Do you need a substitute for rum in baking? Rum is a trendy special ingredient in confectionery to give an acid touch to recipes. It is a very light flavor that makes a big difference, so many professional chefs worldwide decide to add it to their recipes. When you don’t know what gives it that unique flavor, you should know what rum is.
However, not all recipes need rum, but if you want and like the touch it gives, you can add it. Also, you are not limited to just using rum; you can choose several substitutes for rum in baking. Stay with us so you can choose the best substitute for your desserts.
Best substitutes for rum in baking
If you want to use a substitute for rum in baking, there are two ways you can do it. You have various options with alcohol and options without alcohol. Regardless of which ones you choose, you will continue to enjoy the best flavors, with that bittersweet touch that you can only obtain in this way.
- Brandy.
Brandy is one of the best-known, marketed, and sold alcoholic beverages worldwide. Although it is more expensive than rum itself, it is an impeccable option if you want to enhance the flavors of your recipes.
Brandy is made from distilled wine or fermented fruit puree. Depending on the fruit used to make the brandy, it can have various spectrums of flavors. In addition, its flavor and quality will also vary during the years it is fermenting.
It is generally a lovely liqueur, which enhances the flavors of many recipes and adds an acid touch. This is due to the fermentation of the fruit, which resembles the taste of rust but very gently. It is also ideal for seasoning meats and sauces. And just a spoonful is enough for you to feel its flavor in any recipe.
2. Geneva.
If you have traveled around the world, you may have come across gin. It is the quintessential drink of many liquor lovers, especially since it is one of the finest spirits you can find.
In addition to being ideal and very popular for preparing cocktails of all kinds, it works as a substitute for baking. It is made by distillation of different liquors mixed with juniper berries and other extracts that finish giving it its flavor and smoothness.
In addition, it works to season salty dishes such as pasta, fish, and different meats. But it is also an enhancer of sweet and sour flavors in sweet dessert recipes. It only takes a tablespoon to enhance the flavors of cheese, mousse of different flavors, and creamy desserts that do not need an oven.
- Cognac.
If you’re a fan of brandy, you might like cognac as a substitute for rum in baking. It is very similar and can even be considered a different type of brandy with very different flavors. You can find cognac in sweet, fruity, and spicy flavors. Depending on the recipe, you can choose the flavor that suits you best.
Although it is usually used to prepare cocktails, it works as a substitute for many recipes. It is also ideal for savory seasoning dishes such as sauces, meat, fish, and seafood grills.
And if you want to experiment a little more in the kitchen, you can combine cognac with ingredients such as different fruits, olives, and nuts. When you let them ferment for a few months, you get a unique homemade liqueur that can be used to make different drinks or dishes.
Non-alcoholic substitute for rum in baking
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy rum flavors but with a non-alcoholic option, you’ll be glad to know that you can. Here is a list of the best non-alcoholic substitute for rum in baking. Depending on the needs of your recipes, choose the one that suits you best.
- Rum extract.
Although many may think that rum extract contains alcohol, the truth is that it does not. It is an alternative to rum with the same flavor, color, and smell but without the alcoholic compounds. It can be used for any recipe that calls for alcohol, and you won’t notice the difference.
You can choose between two types of rum extract, a natural one and an imitation one. While the natural one is made from rum, the other has additives that make it similar in flavor and color but does not contain any rum. Like average rum, it can be stored for a long time without changing its quality.
However, even though this substitute does not contain alcohol, its flavor is robust. A spoonful will be enough to flavor your recipes and enhance the flavors immediately. It is ideal for sweet or savory desserts. Do not miss it.
2. Apple juice.
A substitute that works well is apple juice. Especially for its sour and sweet flavor, which can be added to dressings, sauces, and salads. However, it can also be a very exotic option for sweet pastry dishes if you dare.
Its flavor is very similar to average rum, and it will only be enough to add half a cup of apple juice for each tablespoon of rum that you would add to the original recipe. It will bring out the flavors and give it a slight apple flavor.
- White grape juice.
This is a healthy substitute with a delightful taste. In addition to having a very similar taste to wine, it is very refreshing and sweet. It can be used in almost all recipes that originally contain rum, regardless of whether they are savory or sweet dishes. It also works to prepare cocktails and drinks.
To use it, the ideal proportions are Half a cup of white grape juice for every tablespoon of rum that you would normally add to the original recipe.
- Apple cider
Cider is the best non-alcoholic substitute for rum in cooking. It is an apple juice that has not been filtered and has a much stronger flavor. It works as a substitute for rn in any recipe, regardless of whether they are sweet or savory dishes. Be careful when adding it to your recipes because it has a very strong flavor.