How to Use Orange Extract in Baking

Question

I received a bottle of orange extract as a gift. What are some uses for it? Can I use it in certain baking recipes as a substitute for orange zest?

Lynn Clark · Accepted Answer

Hi Dominic - I think my first suggestion would be to use it in baking recipes to add some orange flavor to a recipe that doesn't already have orange flavor (i.e., make a plain vanilla cake an orange cake). Orange extracts can vary and some are pretty potent so you may have to play around with the appropriate quantity. I think you \could\ substitute orange extract for orange zest but, again, it would not be a direct 1:1 substitution and I feel like you would lose some of the fresh flavor of the zest. To substitute for orange juice it's a little more complicated since orange juice is often counted as some of the liquid in the recipe. So, for example, if a recipe calls for 1/2 cup of orange juice you would want to add a teaspoon or two of extract and then 1/2 cup of some sort of liquid (water, milk, buttermilk, etc.) to the recipe so the texture isn't compromised. Good luck! Best, Lynn C.

How to Use Orange Extract in Baking

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