Cinnamon is a fragrant spice that is derived from the inner bark of a Cinnamomum tree and can be purchased in quills, sticks, or freshly ground powder. If you have questions on what to do with your cinnamon quills, check out this guide on how to use cinnamon sticks. Sometimes used medicinally, cinnamon can lend both a sweet and savory element to dishes worldwide from cinnamon rolls and snickerdoodles to Moroccan chicken and Mexican Mole sauce.
Ceylon cinnamon, Saigon cinnamonand Korintje cinnamonall have unique flavor profiles. Ceylon is the more “classic” flavor of cinnamon with floral and citrus notes. Saigon cinnamon has a hotter flavor and is noticeably sweet. Korintje is a favorite among bakers and has a bittersweet flavor that you can find in cinnamon candies. To take a deep dive into the different types of cinnamon check out this blog post we wrote on the subject.
ADD CINNAMON TO CART
Cinnamon Substitutes:
So, you are probably at this point asking: “what can I use as a substitute for cinnamon?”
Substitutes for Cinnamon can range from spices with similar flavor profiles, such as nutmeg and allspice, to a whole blend of spices. Alternatively, apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice blends often contain cinnamon and can serve as a good substitute in a pinch.
Substitute for Cinnamon Stick:
Ifa recipe calls for a whole cinnamon stick or quill, but you only have ground cinnamon, use 1/2-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for one stick or quill. You could also use ground allspice to substitute cinnamon sticks. If you use allspice instead,start with a 1/4 of the amount of allspice for cinnamon.
Substitute for Cinnamon in Apple Pie:
A good substitute for cinnamon in apple pie is the aptly named apple pie spice. This is a good alternative because cinnamon is a key ingredient in apple pie spice. Other good substitutes include nutmeg and allspice (use 1/4 amount).
Substitute for Cinnamon in Baking:
Cinnamon is a key ingredient in sweet baking recipes,especiallycinnamon rolls and apple pie. If you need to substitute cinnamon, consider using nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. Another option is apple pie spice which contains cinnamon.
Common Cinnamon Questions
What is Similar to Cinnamon?
There are a few spices that are similar to cinnamon in flavor profile including nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and mace.
Can You Substitute Ginger for Cinnamon?
Ground ginger is a good substitute for cinnamon because they both lend a warm, sweet flavor to dishes.Both spices are fairly equal in strength, so you can try a 1:1 substitution ratio.
Can You Use Cinnamon Sugar Instead of Ground Cinnamon?
Yes! Cinnamon sugar is a good substitute for ground cinnamon as both contain the key spice: cinnamon. Obviously the sugar should be considered and lessened in the recipe as a result. Typically in a cinnamon sugar recipe with ½ cup there is 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon.
Which Cinnamon is Best?
There is no right or wrong way to use cinnamon in regards to its flavor. We do suggest buying it often and in smaller amounts to enjoy its peak flavor. Each type of cinnamonhas its own nuanced flavor, and each lendsthemselvesbetter to certain recipes. For instance, Korintje cinnamon ispopularfor sweet baking while Ceylon cinnamon isperfectfor curries or a Mexican-style hot cocoa. Check our blog on the different types of cinnamon for more information.
How to Use Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a powerful flavor that adds depth to any dish you add it to. It is a popular spice in many baking recipes like persimmon pudding, ginger spice cookies, ginger snaps, and cinnamon rolls. If you are looking for a savory flavor profile, try recipes forTurkish stuffed peppers or a classicbeef curry cassoulet.
FAQs
Given that Ceylon cinnamon contains little to no coumarin, it would be considered the healthiest type of cinnamon to have if you plan to consume it regularly compared to cassia.
What is the healthiest cinnamon you can buy? ›
Given that Ceylon cinnamon contains little to no coumarin, it would be considered the healthiest type of cinnamon to have if you plan to consume it regularly compared to cassia.
What is the cinnamon that is not really cinnamon? ›
True cinnamon is more tan-brown in color, while cassia has a reddish-brown hue. And if you open the package and find a smell that's not exactly pungent, that's a good thing. True cinnamon is delicate and sweet, creating a subtle flavor while not overpowering the rest of your ingredients.
