A currants substitute could be especially useful when baking some delicious homemade muffins, cookies, bread, and more! Not everyone can find currants in the store, or you may not like them and want to swap them out for something else. Regardless, these are the best alternatives for currants that you can use in any recipe!
Best Currants Alternatives
Currants are dried fruit that is made from a type of grape called Zante. They look a lot like raisins and are used in a similar way in the kitchen.
The lovely, sweet flavor of currants is commonly used to add flavor to baked goods. Plus, the texture of this fruit is a wonderful addition to many recipes.
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Currants can be found in muffins, cookies, and even bread. Even better, this versatile ingredient can also be found in savory dishes like stuffing.
With so many different ways to use currants, it is good to know how to substitute for this ingredient in case you run out or can’t find it at the store. In addition, if you find you don’t love the flavor of currants you can easily swap them for a fruit you enjoy more.
Using the list below, you can easily find a substitute to fit your ideal taste in any recipe.
1. Raisins
As mentioned above, currants look like raisins and are made from grapes. Therefore, raisins are one of the best substitutes for currants.
The sweetness and texture of raisins can easily replicate currants in any recipe. Moreover, they are easy and inexpensive to find at any grocery store. You may even have these in your pantry at home.
Although raisins have a similar sweetness and flavor to currants, some may find them a bit more earthy. Therefore, if you do not like the flavor of raisins, keep reading to find a different alternative.
In addition, while most raisins have a deep purple color, there are also golden raisins. If you only have golden raisins available, they will provide the same wonderful sweet taste but with a different color and slightly different flavor.
Use the raisins of your choice in a 1:1 ratio for currants in any recipe.
2. Dried Cherries
When it comes to flavor, dried cherries are one of the closest substitutes for currants. This dried fruit has a bold, sweet flavor that is perfect for adding a punch to any recipe that calls for currants.
Moreover, the sweetness of dried cherries is more prevalent than raisins and has a less earthy flavor. Therefore, if you do not enjoy raisins, consider using cherries as a substitute.
One thing to consider is that there are several varieties of cherries. So, some may taste more like currants than others. To make sure you have the best flavor match, give the dried cherries a taste test before using them.
Use any dried cherries you enjoy in a 1:1 ratio for currants.
3. Fresh Cranberries
While many of the substitutes for currants are best in their dried form, fresh cranberries are ideal for certain recipes. Particularly when you need a substitute for currant jelly.
When cooked down, fresh cranberries have the same flavor, texture, and color as currants that have also been cooked down. Therefore, if you can’t find currants for your favorite jelly recipe, then grab some cranberries.
In addition to being almost identical to currant jelly, cranberry jelly has the added benefit of vitamin c and antioxidants from the cranberries. Cranberries are also easier to find in many grocery stores.
Use fresh cranberries in a 1:1 ratio for currants when making jelly or other preserves.
4. Dried Cranberries
In addition to fresh cranberries, dried cranberries can also be used as a substitute for currants. However, the dried version is best used as an addition to baked goods rather than to make jelly.
Beyond bread, cookies, muffins, and other delicious sweet treats, dried cranberries are also a wonderful option for savory recipes. Missing dried currants for your Thanksgiving stuffing? Simply grab some dried cranberries.
If you choose to use dried cranberries, remember that some brands add sugar. For the best results, look for dried cranberries that have no added sugar.
Dried cranberries can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
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5. Dried Dates
Dried dates are a wonderful option if you are looking for a substitute that will provide rich sweetness. While this sweet fruit was originally used in the Middle East it is now a global favorite and easy to find.
Like currants, dried dates work well in both sweet and savory recipes. Dried dates can also be used as a substitute for currants when making jams.
Dried dates are typically a bit larger than currants. Therefore, to get the best measurement roughly chop the dates to be about the size of currants. Then, measure in a 1:1 ratio.
6. Fresh Dates
Although dried dates are the best option, fresh dates can also be used. Even though fresh dates have a higher moisture content than dried dates, they are still quite dry and have a similar texture, making them easy to use.
In addition, you can easily dehydrate fresh dates by simply leaving them out in the open. Just open the container and let them sit on the counter for a day or two.
Whether you choose to dehydrate them further or use them right away, you can use fresh dates like dried dates. Just make sure you remove the seed before chopping.
7. Dried Prunes
Prunes are not used in kitchens in the United States as frequently as they are in Europe. However, these super fruits are a wonderfully diverse ingredient.
In addition to being full of vitamins that help improve digestion, they have a nice sweet flavor and earthy notes similar to raisins. Since they are quite sweet, dried prunes are particularly good in desserts.
Dried prunes do have a bit more of an earthy flavor than currants be sure to give one a taste to make sure you enjoy it before using them as a substitute.
This substitute can be used in a 1:1 ratio for currants in any recipe.
8. Dried Jujubes
Jujubes are considered the date of China. However, while it has some similarities to dates from the Middle East there are a couple of differences.
Dried Jujubes have a sweetness and texture that is closer to apples. This is quite different from both dates and currants. Despite these differences, jujubes still have a wonderful sweet flavor that works well in many recipes that call for currants.
If you have access to dried jujubes, try them in baked goods like cookies, muffins, or bread. Like dates, you will want to roughly chop these and then measure in a 1:1 ratio.
9. Other Dried Fruits
The substitutes above will provide you with the closest flavor and texture match for currants. However, many other fruits will also work.
If you are in a pinch or do not like the flavor of currants, then consider swapping them for a fruit you enjoy. Here are some other dried fruits I like using instead of currants.
- Dried apricots
- Dried blueberries
- Gooseberries
- Goji berries
Whether you choose to use a new fruit flavor or stick with a substitute similar to currants, any of these substitutes are great choices.
All of these currants substitutes are great options, so pick the one that suits your preferences and recipe the best! Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think!
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📖 Recipe Card
Best Currants Substitute: Raisins (+More Great Options!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup cranberries
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Use raisins in a 1:1 ratio for currants in any recipe.
- Use dried cherries in a 1:1 ratio for currants in any recipe.
- Use fresh cranberries in a 1:1 ratio for currants when making jelly or other preserves.
Margaret curry says
Hi Angela,
Thank you for the help on replacement for currants, I have bought an old recipe book and I am making a recipe called ROCK BUNS. It sounded it like so much fun. I will let you know how it tuns out as there are many interesting very healthy recipes in.
Thank you so much,
Maggie Curry