into granola bars, or simply enjoyed as a tasty snack.
Almonds can also serve as an excellent substitute for walnuts in baking recipes due to their similarly earthy taste and crunchy texture.
For example, you can use chopped almonds instead of walnuts when making brownies, muffins, or cookies just by substituting one for the other—no other adjustments are needed.
2 – Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts offer an unmistakable crunch with a pleasantly subtle sweetness.
They boast a creamy yet firm texture that sits atop all other nuts.
Those looking to substitute this new favorite for some other nut, such as walnuts, may find themselves asking how; however, the answer is quite simple.
With some minor adjustments, such as modifying the amount you use since Brazil nuts are generally larger than walnuts and may require more, Brazil nuts can be used in place of walnuts in nearly any recipe.
That’s just one more way to allow for some added flavor and crunch to your recipes.
3 – Cashews
Cashews are an interesting nut.
With their buttery texture, they offer a distinct flavor that is hard to replicate with other nuts.
Their taste is slightly sweet, nutty, and even slightly creamy, which makes them unique for a variety of dishes.
While walnuts are the standard in many recipes, cashews can be substituted for them if desired.
The taste may be a bit different, but the creaminess of the cashews will add an interesting twist to the dish.
Cashews can also easily be grounded into a paste-like consistency, great for thickening soups and sauces if you need an alternative to flour or cornstarch.
4 – Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants that make them incredibly beneficial for your health.
They have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor with a creamy texture when cooked, similar to almonds.
Hazelnuts can be used as an excellent substitute for walnuts in baking, roasting, or chopping and sprinkling into salads.
Their buttery flavor can add new depth to many recipes by adding a subtle earthiness, to either savory or sweet dishes.
They may need to be roasted at a lower temperature for longer than walnuts to get the fullest taste from them.
However, you will be rewarded with the wonderful nuttiness that hazelnuts bring.
5 – Pecans
Pecans are an excellent nut, both in taste and texture.
They have a slightly sweeter flavor than walnuts, but they can be used as a substitute in many recipes.
The texture of pecans is crunchy and flavorful, and their taste is earthy and nutty without being too overpowering.
They are a great addition to desserts and other sweet treats but can also be used for savory dishes.
To use pecans as a substitute for walnuts in baking, simply grind them up into small pieces or buy pre-chopped ones and add them to the recipe wherever you would normally use walnuts.
However you choose to use them, you won’t regret adding some deliciousness to these warm-weather nuts.
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