This delicious flavor can be found in all types of baked goods and desserts. It is also used in breakfast items like waffles, pancakes, and milkshakes. You can even find it in savory recipes! Even my oatmeal has it!
Normally, I buy vanilla extract at the store. But sometimes, I find myself out of vanilla when I am baking or cooking. There are many easy vanilla substitutes you can use if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any vanilla.
You can also make your vanilla extract because it is so easy!
You only need eight vanilla beans and Vodka. The recipe is simple, but it takes patience as the vanilla beans need to be infused for at least a month.
Try one of these easy vanilla substitutes the next time that you run out. And in the meantime, make your vanilla extract to ensure you have it on hand!
What is Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract can be made by soaking vanilla pods whole in alcohol, usually Vodka. The seeds in the pods are what give the vanilla quote its rich flavor. They contain vanillin, which is the source of all flavor! The section has a sweet, aromatic, intense flavor. It is commonly used in baking.
Does Vanilla Extract Substitutes Work?
Absolutely! You can substitute vanilla extract with a number of options depending on the recipe you are making. If you need to replace vanilla extract, you may be looking for an alternative that is alcohol-free or simply out of it. This guide will help you to find the best vanilla extract alternative for your baking and cooking needs.
10 Easy Vanilla Extract Substitute Options
These options are all great substitutes for vanilla extract. I suggest using what you already have. You may not be able to use the same amount of vanilla extract as you would with the substitute, depending on which option you choose and the recipe.
Vanilla Paste or Fresh Vanilla Bean Pods
If you already have vanilla beans, this is the best substitute for vanilla extract. It has the same flavor and will not change the taste of the recipe. You can substitute vanilla extract 1:1 with vanilla bean paste if you have it on hand. Use the seeds of half a vanilla bean for every teaspoon of vanilla extracted in a recipe if you are using fresh vanilla beans.
Vanilla Powder
Vanilla powder is more intense than vanilla extract. Vanilla powder is created by grinding vanilla beans to a fine powder. Use half the amount of powder that the recipe specifies. Use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder if a recipe requires one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Vanilla powder is a good substitute for vanilla because it comes from vanilla beans.
Pure Maple Syrup
Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for vanilla. Maple syrup can be substituted for vanilla extract in the same amount (1:1). You may wish to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance out the sweetness. Vanilla extract has a stronger flavor than maple syrup. You can also use maple extract, which has a smaller amount of sugar.
Honey
Honey can be used in the same recipe as maple syrup. It would be a 1:1 substitute for vanilla extract in a recipe.
Honey can be used as a substitute for vanilla, just like maple syrup. In baking, you can substitute 1:1. Honey is sweet, so you’ll want to reduce sugar to balance it.
Rum, Brandy, Bourbon, or Vanilla Liqueur
All of these alcohols have a sweeter aftertaste, so they are excellent alternatives to vanilla extract. If you want to make your vanilla, soak the beans in Vodka. This alcohol substitute is great for baking. You can substitute 1:1.
You could also keep vanilla-flavored liquor in your liquor cupboard, as it has a similar taste to vanilla extract used in baking. You can use it in a 1:1 substitution.
Almond Extract
You can substitute almond extract for vanilla extract if you already have it on hand. It will add a nice flavor to baking recipes, but it will give a slightly nutty flavor instead of vanilla flavor to sweet recipes. It gives me a nice depth of flavor.
Vanilla Essence
Vanilla essence is produced from synthetic vanilla, not the natural vanilla bean from which vanilla extract is derived. The vanilla flavor is, therefore, not as strong. You will need twice as much vanilla essence if you are using it. Use two teaspoons of vanilla essence instead of vanilla extract in a recipe that calls for one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Vanilla Flavored milk
You might be surprised to find out that plant-based milk with vanilla flavoring is a great alternative to vanilla extract! Vanilla almond milk without sugar, soy, or oat milk, all of which are unsweetened, can be used to replace vanilla. You can replace it with a 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for one teaspoon of vanilla extract, you could use one tsp. of milk.
I haven’t made baked goods using vanilla milk, but I imagine it would work. If you want to make a smoothie or milkshake that calls for vanilla, you can substitute vanilla milk or even vanilla ice cream!
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder
It is best used in chocolate recipes, as it enhances the flavor of chocolate. This would work well in savory recipes. It’s not necessary to replace 1:1. You can add just a pinch. Little goes a long way!
Citrus Zest or Other Spices
You can substitute citrus zest or warm spices for vanilla in recipes where vanilla is not the primary ingredient. Try cinnamon, Cardamom, or Nutmeg. Pumpkin pie spice is also a good option. Add some orange, lemon, or lime zest instead! It’s not necessary to use much – a pinch or even two should be sufficient.
