Orange extract is a flavoring agent that is used in foods and beverages to provide a citrus flavor. It is typically made from the peel of oranges, but it can also be made from any kind of citrus peel, including those from lemons or tangerines.
The orange extract can be used in a variety of different recipes, including cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, and other desserts; as well as batters for baked goods and marinades for meats. Its flavor is bright and acidic with a sweet aftertaste.
But there are times when you may not be able to find this product. That’s when you need to know what substitutions are available for orange extract.
If you’re looking for a way to add orange flavor to your recipes, check out these 7 best substitutions for orange extract:
Best Orange Extract Substitutes
#1: Orange Juice
Orange juice is a good substitute for orange extract in baking and other recipes because it’s just as sweet and flavorful.
It also has the added benefit of being much more affordable than pure orange extract.
You can get the same amount of juice from about 5 or 6 oranges, so it’s a very cost-effective option for your kitchen!
If you use orange juice in place of orange extract, reduce the amount of sugar in your recipe by half.
Orange juice is naturally sweet and will add more sweetness than you need if you do not reduce the sugar content.
#2: Orange Zest
If you’re looking for a substitute for orange extract, you might think about using the orange zest.
Orange zest is the outermost layer of an orange’s skin and contains essential oils, which are responsible for the fruit’s aroma.
You can use orange zest to give your baked goods or beverages a flavor that’s similar to the flavor of pure orange extract.
You can use it in cakes, cookies, coffee and tea drinks, cocktails, and marinades.
The key to using orange zest as a substitute for extract is to make sure that you’re using enough of it.
If you’re making a recipe that calls for 1 teaspoon of pure orange extract, then use 2 tablespoons of fresh orange zest instead.
#3: Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueur is also a great substitute for orange extract if you’re just looking for something to add a hint of orange flavor to your baked goods, rather than a full-on orange taste.
Orange liqueur is basically a distilled version of orange juice—it’s made from the same ingredients as orange juice but has been distilled, so it contains no water.
It comes in different varieties, including triple sec (the most common type), Curaçao, and Grand Marnier.
The flavor profile varies by brand and type, but they all tend to be quite sweet and flavorful.
You can use orange liqueur in place of extract by adding 1 tablespoon of this liqueur to replace 1 teaspoon of extract in any recipe.
If you want more intense flavor, double the amount of liqueur and reduce the amount of extract accordingly.
#4: Orange Marmalade
Orange marmalade is a type of jam made from whole oranges and sugar. It typically contains citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, or even grapefruit.
It also contains spices like cinnamon and nutmeg which give it a unique flavor profile that makes it work well as a replacement for orange extract in baking recipes.
To use orange marmalade as a substitute for orange extract in your baking recipes, simply add 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade for every 1 teaspoon of orange extract called for in your recipe!
#5: Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is a popular flavor, and it’s easy to see why. The sweet, warm taste of vanilla pairs well with many different desserts, including cakes and cookies.
It also has a long history of being used in drinks like hot chocolate and coffee, so it’s no wonder that people are always looking for ways to use it.
Vanilla extract is made from ground vanilla beans that have been soaked in alcohol.
This process extracts the flavor from the beans and leaves behind an amazing aroma that makes you want to eat it straight out of the bottle!
The alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind only the wonderful flavor of vanilla.
If you’re looking for a substitute for orange extract, try using vanilla extract instead!
The two flavors are similar enough that this substitution will work well when making baked goods or drinks that call for orange extract.
#6: Orange Blossom Water
Orange blossom water is a distilled essence made from bitter orange blossoms.
The blossoms are picked in the morning and soaked in water for 24 hours, then strained and allowed to evaporate over low heat.
This process gives the water its distinct flavor, which is reminiscent of both citrus rinds and honey.
Its flavor profile makes it a great substitute for orange extract in recipes like marmalade and shortbreads, as well as in sweet beverages such as coffee or tea.
It also pairs well with other flavors like lemon, mint, and vanilla.
If you’re looking for an alternative to orange extract that won’t change the flavor of your recipe too much, try substituting 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water for 1 teaspoon of orange extract in any recipe that calls for it!
#7: Orange Oil
Orange oil is another flavorful way to enhance your favorite recipes. It’s made from the peels of oranges and gives a bright, fresh flavor to baked goods and desserts.
Orange oil can be used in place of orange extract in any recipe that calls for it.
Orange oil is made from the distilled peel or rinds of oranges. It can be found in small vials at your local baking supply store or online.
Just a few drops will add a citrusy zing to your favorite cake or cookie recipe!
When substituting orange oil for orange extract, use 1/4 teaspoon for every 1 teaspoon of extract called for in the recipe.
Conclusion
Orange extract is a flavorful ingredient that can add a punch to your favorite recipes. But it’s not always easy to find it in stores, and sometimes it’s more expensive than you’d like. Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes for orange extract that work just as well—and some might even be cheaper!
In this article, we looked at seven options for substituting orange extract in recipes. We also included tips for using them in your own cooking projects.
If you’ve read the entire article and still aren’t sure which substitute will work best for you, don’t worry! Experiment with different options until you find the one that works best. And if all else fails? You can always use orange juice instead!
