This time of year most recipes call for cozy and warm spices, from both sweet and savory dishes. If you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you’re out of cardamom, don’t worry! There are several excellent substitutes that can provide similar warmth and complexity, whether you’re making sweet treats or savory dishes. As a recipe developer, I’ve often had to swap ingredients when I’m in a pinch. Over time, I’ve tested a variety of cardamom alternatives that work surprisingly well (if not better, but don’t tell anyone that). Here’s a simple guide I put together for you about the best cardamom substitutes, including options for both sweet and savory recipes. These practical substitutes will ensure your dishes stay flavorful and balanced.

Table of Contents

What Is Cardamom?

This is a spice that I often get asked about, and if it can be omitted from a recipe since people don’t often have it on hand. Cardamom is known for its unique floral and slightly spicy flavor, and it’s a versatile spice used in both sweet and savory dishes across different cuisines (especially Indian and Middle Eastern). It comes in two main varieties: green cardamom, which is sweeter and more common in sweet recipes, and black cardamom, which has a smoky, earthy flavor, often used in savory dishes like curries and stews. Cardamom can be found as whole pods, seeds, or ground into powder. While it’s one of the most expensive spices, a little goes a long way, with just a teaspoon of ground cardamom adding deep flavor to both dessert recipes and meat dishes.

Best Cardamom Substitutes for Sweet Recipes

Cinnamon and Nutmeg Blend

One of the best substitutes for cardamom in sweet dishes like cakes, cookies, and rice pudding is a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. Use equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg to mimic cardamom’s warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile. This blend works well in recipes like pumpkin spice baked goods (like this Pumpkin Spice Loaf) or even a homemade apple pie spice mix.

Ground Cloves

Cloves have a stronger, more pungent flavor, but using a small amount—about half the quantity of cardamom—can bring out similar warming, aromatic notes in desserts. Cloves work especially well in Indian sweets, rice pudding, and pumpkin pie.

Allspice

If you’re out of cardamom, allspice can be a great alternative, especially in sweet recipes like cookies and cakes. Its flavor is a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, making it a good match for cardamom’s complexity. Use ground allspice in equal quantities to cardamom powder for dessert recipes like spice muffins or gingerbread.

Cinnamon Sticks

If your recipe calls for whole cardamom pods, you can use cinnamon sticks in their place. This is especially useful in dishes like chai tea or spiced syrups, where the cinnamon will infuse the liquid with warmth similar to cardamom. For ground cardamom, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon is a good substitute in most sweet foods like cookies or spice cakes.

Best Cardamom Substitutes for Savory Dishes

Garam Masala

Since cardamom is a key ingredient in garam masala, using this spice blend in Indian cuisine and savory dishes like curries, stews, and even seafood dishes can be an excellent swap. Garam masala brings together the warming spices, including coriander seeds, cinnamon, and cloves, that can replicate the depth of whole cardamom pods. Use this as a direct substitute for a teaspoon of cardamom in your recipe.

Coriander Seeds

For a savory flavor profile, coriander seeds are a good match for the citrusy undertones of green cardamom. Toasting and grinding coriander seeds adds a nutty, earthy flavor that can be used in Indian cooking, as well as Middle Eastern stews and meat dishes.

Star Anise

With its earthy flavor and floral notes, star anise can be a solid replacement for black cardamom in savory dishes. It’s stronger in flavor, so use about half the amount of star anise when swapping it for cardamom. This spice is especially good in savory recipes like soups, stews, and marinades for meats.

Black Pepper and Cloves

If you’re making a savory dish like a curry or stew, combining black pepper and ground cloves can create a similar spice kick and complexity to black cardamom pods. This combination works well in savoury dishes like Indian cuisine or spiced lentil dishes.

Expert Tips on How to Use These Substitutes

Whole Spice to Powder: If your recipe calls for whole cardamom pods, and you’re using one of the substitutes in ground form, remember to adjust the quantity. Typically, one teaspoon of ground cardamom is equivalent to about 5-6 whole pods.

Experimenting with Blends: Don’t hesitate to experiment by combining ginger family spices, like ginger and nutmeg, with cloves to approximate cardamom’s complex flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to remember that finding the best cardamom substitute depends on the dish you’re making, whether it’s sweet or savory. While I can say no alternative will provide an exact match to cardamom’s unique flavor, these substitutes come pretty close and will ensure your dish still shines with warmth and complexity. From the sweet, floral notes of cinnamon and nutmeg to the smoky, earthy profile of garam masala and star anise, trust that there’s always a good substitute ready in your spice cabinet.

Other Substitute Guides to Check Out

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