Is Mexican cinnamon cassia or ceylon? ›
The cinnamon mostly used in Mexican cuisine is called Ceylon, or Canela in Spanish, and it is also known as true cinnamon. It is quite different from Cassia, which is mostly found in US stores. However, as time moves on, one can find true cinnamon in an increasing number of stores here.
Which cinnamon tastes better? ›
Ceylon is wonderful if you want cinnamon that's delicate, with a citrusy-floral aspect to lighten the woodsy notes. Chinese Cassia cinnamon has straightforward, up-front cinnamon flavor. Saigon cinnamon is bold and more aggressive, and Indonesian cinnamon is the sweetest and most approachable of the Cassia varieties.
Why is Ceylon cinnamon better than other cinnamon? ›
Ceylon cinnamon has much less coumarin than cassia cinnamon. If you are concerned about coumarin, Ceylon cinnamon is a safer option for your spice rack.
Who should not use Ceylon cinnamon? ›
Ceylon cinnamon may be unsafe for use during pregnancy if consumed in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods. Little is known about whether it's safe to use Ceylon cinnamon during breastfeeding in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods.
Is McCormick cinnamon cassia or ceylon? ›
McCormick, a more than 125-year-old company, is a trusted name in the food industry that you can count on to deliver a marriage of quality and affordability. Their ground cinnamon is classified as cinnamon cassia, so the flavor profile is much stronger and sweeter than Ceylon cinnamon.
How do I know if my cinnamon is ceylon or cassia? ›
When it comes to colour, Ceylon Cinnamon is tan brown whereas Cassia Cinnamon takes some reddish dark brown. As far as the texture or the feel is concerned, Ceylon Cinnamon is thin and papery and forms multiple layers when rolled up.
Which cinnamon to avoid? ›
Take Home Message. Both Ceylon and cassia are healthy and delicious. However, if you intend to consume large amounts of this spice or take a supplement, cassia can be harmful because of the coumarin content. At the end of the day, Ceylon cinnamon is better quality and much safer.
The cinnamon bark is harvested directly from the tree—McCormick sources premium quality whole cinnamon, which mitigates the chance for added ingredients and contamination that could be encountered by sourcing a pre-ground product.
Is Costco Saigon cinnamon ceylon? ›
What makes Saigon cinnamon different. There are two main classes of cinnamon — Ceylon and cassia. They comprise four major species, most of which — including Saigon cinnamon — are considered cassia varieties ( 1 ).
Is liver damage from cinnamon reversible? ›
Coumarin is a flavouring substance which is contained in relatively high concentrations in cinnamon varieties collectively known as "Cassia cinnamon". In especially sensitive persons, even comparatively small quantities of coumarin can cause liver damage, although the effect is usually reversible.
Which cinnamon is best for blood sugar? ›
Many studies have suggested that cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar and help manage common diabetes complications, among other health benefits. If you want to take cinnamon supplements or add it to your meals to help lower your blood sugar, it may be best to use Ceylon instead of Cassia.
Why is Mexican cinnamon better? ›
Mexican cinnamon has a more delicate, wonderfully flowery aroma. FINDING In most Mexican groceries or via the internet at either MexGrocer.com or The Spice House.com. STORING Room temperature, in a tightly closed container for up to a year.
What is a good substitute for cinnamon in coffee cake? ›
While nutmeg has a stronger nutty flavor than cinnamon, it shares that same earthy, warming quality. The flavors are distinct but complementary enough that nutmeg can work as a replacement in recipes like coffee cakes or cinnamon swirl bread.
Can I replace cinnamon with brown sugar? ›
Brown sugar is commonly used as a substitute for cinnamon sugar as opposed to ground cinnamon. However, because it has a sweet, molasses-like flavor and a moist texture, I don't recommend using it as a ground cinnamon replacement, as it will change your recipe's flavor profile and texture.
Why use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon? ›
Both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon have similar health benefits, but it's always nice to have the option of using just one or the other. The main difference between them is convenience – stick cinnamon is hardier than powder, so it lasts longer in your kitchen cupboard.
Can I use nutmeg in place of cinnamon? ›
Nutmeg has a nuttier taste than cinnamon but shares its warming nature and slight earthy tinge. Nutmeg is a perfect one-to-one swap for ground cinnamon in sweet baking recipes like Aunt Anne's Coffee Cake or Hungarian Cinnamon Swirl Bread, where cinnamon is the main spice, but there's room for reinterpretation.
