What can I substitute for ground cinnamon?
Running low on ground cinnamon? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About ground cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is a warm, aromatic spice made by drying and finely milling the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus. It is one of the most widely used baking spices, contributing a sweet, woody, slightly spicy warmth to both sweet and savoury dishes. Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) is milder and more complex, while Cassia cinnamon — the most commonly sold variety in supermarkets — is bolder and more pungent.
Best substitute
mixed spice
Mixed spice contains cinnamon as a primary component along with nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, making it the closest flavour-profile substitute. It will introduce additional warm spice notes but works well in most baked goods and puddings.
Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp — expect a slightly more complex, spiced flavour
bakingpuddingsstewed fruitNot suitable for: recipes requiring pure cinnamon flavour
Alternative
ground cassia
Ground cassia is botanically related to cinnamon and is in fact what most commercial 'cinnamon' actually is. It is more intense and slightly more bitter, so a touch less is needed to avoid overpowering a dish.
Use ¾ tsp for every 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
bakingspice rubscurriesstewed fruitNot suitable for: delicate desserts
Alternative
ground allspice
Allspice carries warm, clove-like notes with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a reasonable standalone substitute when cinnamon is unavailable. Use it sparingly as its flavour is distinctive and can dominate a dish.
What is ground cinnamon called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | ground cinnamon |
| IN | dalchini powder |
| United Kingdom | ground cinnamon |
| United States | ground cinnamon |
Common names for ground cinnamon
cinnamon powderpowdered cinnamoncinnamon spice