10 Tasty Almond Flour Substitutes for Macarons

Macarons are a delicate and delicious dessert that require precision and attention to detail.

As you probably know, we’ve got lots of articles about macarons – we’re huge fans here at Miss Buttercup!

One of the key ingredients in macarons is almond flour, which gives the cookies their signature texture and flavor. However, for those with nut allergies or who simply don’t have almond flour on hand, finding a suitable substitute can be a challenge.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best substitutes for almond flour in macarons. From all-purpose flour to sunflower seed flour, we’ve got you covered.

If you are looking for substitutes or just want to mix things up the next time you make macarons, then you’ve come to the right place!

Substitutes for Almond Flour in Macarons

All-Purpose Flour (Pros and Cons)

All-purpose flour is a versatile option for making macarons, especially if you’re on a budget or don’t have access to specialty stores.

Although it won’t provide the delicate texture and nutty flavor of almond flour, it can still yield tasty results.

Keep in mind that all-purpose flour has a stronger taste and a coarser texture, which can result in denser and heavier macarons.

Despite these drawbacks, all-purpose flour can be a great substitute for almond flour in a pinch.

Cashew Flour (Pros and Cons)

Cashew flour is an excellent option for macaron lovers who have a nut allergy or want to explore different flavors.

It produces a texture similar to almond flour and has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your recipe.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that cashew flour can be more expensive compared to other types of flour, which might not be ideal if you’re on a budget.

Additionally, depending on your location, it may not be as readily available as other flour options, such as almond flour or all-purpose flour.

Cassava Flour (Pros and Cons)

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option for making macarons, cassava flour is a great choice.

It produces a light and airy texture that’s hard to achieve with other flours. Cassava flour is low in fat and high in carbohydrates, making it beneficial for some dietary needs.

On the flip side, it can be challenging to work with and may require recipe adjustments.

Although it can be more expensive and harder to find than other flours, cassava flour can add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to your macarons that can complement a variety of fillings.

With some patience and experimentation, cassava flour can be a fantastic substitute for almond flour or all-purpose flour in your macaron recipes.

Coconut Flour (Pros and Cons)

If you’re looking to make macarons but don’t want to use almond flour, then you might want to give coconut flour a try. It’s becoming quite popular as an alternative.

Coconut flour is made by grinding up coconut meat and it’s gluten-free. Plus, it can give your macarons a unique tropical flavor that you might just fall in love with.

However, it can be challenging to work with since it can create a crumbly and dry texture if not used correctly. To avoid this, it’s important to measure precisely and use more liquid ingredients.

Despite these challenges, coconut flour can be a great choice for adding a unique twist to your macarons and can be beneficial for those who need more fiber in their diet. 

Hazelnut Flour (Pros and Cons)

Hazelnut flour is a fantastic option for macarons if you’re looking to add a unique flavor and texture to your recipe. It has a nutty flavor that can complement a range of fillings, from chocolate to fruit.

One of the benefits of using hazelnut flour is that it has a texture similar to almond flour, which is essential for creating the delicate macaron shells. Additionally, hazelnut flour is easy to find in most grocery stores, so you don’t have to go on a hunt for specialty flours.

However, it’s important to note that hazelnut flour may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Additionally, its strong flavor may not work well with all macaron flavors, and it may not produce the same light and airy texture as almond flour, which can affect the final product.

Macadamia Nut Flour (Pros and Cons)

Macadamia nut flour is a great alternative to almond flour for making macarons.

Not only does it produce a similar texture and mild flavor, but it is also a source of healthy fats and protein. However, it can be expensive and harder to find than other flours.

Still, with some adjustments and experimentation, macadamia nut flour can add a sweet and buttery taste that complements various fillings, from fruity to chocolatey.

Oat Flour (Pros and Cons)

If you’re looking for a unique option for making macarons, oat flour is definitely worth considering. It has a mild flavor and produces a texture similar to almond flour, which is essential for creating the delicate macaron shells.

