10 Substitutes for Mace – Top Spices You Can Use Instead

Looking for an alternative to Mace? Whether you can’t find Mace at the store or you’re looking for a different flavor, we’ve got you covered.

I love using Mace in my cooking but sometimes it can be harder to find. Not to mention it is slightly more expensive than other common spices.

In this article, we’ll list all of the best Mace substitutes. We’ll explain the differences and similarities between each one, and give you tips on how to use them.

So whether you’re looking for a substitute that tastes the same or something with a different flavor, we’ve got it all!

Substitutes for Mace

  1. Nutmeg
  2. Cinnamon
  3. Allspice
  4. Ginger
  5. Pumpkin pie spice
  6. Garam Masala
  7. Apple pie spice
  8. Cloves
  9. Cardamom
  10. Cumin

Nutmeg

Mace and nutmeg come from the same plant, so it’s no surprise that they have a similar flavor. However, nutmeg is slightly sweeter than mace.

But it can be used as a 1:1 replacement in both sweet and savory dishes. Furthermore, it works great with beverages as well.

In addition to its similarity in flavor, nutmeg also shares some of the same benefits as mace. Both spices are excellent sources of antioxidants and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

So whether you’re out of mace or simply looking for a new flavor, nutmeg is a great substitute.

Cinamon

When it comes to baking, cinnamon is a widely used spice that can add a touch of spiciness, sweetness, and flavor to any dish. It is also a great substitute for mace.

However, cinnamon is stronger in flavor than mace. So, you will want to use a 2 to 1 ratio when substituting it. This means that for every 2 teaspoons of mace, you will use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Cinnamon can be used in many baked goods such as pies, pastries, and cookies. It can also be used in spice mixes for savory dishes as well as drinks.

When substituting cinnamon for mace, keep in mind that it has a stronger flavor, so you may need to adjust the amount you use to suit your taste.

Allspice

Allspice is not a mixture of spices, but rather a spice made from the dried berries of an evergreen tree. It has a sweet and warm flavor that is often used in stews and other hearty dishes.

While it is not an exact replacement for mace, it can be used in many of the same dishes. As a rule of thumb, you can use 1 tablespoon of allspice in replacement of 1 tablespoon of mace.

Allspice is also a good choice for dishes that call for a mixture of sweet and savory flavors. In addition to its culinary uses, allspice is also known for its medicinal properties.

It has been used to treat digestive problems, headaches, and even sore throats. When used as a substitute for mace, allspice can add a unique flavor to any dish.

Ginger

When substituting ginger for mace, keep in mind that ginger is less sweet and spicier than mace. But its flavor gets milder when cooked. So you can use it with a 1-to-1 ratio.

When substituting dried ginger for mace, use one-eighth to a one-quarter teaspoon of dried ginger for every one teaspoon of mace called for in the recipe.

If substituting fresh ginger for mace, use one-half to one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root for each teaspoon of mace. Keep in mind that fresh ginger is more potent than ground ginger, so start with less and add more to taste.

Pumpkin pie spice

Many people don’t realize that pumpkin pie spice and mace are similar in flavor. Besides nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, pumpkin pie spice also contains mace.

Some people believe that using pumpkin spice as a substitute for mace can actually improve the flavor of dishes. Pumpkin spice is also less expensive than mace, so it can be a great way to save money on your grocery bill.

Due to its similar taste you can use pumpkin pie spice with a 1 to 1 ratio in your recipes.

Garam Masala

Garam masala is a mixture of ground spices that is used in Indian cuisine. It is typically made with cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom.

The flavor of garam masala is sweet and floral with a slight spiciness. If you do not have mace on hand, you can use garam masala as a substitute.

Use the same amount of garam masala as you would mace. This spice mixture can be added to both sweet and savory dishes.

It is commonly used in curries, rice dishes, and soups. Garam masala can also be used to flavor roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

When using this spice mixture as a substitute for mace, keep in mind that it will add more warmth and depth of flavor to your dish.

Apple pie spice

Apple pie spice is a great substitute for mace. It contains mostly cinnamon, which gives baked goods a warm, spicy flavor. Apple pie spice also contains a small amount of ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom.

It’s also used in cookies and cakes. To substitute apple pie spice for mace, use a 2 to 1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of mace, use 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.

The benefits of using apple pie spice as a substitute for mace include its ability to add warmth and spice to baked goods without overpowering the other flavors.

Additionally, it’s a pantry staple for many home cooks. Apple pie spice can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Cloves

Cloves have a bitter taste and are warm in nature. They are often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and can be used as a substitute for mace.

Cloves have a strong flavor, so you should only use half the amount of cloves as you would mace. Cloves are good for both sweet and savory dishes. It is even be used in Indian chai.

When substituting cloves for mace, grind the cloves into a powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Add the cloves to your dish towards the end of cooking so that their flavor is not too strong.

Cardamom

Cardamom has a distinct flavor that is sweet, spicy, and warm with a hint of lemon and mint. It is used in baked goods, curries, and rice dishes.

Cardamom can be substituted for mace at a 2 to 1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of mace, only use half a tablespoon of cardamom.

It should only be used as a replacement in dishes where the distinct flavor will not be missed. The distinct flavor of cardamom can also be an asset in some dishes where the mace flavor would be overwhelming.

For example, if you are making a curry with mace but find that the curry is too spicy, you could try adding cardamom to mellow out the flavors.

Cumin

Cumin is a versatile spice with a sweet bitter earthy and warm flavor. It’s commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and can be used as a substitute for mace.

When substituting cumin for mace, use half the amount of cumin as you would mace. Cumin is typically sold as whole seeds or ground powder and is either brownish-yellow or greenish in color.

While cumin can be an acquired taste for some, it’s a delicious spice that can add depth of flavor to many dishes. So don’t be afraid to experiment with cumin the next time you’re in the kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you substitute nutmeg for mace?

Yes, you can substitute nutmeg for mace in most recipes. Nutmeg has a similar flavor as mace. When substituting nutmeg for mace, use the same amount of nutmeg that the recipe calls for mace.

Is mace and allspice the same?

No, mace and allspice are not the same. Mace is made from the outer layer of seeds of the nutmeg tree. While allspice is a dried berry that is a mix of different spices. When substituting allspice for mace, use it with a 1 to 1 ratio.

In conclusion

Mace is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. While it has a strong flavor, it can also be overpowering. If you’re looking for a Mace substitute, there are several spices that you can use that have similar flavors. Apple pie spice, cloves, cardamom, cumin, etc. all make good substitutes for mace. But do not forget to check the correct ratio before using these spices.