The 7 Best Substitutes for Butterscotch Extract

I’m sure you’ve been there before: a recipe calls for butterscotch extract and you don’t have it in your pantry.

Is the whole recipe down the drain?

Not quite!

If a recipe calls for butterscotch extract, fear not – I have 7 amazing substitutes that will taste great regardless of what type of dish you are making.

You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate this sweet flavor.

You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store or online – plus, none of them require additional cooking!

From crafty kitchen hacks to classic combinations, these substitutes for butterscotch extract will help take your dish from tasty to tantalizing.

Let’s get started!

What is Butterscotch Extract?

Butterscotch extract is a flavoring made from the combination of butter and brown sugar.

It’s usually used to add a sweet, caramel-like flavor to baked goods and desserts.

The extract is typically made by combining melted butter with dark brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, salt, and vanilla extract.

The mixture is then heated until it has thickened into a syrup-like consistency before being cooled and bottled as an extract.

Butterscotch extract can be used in cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream topping syrups or sauces for pancakes or waffles.

It pairs well with other flavors like chocolate, nuts or fruits such as apples and bananas.

You can also use it to make your own homemade butterscotch candies or lollipops!

The 7 Best Substitutes for Butterscotch Extract

Butterscotch extract adds a unique and delicious flavor to your recipes.

But if you don’t have any on hand, there are several substitutes that will work just as well.

Here are seven great replacements for butterscotch extract:

1. Caramel Extract

Who doesn’t like the sweet, buttery taste of butterscotch?

If you don’t have butterscotch extract, you can use caramel extract instead. The flavor is similar, but caramel extract has a slightly different taste.

Caramel extract is a great substitute for butterscotch extract in baking and desserts. It can also be used to flavor coffee, tea, and cocktails.

When substituting caramel extract for butterscotch extract, you should use half the amount of the extract called for in the recipe. This is because caramel extract is usually more concentrated than butterscotch extract.

It’s also a good idea to taste your batter or drink before adding any more extract. This way, you can make sure you don’t add too much.

2. Vanilla Extract

Easy to find, easy to use. That’s why vanilla extract makes such a great replacement for butterscotch extract.

You can use it in the same proportions as butterscotch extract.

The flavor won’t be the same, of course. Butterscotch has a richer, sweeter flavor.

But vanilla extract will still get the job done. You can use it to make a delicious butterscotch pie or give your cookies a hint of sweetness.

And if you want to add a bit of extra flavor, you can always play around with other extracts, like almond or coconut.

Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different from what you’d get with butterscotch extract.

3. Toffee Extract

I love munching on toffee, so I’m always looking for ways to incorporate it into my cooking.

Enter toffee extract.

It has a similar flavor, but it’s a bit more robust.

You might notice it has a hint of almond and caramel notes, too.

All you need to do is substitute one teaspoon of toffee extract for every teaspoon of butterscotch extract called for in the recipe.

It’s perfect for adding flavor to muffins, cookies, or even ice cream!

It’s best to start with a small amount first, then adjust as needed.

4. Brown Sugar Syrup

I bet you already have the ingredients for this one in your pantry.

You just need brown sugar and water.

Mix one cup brown sugar with one quarter cup of water in a small saucepan.

Heat it to a boil, stirring constantly.

Let it cool completely before using it as a substitute for butterscotch extract in any recipe.

It will give the same subtle, caramel-like flavor. Plus, the syrup adds a hint of molasses, too.

It works great in baking recipes, like cake and brownies. Or, you could use it to give your morning oatmeal a little something extra.

5. Maple Syrup

Go check your pantry. Chances are you have a bottle of maple syrup.

The flavor is similar, but won’t be as strong. That’s why you’ll want to use more of it than you would the extract.

A good rule of thumb is to double the amount of maple syrup you’d normally use.

You’ll be able to make everything from cookies to custards.

Don’t forget to cut back on the sugar, though. That’s because maple syrup has some natural sweetness.

If you’re making a dessert, you don’t wanna overdo it on the sugar.

6. TFA Caramel Candy Flavoring

How about a flavor that’s even better than butterscotch extract?

I’m talking about TFA Caramel Candy Flavoring.

TFA Caramel Candy Flavoring gives you a delicious caramelized flavor that’s reminiscent of butterscotch extract.

It’s also more concentrated than butterscotch extract, so you don’t need to use as much of it.

Plus, it’s a good choice for any recipe that calls for butterscotch extract because it’s odorless and flavorless.

The downside is that it can be a bit too sweet, so you’ll need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

But when you’re in a pinch, it’s a great substitute.

7. Coffee syrup

Lastly, coffee syrup is another solid substitute.

It works great if you’re trying to get that butterscotch-like flavor.

You can find it in most grocery stores.

It’s a bit sweeter than butterscotch extract, so you might want to decrease the sugar in the recipe.

It also has some coffee flavor, so it’s best used in recipes that don’t mind a little coffee taste.

I think it works well in chocolate desserts, as it adds a subtle butterscotch flavor.