Banana extract is similar to vanilla extract. It is used to infuse the taste and smell of bananas in whatever you are cooking. Banana extract is a great option when you want to add the flavor of banana subtly and don’t want it in an overpowering sense.
However, it is not readily available in the market. If you want to cook something with banana extract and can’t seem to find it, here are a few alternatives that could work just as well.
Banana Extract Substitutes
- Ripe Bananas
What is a better alternative to banana extract than the source itself? We believe fresh, and ripe bananas can substitute banana extract in all your recipes. The best part about using bananas as a substitute is that they are readily available, and you won’t have to do too much hassle.
But to incorporate bananas into your recipe in place of a banana extract, you will have to make sure they are in their most liquid form; that is, they are mashed very well.
Unless you don’t mind banana chunks in your food, in that case, it is perfectly okay not to mash the bananas too finely.
So if you want to use bananas as a substitute for banana extract, you will have to peel the fruits and then mash them very well- either by hand or using a masher. If you want it to become even thinner, consider adding water or milk for a richer taste.
- Banana Sauce
If you were planning on adding the banana extract to some savory dish and can’t find banana extract, then banana sauce can come to your rescue. Banana sauce, or banana ketchup – as the Filipinos call it – is made from banana, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
You can use it with hot dogs, egg noodles, fries, fish, etc. Since it has spices, it is not suitable to be used in sweet dishes like drinks or desserts.
- Banana Liqueur
The banana liqueur is made from banana extracts and neutral alcohol. It is commonly referred to as “creme de Banane”.
Using this as an alternative to banana extract will give you the advantage of adding a solid flavor to your food or drink, courtesy of the alcohol. The banana liqueur is used chiefly in cocktails and desserts.
- Banana Rum
Banana rum has a potent flavor and taste. If you decide to use banana rum as a substitute for banana extract, it is important to note that a little will go a long way.
Banana rum has hints of coconut and a very even finish that we all love. Either add it to your drinks or use it as an ingredient in your dishes; we are sure it will perfectly substitute banana extract.
- Creme de Ananas
If you want to give your food or drink a fruity flavor but aren’t particularly concerned with the taste, then we suggest going for Creme de Ananas. Instead of bananas, this liquid will give your food the flavor of pineapple.
You can be the best judge of how small an amount you need to add to the recipe. If it is a drink, you can add a little at first. If you think it is not enough, you can always add a little more.
- Banana Schnapps
If you want a more robust and more alcoholic alternative to banana extract, banana schnapps is what you need to go for. Where the average drink is known to be 20% alcoholic, banana schnapps contains 49.5% alcohol- more than double the average!
Therefore, when using banana schnapps in your drinks or in your food, you will need to be super careful with the quantities. Too many banana schnapps will not be good, so measure the ratios beforehand and add only the amount you think you can handle.
- Banana Cream Liqueur
Similar to banana liqueur, the banana cream liqueur is a great alternative to banana extract. Since it is “cream liqueur,” it will, of course, give your dish or drink a richer look and flavor than you would expect with simple, clear banana liqueur or banana extract.
You can add it to your drinks for a slightly different experience. However, because of the cream factor, we think it will be best for baked stuff such as cookies, cake, etc.
The Bottom Line
Banana extract is a liquid ingredient that adds an incredible flavor to your foods and drinks. Since not many people know about it, the demand for banana extract is not that high, and the supply isn’t, either.
This means banana extract is not available everywhere easily. But if you need to add banana extract and are looking for its substitutes, the items listed above can be great replacements.