Can Almond Oil Be Used in Baking?

Almonds in baked goods

Almond oil is a popular nut oil, having an even and buttery flavor. You can use it in a wide variety of cooking methods, including baking.

History

Almonds were some of the first fruit trees cultivated, possibly by the Greeks, as early as 10,000 B.C, according to Mark Vogel from Food Reference. They are the seeds of a fruit related to the peach family. Almond oil is an extract from the kernels of dried sweet almonds.

Types

There are two types of almond oil, sweet and bitter. Because bitter almonds contain small amounts of a lethal acid, you should avoid them when cooking. Most almond oil baked products utilize the more common sweet variety.

Uses

Almond oil has a nutty and fruity flavor. It adds both sweetness and spiciness to carrot cake, muffin and cookie recipes.

Methods

You can substitute sweet almond oil for up to half of the butter or oil listed in most recipes.

Benefits

According to WebMD, almond oil is a beneficial monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats lower bad, or LDL, levels of cholesterol.

References

• WebMD: Choose the Healthiest (and Tastiest) Oils, Spreads and Shortenings
• Food Reference: Almond Joy
• The World's Healthiest Foods: Almonds