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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of cinnamon?

Pumpkin pie spice, Apple pie spice and Cardamom are the easiest swaps. Below: 6 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Pumpkin pie spice. Use the same amount. Contains cinnamon + other spices.

Adjust: Direct swap for cinnamon in pumpkin recipes.

  1. Pumpkin pie spice

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Contains cinnamon + other spices.

    Flavor
    Warm spice mix.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Direct swap for cinnamon in pumpkin recipes.
    Best for
    Pumpkin dishes, Fall baking

    vegan

  2. Apple pie spice

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Contains cinnamon + nutmeg + allspice.

    Flavor
    Fruity spice mix.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Direct swap.
    Best for
    Apple pies, Crisps

    vegan

  3. Cardamom

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Different but complementary.

    Flavor
    Eucalyptus, floral.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Use green cardamom for closest result.
    Best for
    Scandinavian baking, Indian sweets

    vegan

  4. Mace

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Similar to nutmeg.

    Flavor
    Delicate nutmeg.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Direct swap.
    Best for
    Cream sauces, Pastries

    vegan

  5. Allspice

    Small adjustment

    Use ½ of the amount (ratio 1:2)

    Similar warm flavor with clove notes.

    Flavor
    Clove + nutmeg notes.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Use half amount.
    Best for
    Baked goods, Spice blends

    vegan

  6. Nutmeg

    Small adjustment

    Use ½ of the amount (ratio 1:2)

    Stronger, nuttier.

    Flavor
    Nutmeg.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Use half amount. Grate fresh.
    Best for
    Creamy desserts, Custards

    vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for cinnamon?

Pumpkin pie spice is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Contains cinnamon + other spices.

What is a vegan substitute for cinnamon?

Good vegan options are Pumpkin pie spice, Apple pie spice, Cardamom and Mace.

How much should I use instead of cinnamon?

It depends on the swap. Pumpkin pie spice: Use the same amount. Apple pie spice: Use the same amount. Cardamom: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use cinnamon

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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