However, it’s important to note that oat flour may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies, as it contains gluten. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you’ll need to look for other alternatives like cassava flour or coconut flour.

Overall, oat flour is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to almond flour. Just be sure to keep in mind its potential limitations if you have gluten allergies and adjust your recipe accordingly to achieve the best results.

Rice Flour (Pros and Cons)

For those with gluten allergies or sensitivities, rice flour is a great option for making macarons.

Coconut flour has a texture that’s pretty similar to almond flour, and its flavor is mild enough not to overshadow the other ingredients in your recipe. Just remember that if you decide to go with rice flour instead, it might be a bit harder to come by and pricier compared to other flour options.

But, with some experimentation and recipe adjustments, you can create delicious macarons that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. 

Soy Flour (Pros and Cons)

Soy flour can be a cost-effective alternative for preparing macarons, especially if you’re on a budget. It possesses a subtle taste and yields a texture akin to almond flour, which is crucial for crafting the fragile macaron exteriors.

Soy flour may not be a suitable option for those with soy allergies, and they can opt for alternatives such as oat flour or cassava flour. However, soy flour can be an affordable choice for making macarons and adds a nutty flavor that complements various fillings.

Sunflower Seed Flour (Pros and Cons)

If you have a nut allergy or sensitivity, using sunflower seed flour is a great option for making macarons.

Sunflower seed flour has a texture akin to that of almond flour and a subtle taste that doesn’t dominate other ingredients. Additionally, it offers beneficial fats and protein.

Nevertheless, locating it may prove challenging, and it may be pricier compared to alternative flours. By modifying your recipe, you can make delectable macarons that cater to your dietary specifications and taste preferences.

Flour Option	Pros	Cons
All-Purpose Flour	Versatile, budget-friendly	Stronger taste, coarser texture, denser macarons
Cashew Flour	Mild flavor, nut-free	Expensive, not widely available
Cassava Flour	Gluten-free, light and airy texture	Challenging to work with, expensive, may require recipe adjustments
Coconut Flour	Gluten-free, adds tropical flavor	Can create dry, crumbly texture if not used correctly
Hazelnut Flour	Unique flavor and texture, easy to find	May not be suitable for those with nut allergies, strong flavor may not work with all macaron flavors
Macadamia Nut Flour	Mild flavor, source of healthy fats and protein	Expensive, harder to find
Oat Flour	Budget-friendly, mild flavor	Contains gluten, may not work for those with gluten allergies
Rice Flour	Gluten-free, mild flavor	More difficult to find and expensive
Soy Flour	Cost-effective, nutty flavor	May not be suitable for those with soy allergies
Sunflower Seed Flour	Nut-free, offers beneficial fats and protein	May be challenging to locate, may be pricier compared to other flours

How to Use Almond Flour Substitutes in Macarons

Measurement Conversions

When using almond flour substitutes in macarons, it’s important to note that the measurements may be different from what you’re used to with almond flour. Here are some common conversions:

Ingredient	Almond Flour Needed	Conversion Equivalent
All-Purpose Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Cashew Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Cassava Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Coconut Flour	1/4 – 1/3 cup (depending on the recipe and desired texture)	1/4 – 1/3 cup (depending on the recipe and desired texture)
Hazelnut Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Macadamia Nut Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Oat Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Rice Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Soy Flour	1 cup	1 cup
Sunflower Seed Flour	1 cup	1 cup

Keep in mind that these conversions are approximate and may vary depending on the recipe and the specific flour you’re using. It’s always a good idea to do a test batch before making a large batch of macarons.

Using Almond Flour Substitutes

When using almond flour substitutes in macarons, the process is generally the same as with almond flour. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Some flours, such as hazelnut flour, have a stronger flavor than almond flour. Be aware of this when choosing your substitute and adjust your recipe accordingly.
• Coconut flour is more absorbent than almond flour, so it’s necessary to increase the amount of liquid used in recipes to compensate for this.
• Seed flours, such as sunflower seed flour, can be a bit more moist than almond flour. Be sure to grind them finely and use them immediately to avoid clumping.