We need food for vital reasons. However, now and then we enjoy desserts on every good occasion. At times we also do not need any special occasion to enjoy our desserts.
Nuts are more or less added to most desserts to add more texture and flavor. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashew etc are largely used in desserts. However, can you use one as another’s substitute? Can you use almonds instead of walnuts?
If you are wondering the same thing, then you are at the right place. We are going to have a detailed discussion whether almonds can be used instead of walnuts or not.
So, without any due, let’s get started.
Can you use almonds instead of walnuts?
You can use almonds instead of walnuts. However, the flavor will be a bit different, but the texture will remain the same. After all, they are all nuts. Adding nuts to your baked goods increases sweetness, adds a good texture and nutritional value to the food.
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Apart from texture, the health benefits of the nuts are different. Almonds are highly nutritious. Consuming a moderate amount of almonds reduces the risks of heart diseases.
In carrot cake:
Carrot cake is one of the most baked cakes. These cakes are soft, moist and are a great source of nutrition. Carrot cakes usually have a blend of different nuts in it. If you do not have walnuts or you are allergic to walnuts, you can use almonds.
Almonds can be used as a great substitute for walnuts. Additionally, you may notice a bit of a change in the flavor of the cake. Other than that, everything will work just fine.
In banana bread:
Banana breads are a great source of minerals and key vitamins. Although some bananas are high in sugar and fat, they are considered as good fat. However, you can add almonds to your banana bread instead of adding walnuts.
The softness of banana and the crunchy texture of almonds go so well together. You can definitely add almonds to your banana bread, instead of walnuts.
In cookies:
Some of us enjoy our cookies chewy and some of us enjoy them crunchy. However, a glass of milk before bed is totally incomplete without a good cookie. Apart from chocolate chips, we tend to add various types of nuts to increase the nutritional value.
Also adding nuts to your cookies adds texture to your cookies. Most commonly used nuts are pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts etc. However, if you are unable to eat walnuts you can use almonds instead of walnuts.
Can I use almond flour instead of walnut flour?
You can use almond flour instead of walnut flour. Almond flour is made using almonds. They are usually made from blanched almonds. The almonds are peeled and then blanched and then grinded till it reaches to the fine consistency of flour.
Walnut flour is a great element for your baking journey. You can use almond flour as a substitute for walnut flour as they are both nuts. However, almond flour will not have a stronger taste like walnut flour. Other than that, nothing else will affect your baking journey.
Additionally, almond is the most commonly used substitute for walnuts. As the effect remains the same, your baking game does not level down. Apart from almond flour, hazelnuts, cashew nut flours are also used as a substitute to walnuts.
Two reasons why you can substitute almonds for walnuts
Walnut flour has a great texture and a strong flavor to it. However, almond flour can be used instead of walnut flour. Here are two reasons why you can substitute for walnuts:
High in nutrition:
Almonds are highly nutritious. A certain amount of almonds consumed on a daily basis can help you improve your health. According to research it can be seen that 100 grams of almonds contain 579 calories.
Apart from that, it also has 21 grams of protein, 49.93 grams of fat, and upto 12 grams of fiber.
All these nutrients are vital for the growth of a healthy body. Almonds also give our body some sugar, which produces energy. It contains around 21 grams of carbohydrate. Due to this, consumption of almonds can help us feel full and energized for a long period.
Does not affect the texture:
The usage of almonds instead of walnuts is acceptable as it does not bring much change to the texture of the food. Whether you are baking a cake, cookie or bread, just know there is nothing to worry about.
Almonds and walnuts are both nuts, so whether you use ground nuts or chopped nuts the differences won’t be much. However, using ground walnut adds a stronger flavor to the dish. But, as it does not affect the texture you can use as much as almonds you wish.
What happens when you substitute almonds for walnuts?
Nothing much happens when you use almonds as the substitute for walnuts. The basic reason behind not having much difference is that, these are both nuts. Chopped almonds and walnuts will have the same texture and doesn’t not change the baking time or anything.
However, if you are allergic to both almonds and walnuts, you can use pecans or other nuts. Additionally, ground walnut comes with a strong flavor to the dish. Walnut has its own nutty flavor, which is visible in a dish.
When you use almonds as a substitute, nothing else is changed apart from the strong nutty flavor. Nothing else is missing. So, if you are looking for a super nutty flavor in your dish, then it is recommended to eat walnuts.
How much almonds to use as a substitute for walnuts?
You can use the same amount of almonds as the substitute for walnuts. As these are both nuts, you do not have to worry about the amount that you are using as a substitute. However, if you are looking for a nut substitute you can also use oatmeal.
Additionally, if you are thinking of using almonds instead of walnuts, go on! It will not affect your baking game. Moreover, almonds are considered more nutritious than most other nuts.
If you are planning on using 100 grams of walnuts, instead of that you can use 100 grams of almonds. There will be no change in the taste and texture of the dish. However, if you are planning on using almond flour then, it is recommended to use peeled almonds for the flour.
How to use almond as a substitute for walnuts?
If you are allergic to walnuts, then you can use almonds as a substitute for walnuts.
Here is how to use almonds as a substitute for walnuts:
As almond flour:
Flour is one of the key ingredients for baking. In some specific dishes, walnut flour is necessary. However, if you are allergic to walnuts, you may use almond flour.
To prepare the almond flour, you’d need to peel and then blanch the nuts. Before you grind them into fine powder you’d need to make sure that they are dried.
If the nuts are not dried properly, they will form lumps when they are grounded into fine powder.
As chopped almonds:
Walnuts are mostly used in desserts for the texture and flavor of the nut. Chopped almonds will give away the same texture. However, the flavor will not be the same, apart from that there will be no other change in the elements.
Just take the same amount of almonds as you’d for the walnuts, and then chop them. If required, chop them finely, and add to your cookies or cake.
What nut can you substitute for walnuts?
Walnuts are great for baking or anything that is sweet. The crunch of the nuts go well with the smoothness of the cakes and breads.
Walnuts are mostly used in cakes, and breads. However, if you are allergic to walnuts there are multiple substitutes that can be used for walnuts.
Although walnuts come with a strong flavor, using a substitute does not affect the taste or texture of the dish.
Here are a few nuts that can be used for walnut substitute:
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
- Hazelnuts
- Pistachios
- Pine nuts
Final Thoughts
You can obviously use almonds instead of walnuts. Using almonds instead of walnuts will not affect the taste or the texture. However, the strong nutty flavor of the walnuts may be lacking. Additionally, if you are allergic to walnuts you can use almonds as a substitute.