If you need a mace substitute because you’ve run out at home or can’t find any in your neighborhood grocery store, there’s good news: You’ve got many options! This fragrant and versatile spice has plenty of alternatives that provide similar results, so you can continue your recipe as planned. In this guide, I share what those substitutes are, how to use them, and which is the best for your next sweet treat or savory dish.
Jump to:
- What is Mace?
- What does mace taste like?
- What flavor is mace similar to?
- What is the best mace substitute?
- 1. Nutmeg
- 2. Ground Cinnamon
- 3. Ground Ginger
- 4. Ground Allspice
- 5. Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 6. Apple Pie Spice
- 7. Garam Masala
- 8. Ground Cloves
- 9. Cardamom
- 10. Ground Cumin
- 11. Ground Mixed Spice
- 12. Black Peppercorn
- 13. Mace Blades
- 14. Ras El Hanout
- 15. Spice Combinations
- So, which is the best mace substitute?
- Mace Substitute FAQs
- More Substitute Guides
- The BEST Mace Substitute
What is Mace?
Mace spice is a yellowish-brown spice that grows on the tropical nutmeg tree Myristica fragrans. As the tree’s name suggests, it is an aromatic spice commonly found in Asian, Caribbean, Indian, and Moroccan dishes. It is often called “nutmeg’s sister” because they come from the same tree. However, when comparing mace vs. nutmeg, the two are different. The nutmeg seed is found inside the tree once it has been split open. Mace is the lacy membrane surrounding the nutmeg seed that has been removed and dried. Their flavor profiles also vary in intensity.
Mace comes in two forms: ground mace and dried “blades.” However, it is more common to use the ground form of the spice, which is also found in spice blends. It is used as a seasoning in baked goods, desserts, and savory dishes such as soups, sauces, stews, vegetables, meats, and seafood.
What does mace taste like?
Mace has a warm, mildly sweet, and spicy taste that some describe as a combination of cinnamon and pepper with a slight hint of lemon citrus. Its spiciness has been compared to black pepper and chili pepper.Some find that mace has a ginger-like flavor.
What flavor is mace similar to?
As the “sister” spice of nutmeg, mace has a very similar yet bolder flavor in most aspects. It is more citrusy, bitter, and spicier. However, it is less sweet and fragrant than nutmeg. Because of their similarities, it is easy to confuse the flavor with one another (making it a great substitute)!
What is the best mace substitute?
When choosing a ground mace substitute, you want a spice with a similar warmth, mildly sweet flavor, and spicy aroma. Below are several standalone mace substitutes that have similar flavor profiles, as well as spice blends and spice combinations that, when combined, can make acceptable replacements as mace seasoning:
- Nutmeg
- Ground Allspice
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Ginger
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Apple Pie Spice
- Garam Masala
- Ground Cloves
- Cardamom
- Ground Cumin
- Ground Mixed Spice
- Black Peppercorn
- Mace Blades
- Ras El Hanout
- Spice Combinations
1. Nutmeg
The difference between mace vs nutmeg? As the sister spice of mace, nutmeg is the closest standalone spice to mace. Nutmeg is the oval-shaped seed inside the shell that mace protects, so it has a similar sweet and nutty flavor. However, its flavor and aroma are more intense. Nutmeg is an excellent substitute for mace in sweet and savory recipes such as baked goods, puddings, soups, casseroles, meats, and vegetables.
You can replace mace with nutmeg and vice versa in a 1:1 ratio. In other words, for each teaspoon of mace called for in your recipe, use one teaspoon of nutmeg in its place. However, because of its intensity, you may use a little less to balance out the flavor better.
2. Ground Cinnamon
Like mace, ground cinnamon has a warm, sweet, slightly spicy flavor and reddish-brown color, making it an excellent mace alternative in sweet and savory dishes. However, its flavor and aroma are more robust than mace, so you typically need less to preserve the taste of your dish. Cinnamon is an ideal mace substitute for baked goods, desserts, drinks, and savory recipes such as curries and meats.
Use cinnamon as a substitute for mace in a 1:2 ratio. In other words, use half as much cinnamon as you would mace. Depending on the recipe and the flavor profile you wish to achieve, you may want to use even less.
3. Ground Ginger
Although not as intense as mace, ginger has a similar mildly sweet and spicy flavor, making it a good mace substitute in sweet and savory recipes. Ginger itself has a pungent aroma but tends to mellow out when cooked. It is ideal for sweet and savory dishes and goes best in desserts, drinks, marinades, stews, soups, and curries.
You can use ginger as a mace substitute in a 1:1 ratio. Depending on the recipe, you may want to start with less and add more to taste.
4. Ground Allspice
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Allspice is a standalone spice that comes from the dried berries of the allspice tree. It has a sweet and warm flavor as mace, comparable to cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. However, it is considerably more intense. It is an excellent mace substitute for sweet and savory recipes such as cakes, pies, soups, stews, and vegetables.
Substitute ground allspice for mace in a 1:1 ratio in baked goods. In savory recipes, it is best to start with less and add more to taste.
5. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a delicious mix of warm spices that includes all of the above spices: cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg. Therefore, it is an excellent mace substitute, especially in recipes that already call for a combination of those spices. It is especially ideal in baked goods and sweet recipes such as cookies, cakes, pies, pancakes, waffles, and sweet beverages.
Use pumpkin pie spice as a mace substitute in a 1:1 ratio.
