The currant is a tart and flavorful berry that can be put to use in many different ways, but there are times when it might not be available – either due to seasonality or lack of availability. In these cases, there are several substitutes for currant that can be used in recipes.
Each of these substitutes will give a slightly different flavor profile, but all will provide the tart flavor and small size that you need for recipes that call for currant.
16 Substitute for Currant
The best substitute for currant are raisins and dried dates. You can also use cranberries, dried prunes, and cherries as currant substitute.
So next time you reach for a handful of currants and don’t find any, don’t despair! Consider trying one of these alternatives:
1. Raisins
Currants and raisins are related in certain ways. Both were made with processed, dried grapes for a longer shelf life. Different varieties of raisins are produced using various grape varieties. As a result, you’ll see them in a variety of hues, including green, yellow, red, dark purple, and many others.
Similar to currants, raisins go well with traditional breakfast fare including toast, oatmeal, and cereal. It goes best with banana muffins and walnut cake while baking. It’s also ideal to eat on its own as a nutritious snack, particularly for preserving a healthy and balanced diet.
Raisins are a great substitute for currants and come in different flavors. They can be used to replace currants in many recipes, as they have a similar flavor and texture.
Raisins are high in fiber which is great for controlling blood sugar levels, and also contain potassium which helps keep the body healthy overall. They provide a sweet flavor that can substitute for currants in baking or cooking, especially if you want to avoid using too much sugar.
It’s important to store raisins properly so they stay fresh – preferably stored in an airtight container so they don’t lose their juices.
2. Dried Dates
When it comes to sweet treats and baking, dried dates are hard to beat. They have a similar sweetness and currant-like texture, making them perfect for substitution in many recipes. In addition to being savory or sweet, dates can also be blended into fruit smoothies or juices for an intense flavor profile.
Thanks to their high sugar content as well as fiber which aids digestion, dates are packed with antioxidants that help promote healthy skin and hair.
Plus, they’re low in calories so you can indulge guilt-free! Keep them stored in a cool dark place for best results – fresh dates will start losing their taste once they hit the halfway point of their shelf life
3. Dried Prunes
Dried prunes are a great substitute for currants in many recipes. Their taste and texture are similar, making them a perfect substitution if you don’t have any currants on hand.
They can be used in baking savory dishes or even as an ingredient in smoothies – they offer lots of different possibilities! In addition to being high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, prunes are also a good source of antioxidants that support healthy skin.
If you’re looking for something to store away until needed, dried prunes will do the trick just fine! They keep well without spoiling and last for quite some time on the shelf.
4. Dried Cherries
If fresh currants are not available, dried cherries can be a great substitute. They have the same sweetness and flavor as fresh currants, with the added bonus of being tart. They also have a good binding agent which makes them perfect for baking applications.
Due to their many uses, particularly in baking, cherries can totally replace currants. The flavor isn’t all that unlike from currants, despite the color being a little too vibrant. Use cherries to make preserves, top cakes, and garnish desserts.
Cherries can also be used as a filling in cereal bars, muffins, and puff pastries. These little spherical fruits are frequently used in baking and pastries. Perhaps you’ve had black forest cake, which naturally contains luscious cherries.
So if you’re looking for something sweet in your baking recipes, dried cherries are a great option! Beyond baking goods, however, dried cherries can also be used in savory dishes like pies or pasties. In fact, they make an excellent substitution for cranberries when it comes to their tartness and binding abilities.
Lastly, store them properly so that they last longer and don’t end up becoming browned – this will help preserve their flavor profile too!
5. Cranberries
Cranberries are a fruit that is tart and sweet at the same time. They have a flavor that can be mixed well with other ingredients, making them versatile for baking or snack-style consumption.
They are high in antioxidants and nutrients, which make cranberries beneficial to your health in many ways. These include reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer, preventing heart disease, and boosting cognitive function.
Another great thing about cranberries is their ability to add sweetness and color to various dishes – from baking goods like muffins or pies to smoothies or even savory snacks like curries! As long as you use fresh cranberries, they will taste best!
6. Jujube
Jujubes are versatile fruit that can be used in many recipes. They have a sweet and tart taste that is perfect for curries, muffins, or pancakes.
Additionally, they’re high in dietary fiber which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. dried jujube also has health benefits like promoting bowel regularity.
Apart from baking and cooking, jujubes add sweetness and depth of flavor to herbal teas or cocktails – making them the perfect substitute for cherries or raisins when trying to avoid sugar cravings. If you can’t find jujubes at your local store, dates will do just as well!
7. Dried Blueberries
If you’re looking for a sweet flavor substitute in baking recipes, dried blueberries should definitely be on your list. They are high in antioxidants and make an excellent addition to muffins, pancakes, waffles etcetera.
Another great advantage of dried blueberries is that they have a tart taste that works really well with sweet ingredients like sugar or fruit juice. They can also be used as cereal toppings or yogurt additives.
Since they last up to two months if stored in a dry place, dried blueberries make the perfect snack option for times when fresh berries are not available or just not enough!
8. Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are a great substitute for currants in sweet baked goods and savory dishes alike. They are full of vitamin C and have a sweet flavor that is reminiscent of currants.
Their low sugar content means they don’t add unnecessary sweetness to your food, which can be pleasing to some people who are trying to watch their sugar intake.
Apart from baking, dried apricots can also be used in smoothies, oatmeal, and more! Keep them stored in an airtight container so they stay fresh tasting for longer.
9. Cherries
If you’re looking for a substitution for currants in baking or savory dishes, cherries are a great option. They can be used in sweet and savory recipes alike, making them perfect for anyone’s taste buds.
Furthermore, cherries are high in antioxidants which promote healthy skin and eyesight as well as general well-being.
In addition to their culinary use, cherries can also be enjoyed fresh or dried – best stored airtight to maintain their flavor and nutrition!
10. Blackberries
If you’re looking for a fruit that doesn’t have currants, blackberries are a great option. They taste similar and have the same texture so they’re good for people who are intolerant to them.
Additionally, blackberries are low in calories and contain plenty of health benefits – such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. They can be used fresh or dried in recipes – making them versatile indeed!
The tartness of the berries can be balanced with other ingredients to create unique dishes that your guests will love. In fact, if you don’t happen to have any currants around (or just want an alternative), try out some blackberries!
11. Gooseberries
Gooseberries are a great substitute for currants when baking or cooking. They have a sweeter taste and are also higher in antioxidants, which help to fight off sickness.
They’re high in vitamin C, which is beneficial for skin health and overall good health, as well as fiber, both of which help with digestion. Gooseberries can be used in jams, scones, pies etcetera as sweeteners.
In British cuisine, they are commonly used in scones and cakes (like the jam-filled Yorkshire pudding). Having them on hand will make it easier to substitute currants without having to hunt down an alternative recipe every time you need one!
12. Kumquat
If you’re looking for a substitute for currant in baking or syrup recipes, kumquat is the perfect fruit. It tastes similar to currant and has a sweet-sour taste that’s perfect for savoring with your favorite breakfast cereal or yogurt.
Kumquat is also low in calories and carbs, making it an ideal snack option as well as part of a healthy diet.
To make the syrup, you will need 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar – all of which can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two weeks.
13. Sultanas
The sultana is a type of dried grape with a sweet flavor. Because it lends sweetness to baked items and can be substituted for currants like raisins, it is frequently utilized. Sultanas are a delicious substitute for currants in many recipes.
They have a sweet flavor and are relatively easy to find in grocery stores. They are also high in sugar, so they work well in jams, pies, etcetera.
If you’re looking for something delicious to snack on or add sweetness to your breakfast cereals, yogurt, or oatmeal – sultanas will not disappoint!
14. Dried Goji Berries
If you’re looking for a substitute for currants in baking or savory recipes, dried goji berries should definitely be on your list. With their sweet and fruity taste, they are perfect additions to muffins, pancakes, and bars.
Additionally, they are high in antioxidants which help to keep your body healthy during periods of stress or illness.
Always make sure you buy quality dried goji berries – if not the flavor might be different than what you’re expecting, and the health benefits may not be as great as claimed. Also, note that these fruits can be used in a variety of dishes – try them out today!
15. Mixed Dried Fruits
Mixed dried fruits are a delicious and nutritious substitute for currants. They are high in fiber and provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal snack or ingredient in baking recipes. B
esides, their sweet taste can be added to various dishes or drinks – making them perfect for enjoying any time of the day!
To store mixed dried fruit properly, make sure they are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. And last but not least – remember to enjoy them fresh!
16. Apple Jelly
Apple jelly is a delicious substitute for currants that can be used in baking, sauces, and puddings. Its sweet, fruity taste makes it perfect for adding sweetness to savory dishes or desserts.
Unlike other jellies which are denser and less sweet, apple jelly has a thicker consistency so it doesn’t break down during cooking or simmering. You can also use apple jelly in pies and tarts where the tartness of the apples shines through.
Make sure to use tart apples that don’t have too much sugar so you get the best flavor out of your jelly!
What Does Currant Taste Like?
The flavor of currants is tart and sweet like a fruit. All types feature a noticeable amount of tannins that can dry up your mouth and a sharp acid kick to counteract their sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I substitute for currants in a recipe?
You can substitute currants with raisins, dried dates, dried prunes, dried cherries, and cranberries.
2. What fruit is similar to a currant?
Currants are actually fresh bush-grown berry that is sour rather than sweet. Raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants are all sweet dried fruits that come from various sorts of vine-grown grapes. Although currants are also marketed dried, they are not as common as sultanas and raisins.
3. What can I substitute for currants in a fruit cake?
Other varieties of black or golden raisins, chopped soft prunes, or slightly tarter dried cranberries can all be used as acceptable substitutions.
4. What can I substitute for fresh red currants?
Wild blueberries (or other blueberries) are an acceptable substitute for currants, albeit they are a touch sweeter and less acidic than red currants. This is because fresh currants only grow in specific regions of the world.
