Cloves are tiny but mighty. With their warm, sweet, and slightly peppery punch, they show up in baked goods, spice blends, curries, marinades, and even mulled drinks. But cloves aren’t exactly an everyday spice for everyone, and it’s easy to find yourself without them when a recipe suddenly calls for that distinct flavor. I’ve been there while making gingerbread cookies, staring into my spice rack and realizing my clove jar was empty. Luckily, several other spices can step in as substitutes for cloves without leaving your dish flat.
Why Look for a Clove Substitute?
Cloves have a bold flavor that’s sweet, spicy, and a little medicinal. They can easily dominate a dish, which is why they’re usually used sparingly. If you don’t have cloves, the goal is to find spices that provide similar warmth and depth, whether you’re making desserts, savory dishes, or spice blends like garam masala.
1. Allspice
Allspice is one of the best substitutes for cloves. Its flavor is often described as a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, so it naturally carries that same warmth. Use allspice in equal amounts as cloves in baked goods, marinades, or sauces. It’s a perfect one-to-one swap.
2. Nutmeg
Nutmeg has a sweet, nutty warmth that makes it a great stand-in for cloves, especially in desserts, notes professional chef Tara Beane. Use it in equal amounts as cloves in cookies, cakes, or pies. Nutmeg is milder, so the flavor won’t be as intense, but it still keeps the dish cozy and aromatic.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon brings warmth, sweetness, and spice, though it lacks the pungency of cloves. Use it in equal amounts for sweet recipes, or combine it with nutmeg for a closer match. Cinnamon works especially well in baked goods, drinks, and spice rubs.
4. Cardamom
Cardamom has a citrusy, floral flavor with hints of spice, making it a unique but effective substitute in both savory and sweet dishes. Use about half the amount of cardamom compared to cloves, since its flavor is strong and distinctive. It’s especially good in curries, teas, and cookies.
5. Star Anise
Star anise delivers a sweet, licorice-like flavor that shares some of clove’s pungency and intensity. Use it sparingly—about half the amount of cloves. It works well in mulled drinks, braised dishes, and spice blends.
6. Ginger
Ginger doesn’t taste like cloves, but it adds a spicy warmth that can fill in for them, especially in baking and curries. Use equal amounts of ground ginger as ground cloves in recipes. For an even closer match, pair it with cinnamon or nutmeg.
7. Pumpkin Pie Spice (or Mixed Spice)
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend that usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sometimes cloves. If your recipe calls for cloves and you don’t have them, pumpkin pie spice can cover all the bases. Use it in equal amounts, and it will add layered warmth to desserts or drinks.
Tips for Using Clove Substitutes
- Start small: Cloves are strong, and so are some substitutes like star anise and cardamom. Add gradually and taste as you go.
- Combine spices: Blends of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice together come closest to replicating clove’s complexity.
- Match the dish: For sweet recipes, stick with nutmeg or cinnamon. For savory dishes, try cardamom, ginger, or star anise.
Final Thoughts
Cloves may be unique, but your cooking doesn’t have to suffer without them. Allspice is the closest flavor match, nutmeg and cinnamon bring warmth to baking, and star anise or cardamom add depth to savory dishes. Personally, I reach for allspice first—it’s the simplest swap and always delivers. Next time you’re out of cloves, one of these seven substitutes will keep your recipe aromatic, cozy, and full of flavor.