6. Apple Pie Spice
Apple pie spice is another delicious blend that includes the same spices as pumpkin spice but adds cardamom. It contains more cinnamon than it does of the other spices, so you should use it as if using cinnamon as a substitute. Apple pie spice is best as a substitute for mace in baking and in desserts such as cookies, cakes, and pies. It is incredibly delicious as a mace substitute in apple-flavored desserts.
Use apple pie spice as a mace substitute in a 1:2 ratio so use less apple pie spice.
7. Garam Masala
Garam masala is a mix of numerous ground spices that typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, coriander, and cumin. Depending on the region where it is made, the components of the spice mix may vary and can also contain mace, ginger, star anise, and many other ingredients. Garam masala is commonly used in South Asian and Indian dishes and has a sweet, floral, and slightly spicy flavor. While it is traditionally used in savory recipes, you can also use it in baked goods that require a warm, spicy flavor.
Substitute garam masala for mace in a 1:1 ratio.
8. Ground Cloves
Cloves come from the flower buds of the clove tree and have a warm, sweet, woody, and spicy flavor similar to mace. While cloves also come in whole form, the ground version is best when needing a ground mace substitute. Because of its potent flavor, less than the amount of mace initially called for is required. You can use ground cloves as a substitute for mace in sweet and savory dishes to balance and provide a sweet and peppery flavor.
Use ground cloves as a mace substitute in a 1:2 ratio so use half as much ground cloves as mace required.
9. Cardamom
Cardamom has a unique flavor that is distinctly different from the taste of mace and can change the flavor of your dish. However, because its flavor profile is sweet and spicy with hints of lemon and mint, it is an acceptable alternative to mace if you have it on hand in your pantry. It is best in baked goods, hot beverages, and in meat and vegetable recipes.
Use cardamom as a mace substitute in a 1:2 ratio. In other words, for each teaspoon of mace required in the recipe, use ½ teaspoon of cardamom.
10. Ground Cumin
Cumin is a small seed with a sweet and bitter flavor with warm, earthy notes. Like cardamom, its bold flavor can change the taste of your dish. It is most prevalent in Latin American, Middle Eastern, Indian and African dishes, although it is a common pantry ingredient worldwide. Cumin comes in whole and ground forms and is an acceptable mace substitute in savory dishes.
Start off by using ground cumin in a 1:2 substitute for mace and slowly add more if necessary.
11. Ground Mixed Spice
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Ground mixed spice usually comprises mace, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, and coriander. Its warm, sweet, and spicy flavor and aroma make it an acceptable mace substitute. Plus, it contains mace and nutmeg, making it ideal for recipes that call for standalone mace. Ground mixed spice is a great mace alternative in baked recipes and desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, and bread. It is also good in pancakes and pudding.
Start off by using less ground mixed spice than the recipe calls for mace and increase as needed.
12. Black Peppercorn
Black peppercorn comes from the same plant as clove. It has an earthy, spicy flavor profile that doesn’t taste like mace but is an acceptable substitute in some dishes. Black peppercorns have an intense aroma and strong taste, making them a better replacement in complex dishes. It comes in whole seeds and ground form (known as regular black pepper). Black peppercorn is ideal as a substitute in savory recipes such as marinades, soups, sauces, and dressings.
To use black peppercorn as a ground mace spice substitute, use its ground form. Start off by using less than what the recipe calls for mace and increase as needed to taste.
13. Mace Blades
While not the most popular ground mace replacement due to its accessibility, using whole mace blades is also an option. You can also use a spice grinder to grind the blades into mace powder. Doing so is one of the better-tasting options, as freshly ground mace has a much stronger and longer-lasting flavor. It is also a much more affordable option.
Use whole mace blades as a substitute for ground mace in a 1:3 ratio. So, for each teaspoon of ground mace that the recipe calls for, use one tablespoon of mace blades (1 tablespoon=3 teaspoons). If grinding the mace blades into a powder, use it as an equal replacement.
14. Ras El Hanout
Although not a commonly known spice, ras el hanout is another great option for a mace substitute. It is usually made from a blend of spices, including mace and spices similar to mace, such as nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric. It is a spice commonly used in Moroccan cuisine to add warmth and sweetness and is best as a mace alternative in savory dishes.
For each tablespoon of mace the recipe calls for, use half a teaspoon of ras el hanout.
15. Spice Combinations
You can also get creative and blend combinations of the above spices to create the perfect mace seasoning substitute. Here are a few you can try:
Ginger + Nutmeg: Combining ginger with nutmeg will give you a warm, spicy flavor with a sweet kick, similar to the flavor profile of mace.
Ginger + Cinnamon: Combining ginger with cinnamon will give a similarly warm and spicy flavor to ginger + nutmeg, but the cinnamon will make it sweeter. Because cinnamon is a potent spice, use half as much cinnamon as ginger to make the blend.
Cloves + Cinnamon: Because of their strong flavor, cloves are usually combined with other spices to balance their intensity. Combine with cinnamon to create a flavor profile similar to mace. Since both are potent spices, you can mix equal parts of each. Use more cloves if you want more kick and more cinnamon if you desire more sweetness.
For each of the above spice combinations, you may want to experiment with different ratios to find the best flavor and aroma for your recipe.
So, which is the best mace substitute?
There are several suitable options for finding a mace spice substitute. However, the best replacement depends on your recipe and how much warmth, spice, and sweetness it requires. Your best bet for a standalone spice is nutmeg, which comes from the same tree and has a similar flavor profile, but with different intensities. However, I recommend using a combination of spices, as you can mix and match different flavors to create the perfect blend for your recipe.
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