10 Best Clove Substitutes: Exact Ratios for Baking, Cooking & Drinks

Need a quick clove substitute? You don't need to run to the store—these 10 proven alternatives work perfectly in baking, cooking, and drinks. Below are exact ratios, recipe-specific tips, and expert advice to replace cloves instantly.

Top 10 Clove Substitutes with Exact Ratios

Substitute	Flavor Profile	Best For	Recommended Ratio
Allspice	Jammy, peppery blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves	Pies, holiday cakes, Caribbean dishes	1:1 ground for ground cloves
Nutmeg	Nutty, creamy warmth	Desserts, custards, eggnog	½ tsp nutmeg = 1 tsp cloves
Cinnamon	Sweet, warm, earthy	Baked goods, stews, mulled wine	1:1 ground for ground cloves; ½ tsp ground = 1 whole clove
Star Anise	Liquorice-like sweetness	Red braises, mulled drinks, Asian curries	1 pod = 6-8 whole cloves
Cardamom	Fragrant, citrusy, floral	Chai, rice pudding, Middle Eastern dishes	½ tsp ground = 1 tsp cloves
Mace	Delicate clove-like warmth	Custards, soups, white sauces	¼ tsp mace = 1 tsp cloves
Pumpkin Pie Spice	Mixed fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)	Pies, muffins, oatmeal	¾ tsp = 1 tsp cloves
Ginger	Peppery, sharp	Stir-fries, chai, gingerbread	½ tsp fresh grated = 1 tsp ground cloves
Anise Seeds	Black licorice notes	Italian biscotti, broths, Scandinavian baked goods	1 tsp = 1 tsp ground cloves

How to Use Substitutes in Specific Recipes

• Apple Pie: Use ¾ tsp allspice or ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg per 1 tsp cloves. Replace whole cloves with 1 star anise pod (remove before serving).
• Gingerbread: Allspice (1:1) or cinnamon (1:1) works best. For depth, add ¼ tsp nutmeg.
• Indian Curries: Star anise (1 pod for 6-8 whole cloves) or cardamom (½ tsp ground per tsp cloves).
• Mulled Wine: Cinnamon sticks (1 stick = 1 tsp ground cloves) or star anise (1 pod per cup of wine).
• Custards: Mace (¼ tsp per tsp cloves) or nutmeg (½ tsp per tsp cloves) for subtle warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for cloves in baking?

Allspice is the top choice for baking. Its flavor combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Use 1:1 ground allspice for ground cloves. For richer results, mix equal parts allspice and nutmeg.

Can I substitute cinnamon for cloves?

Yes. Use 1:1 ground cinnamon for ground cloves, or ½ tsp ground cinnamon for 1 whole clove. Cinnamon works well in baked goods, stews, and mulled wine but lacks cloves' medicinal note.

What spice is closest to cloves in flavor?

Allspice is the closest match, as its name suggests it tastes like a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mace is also similar (from the same plant family as nutmeg). Use allspice 1:1 or mace ¼ tsp per tsp cloves.

How much cinnamon equals 1 clove?

For ground cloves, use 1 tsp cinnamon. For whole cloves, use ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Cinnamon sticks: 1 3-inch stick ≈ 1 tsp ground cinnamon or 6-8 whole cloves.

Can I leave out cloves in a recipe?

Yes, but it will change the flavor. For best results, replace with substitutes. If omitting, increase cinnamon by 25-50% to compensate for missing warmth.

Quick Reference Tips

• Ground vs. Whole: Ground spices infuse faster—add early in cooking. Whole spices like star anise should be added at the start of long-cooking recipes and removed before serving.
• For Whole Cloves: Use a tea bag or cheesecloth pouch to avoid stray pieces in dishes.
• Where to Find Substitutes: Allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg are in most grocery stores. Star anise and cardamom are available in Asian markets or online retailers like Penzeys.

Pro Tip: Keep a printed clove substitution chart in your spice drawer for quick reference. No more last-minute recipe panic!