Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Sultanas

Ever been in the middle of a baking marathon and realized you’re fresh out of sultanas?

Yup, it happens to the best of us. No need to hit the pause button on your culinary creations.

We’ve got your back with some top-notch swaps that’ll keep the oven hot and your recipes on point.

Think outside the box with us—raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dates can jump in as your baking buddy.

Each brings its own unique twist to dishes, making your accidental switch a potential secret ingredient.

Ready to turn a “whoops” into a “wow”? Stick around as we spill the beans on the five best substitutes for sultanas, ensuring your kitchen flex stays strong.

What are Sultanas?

Sultanas are a type of raisin that is made from dried green grapes.

The grapes are left on the vine to dry in the sun, which concentrates their sugars and gives them their characteristic sweet flavor.

Sultanas are often used in baked goods, such as cookies and cakes.

They can also be added to trail mix or eaten on their own as a healthy snack.

While they may look like raisins, sultanas are quite different.

Raisins are made from red or black grapes that have been dried in the sun or a dehydrator.

Sultanas are a tasty and healthy treat whether you enjoy them in baked goods or on your own.

In contrast, sultanas are made from white grapes that have been treated with sulfur dioxide, which bleaches them and gives them their light color.

Sulfur dioxide is also what gives sultanas their characteristic sweetness.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Sultanas

If you’re seeking dried fruit delights and need substitutes for sultanas, consider these five options:

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Substitute Ratio
Raisins	Small, sweet, and slightly tangy dried grapes	Use an equal amount of raisins as a substitute for sultanas
Dried Currants	Small, tart, and slightly sweet dried berries	Use an equal amount of dried currants as a substitute for sultanas
Golden Raisins	Sweet and golden-colored dried grapes	Use an equal amount of golden raisins as a substitute for sultanas
Dried Cherries	Tart and sweet dried cherries	Use an equal amount of dried cherries as a substitute for sultanas
Dried Cranberries	Tart and slightly sweet dried cranberries	Use an equal amount of dried cranberries as a substitute for sultanas

1 – Raisins

Picking the perfect raisin is a task that many take seriously.

There are variations in taste, texture, and even color to consider.

But what happens when the recipe calls for sultanas and all you have are raisins? Is it worth running to the store for such a small ingredient? As it turns out, raisins and sultanas are quite similar.

Both are made from grapes that have been dried in the sun or an oven.

The main difference is that sultanas are made from green grapes, while raisins are made from black grapes.

As a result, raisins tend to be a bit sweeter and darker in color.

In most recipes, raisins can be used as a substitute for sultanas.

Use an equal amount of raisins as a substitute for sultanas to maintain a similar flavor profile in your recipes.

2 – Dried Currants

Dried currants are often used as a substitute for sultanas in baking.

While they are similar in sweetness and texture, there are a few key things to keep in mind when making the swap:

• Dried currants are smaller, so you will need to use more of them to achieve the same effect.
• They have a slightly tangy flavor that can be accentuated by adding a bit of lemon juice or zest to your recipe.
• Currants tend to be darker in color, so your baked goods may have a slightly different appearance when made with this ingredient.

Who knows – you may just find that you prefer the flavor of currants.

With these tips in mind, you can experiment with substituting dried currants for sultanas in your favorite recipes.

Use an equal amount of dried currants as a substitute for sultanas if you prefer a slightly tangier flavor.

3 – Golden Raisins

In the US, golden raisins are simply sultanas that have been treated with sulfur dioxide, which gives them their characteristic yellow-gold color.

The sulfur dioxide also helps preserve the raisins, giving them a longer shelf life.

As far as flavor and texture go, golden raisins are similar to sultanas.

They’re both sweet and slightly chewy, making them ideal for baked goods.

Use an equal amount of golden raisins as a substitute for sultanas to add a touch of sweetness and a slightly different visual appeal to your dishes.

4 – Dried Cherries

Cherries are versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes.

While fresh cherries are often used in pies and other sweet treats, dried cherries can be a great substitute for sultanas in savory dishes.

Dried cherries have a rich flavor that pairs well with meats and other savory ingredients.

They also add a pop of color to any dish.

If you’re looking for a dried cherry substitute for sultanas, simply use an equal amount of dried cherries in your recipe.

You’ll be amazed at the difference in flavor and texture that these little fruits can make.

Use an equal amount of dried cherries as a substitute for sultanas if you desire a more pronounced tart flavor in your recipes.

5 – Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries are a great substitute for sultanas in cakes, biscuits, and other sweet treats.

They have a tart, slightly acidic taste that pairs well with rich, sweet flavors.

Cranberries are also much more antioxidants than sultanas, making them a healthier option.

Their sweetness helps balance out the flavors of other ingredients, such as onions and garlic.

When substituting dried cranberries for sultanas, simply use the same quantity. There is no need to adjust the recipe.

Dried cranberries can also be used in savory dishes, such as pilafs and salads.

Use an equal amount of dried cranberries as a substitute for sultanas to introduce a tangy twist to your dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sultanas are a type of raisin made from desiccated white grapes.

They are typically used in sweet dishes and baked goods but can also be added to savory dishes for a pop of sweetness.

While sultanas are a delicious and versatile ingredient, there are a few substitutes that can be used if necessary.

Dried currants, raisins, dried cherries, and dried cranberries are good substitutes for sultanas.

Each of these ingredients has a unique flavor that can enhance the flavor of your dish in different ways.