6 Best Substitutes for Banana Extract

We’ve all been in a situation where we need to bake a recipe that calls for banana extract, but don’t have any on hand.

This can be a real challenge!

Thankfully, there are some great substitutes that can be used in place of banana extract.

Here are the six best substitutes for banana extract.

What is banana extract?

Banana extract is a flavoring made from the oils of bananas.

It has a strong, sweet flavor that can be used to enhance the taste of many dishes and desserts.

Banana extract is most commonly used in baking recipes such as cakes, muffins, breads and cookies.

It’s also popular for making banana-flavored ice creams, milkshakes and smoothies.

Banana extract can also be used to make sauces and glazes for pancakes or waffles, as well as frostings for cupcakes or other treats.

When using banana extract in cooking or baking it should be added sparingly; too much will overpower the dish with its intense flavor.

A little goes a long way when it comes to this potent ingredient!

1. Vanilla Extract

Banana extract is pretty hard to find.

So most people have to settle for something else.

Vanilla extract is one of the most popular alternatives. It’s sweet and can mimic the flavor of bananas.

It won’t be an exact copycat of banana extract, but it’s still pretty good.

Plus, it’s a lot easier to find. You can pick up a bottle in any grocery store.

The ratio for substituting is two teaspoons of vanilla for every teaspoon of banana extract.

2. Banana liqueur

If you don’t want to buy banana extract, you can try banana liqueur.

It’s a great substitute for banana flavor.

And it works best in creamy desserts, like puddings, mousses, and ice creams.

Start by adding a tablespoon of liqueur for every teaspoon of extract you would normally use. Then adjust it to your own taste.

It’s an alcoholic ingredient, so be mindful of that if you’re making desserts for kids.

3. Maple Syrup

Who doesn’t love the flavor of maple syrup?

It’s a great flavor to have around for baking, and it can be a great alternative for banana extract.

Maple syrup has a slightly different flavor, so it won’t replicate the taste of banana extract exactly, but it can add a delicious, sweet flavor to a variety of recipes.

And the best part is, you don’t even have to use it in a recipe. Maple syrup can be used as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, and French toast.

It’s also a great addition to smoothies and other drinks, as well as a topping for ice cream.

Just keep in mind that maple syrup is much sweeter than banana extract. So you’ll want to use less than the recipe calls for.

4. Banana Juice

Believe it or not, banana juice is one of the best substitutes for banana extract.

It has the same flavor, plus it adds a bit of moisture to whatever you’re making.

That said, you’ll need to adjust the other liquids in the recipe to make up for the difference.

But if you can’t find any banana extract, this is a great alternative.

It’ll add a bit of sweetness and a hint of banana flavor. And it’s also a great way to add some potassium and fiber to your diet.

Plus, it’s a great way to make use of those overripe bananas that you were going to throw away.

Just be sure to use fresh or frozen juice, not the canned stuff. That’ll make a huge difference in the flavor.

5. Mashed Banana

Of course, if you’re in a bind and don’t have banana extract, you can always use mashed banana.

It’s the tried-and-true method for adding that unmistakable banana flavor to baked goods.

For every teaspoon of banana extract needed, use half a cup of mashed banana.

It’s important to add it to the recipe in the right way.

If you’re baking a cake, fold the mashed banana into the batter. If it’s a cookie recipe, you can add it straight in.

Be careful not to use too much mashed banana.

Adding too much can make the baked good too wet and it won’t bake properly.

It’s also worth noting that mashed banana can add some sweetness to your recipe. So take that into account when adding other sweeteners.

6. Banana Cream Liqueur

If you’re looking for something to give you that banana flavor without having to make a trip to the store, then you can use banana cream liqueur.

It’s banana-flavored and gives you that same sweetness you’d expect from banana extract.

The taste of the liqueur isn’t as strong as the extract, though.

So you’ll need to use a bit more than you would extract.

If you’re baking, use two tablespoons for every teaspoon of banana extract.

For other recipes, you can adjust the amount according to your taste.

Just remember to keep an eye on the alcohol content. It’s not as strong as vodka, but it will still add a bit of a kick to your dish.