What is Almond Extract? Ingredients and Uses

Almond extract is an alcoholic flavoring with many uses in cooking. Almond extract surprisingly does not contain almonds, nor does its production process even involve the almonds for which it is named. Instead, almond extract is created by soaking what are commonly called bitter almonds in strong alcohol, extracting their rich flavor. Bitter almonds are actually seeds that look similar to almonds that are obtain by cracking the seeds of certain fruits including peaches and apricots. Almond extract has an intense almond-like flavor that serves to enhance many desserts including cakes, tortes, and puddings.