Vanilla Extract Substitutes (10+ options) - Celebrating Sweets (2024)

FAQs

Vanilla Extract Substitutes (10+ options) - Celebrating Sweets? ›

If you don't have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extract—or any form of vanilla—brings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first.

If you don't have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extract—or any form of vanilla—brings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first.

Vanilla extract may contain up to 35% ABV, which is the equivalent of a shot of hard liquor like vodka or bourbon. This means vanilla extract can get you drunk, but it also puts a person at risk of alcohol poisoning.

First, extracts and oils are not the same thing.

So to make vanilla extract, vanilla beans are steeped in alcohol until their flavor and aroma infuse that alcohol. Oils, however, are the essential oil squeezed from the ingredient itself — so vanilla oil is made from squeezing the beans to extract their oil.

Best Flavor Enhancer: Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract

Good vanilla makes chocolate, fruit, nuts, sugar and butter all taste better. And that is the real strength of Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract. It elevates all these ingredients and makes them shine.

Vanilla bean paste is a perfect substitute for extract if you are looking for a creamier vanilla with visually appealing bean specks and the classic vanilla flavor all wrapped into one.

Adding vanilla extract at the end of the baking process can make the flavour of the vanilla more pronounced. In some recipes, pure vanilla extract adds the subtle and delicious flavour of vanilla that is easy to taste. It also enhances the flavour of other ingredients in more complex recipes.

Vanillin, a main component of vanilla, has been shown to offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects in animal and test-tube research.

Does vanilla extract expire? ›

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening.

McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract: Ingredients

Vanilla bean extractives in water, alcohol (35%), and corn syrup.

Vanilla extract and how important is it for the baking process. The primary purpose of vanilla extract is to add flavour to baked goods. Lacking it, baked goods tend to have a bland and boring taste. Vanilla extract can also contribute moisture to create a soft and fluffy texture.

Lemon extracts are not sour rather it has a distinct flavour and aroma to them. This citrus fruit is widely available and makes for a great alternative to vanilla extract. Make some lemon tarts, cupcakes, and pies or even use it in the frosting and get a flavoursome dessert.

Use maple syrup or honey in place of vanilla for a rich, sweet taste. Maple syrup is a common substitute for vanilla because they have a similar flavor profile. Honey is also often used in place of vanilla, although it has its own unique taste.

Golden Syrup as a Vanilla Extract Substitute

My personal favourite was to use golden syrup if you're out of vanilla essence. A teaspoon of golden syrup in your recipe will provide that extra bit of depth, with its deeply sweet treacle flavour. You can always add more or less, depending on your flavour preference.