How Much Mace to Substitute for Nutmeg
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Mace keeps a similar flavor profile to Nutmeg.
How much mace equals one Nutmeg?
Use 3/4 tsp mace per 1 tsp nutmeg.
Health notes
Compared with Nutmeg, Mace has: less calories (475 vs 525 per 100g in Nutmeg), less fat (32.4g vs 36.3g per 100g in Nutmeg), less saturated fat (9.5g vs 25.9g per 100g in Nutmeg), and more protein (6.7g vs 5.8g per 100g in Nutmeg).
Using mace as a nutmeg substitute in baking
Use 3/4 tsp mace per 1 tsp nutmeg in custards, cakes, and cookies. Closest substitute in flavor, just a touch sharper.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
3/4 tsp per 1 tsp nutmeg in creamed spinach or squash. Nearly identical warmth with a slightly brighter edge.
- Slow Cook
3/4 tsp per 1 tsp nutmeg in braises and cream sauces. Holds its warmth well over long cooking.
- Steaming
3/4 tsp per 1 tsp nutmeg with vegetables or fish. Gentle heat suits its aroma well.
- Drinks
3/4 tsp per 1 tsp nutmeg in mulled drinks or eggnog. Warm and close to nutmeg's character.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Frying
Not recommended: mace's aroma fades and turns flat under high frying heat.
- Grilling
Not recommended: mace's delicate aroma gets lost over open flame and smoke.
- Raw Cold
Not recommended: raw mace tastes sharp and unrounded without heat to soften it.
FAQ
- How much mace equals one Nutmeg?
Use 3/4 tsp mace per 1 tsp nutmeg.
- Can I substitute mace for Nutmeg in baking?
Yes. Use 3/4 tsp mace per 1 tsp nutmeg in custards, cakes, and cookies. Closest substitute in flavor, just a touch sharper. Not recommended: mace's aroma fades and turns flat under high frying heat.
- How much mace to use as a nutmeg substitute?
Sharper and less sweet than nutmeg, so use slightly less to keep it from overpowering.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Mace for Nutmeg?
Mace keeps a similar flavor profile to nutmeg.
- How does texture change when substituting Mace for Nutmeg?
Mace dissolves the same way as nutmeg, disappearing into batters and sauces with no leftover grit.
- What else should I know about substituting Mace for Nutmeg?
For custards, cream sauces, and mulled drinks. Expect a nearly identical warmth with a sharper, less sweet edge. Skip frying, grilling, and raw uses, where its aroma turns flat or harsh. Add early so heat can round out the flavor.
- What still works when substituting Mace for Nutmeg?
Mace still works as a flavor carrier and color.
- How well does Mace match Nutmeg?
Mace is strong on structure, okay on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Mace for Nutmeg?
Mace is slightly higher in protein, is slightly lower in calories and fat, and has about x3 fewer sat. fat.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Mace for Nutmeg?
The flavor shifts toward less sweet notes.