Looking for an alternative to Vanilla Beans? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Vanilla Bean substitutes.
What are Vanilla Beans?
Vanilla Beans are a spice that are commonly used to flavour desserts and sweet treats. It has a unique aroma which is one of my favourite smells in the world.
Best Vanilla Bean Substitutes
1. Vanilla Bean Paste / Powder
Whole vanilla beans tend to be expensive so vanilla bean paste which is ground vanilla beans mixed with a sugar syrup is a good alternative. My favourite option is vanilla bean powder which is finely ground vanilla beans without the sugar. Both are much more economical than whole beans and they have the benefit of providing the visual of the little black specks of vanilla that normally come from the seeds of the whole pod.
1 vanilla bean = 1 teaspoon of paste = 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder.
2. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is made by infusing vanilla beans in an alcohol solution so the flavour transfers from the beans to the liquid. While the flavour of vanilla extract can be a good match, it doesn’t provide the visual of the seeds.
1 vanilla bean = approximately 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
You can make your own vanilla extract by soaking vanilla beans in vodka (recipe below).
3. Vanilla Essence
Vanilla essence is a solution made from chemically processed vanillin – the main flavour compound in vanilla beans. The flavour is no where near as complex as vanilla extract so I prefer to just skip the vanilla if I don’t have any of the above.
4. Cinnamon
While cinnamon is a completely different flavour to vanilla, it can make an nice alternative.
5. Cardamom Pods
Again these take the flavour in a different direction but cardamom often works well in a similar way to vanilla.
How to Store Vanilla Beans
Keep in the pantry in an airtight jar or bag. You can also store them in a jar of sugar so you flavour the sugar.
How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract
make about 1 cup
I’ve been meaning to make my own vanilla extract for years but have been putting it off because I thought it was going to be difficult.
If only I’d known how wrong I was, I would have started years ago. It couldn’t be simpler. Just pop some vanilla beans in a jar with some booze and wait.
3-5 vanilla beans
1 cup vodka or other alcohol
1. Halve vanilla beans crosswise then cut down the length of each half. Scrape the seeds out from the middle and place in a clean jar about 1 cup capacity.
2. Place beans in the jar. Fill with vodka. Seal.
3. Store for about 8 weeks before using, shaking every few days or whenever you think about it.
4. As you use the extract, continue to top up with more vodka and vanilla beans.
Takes about 8 weeks before it’s ready. Then will keep indefinitely. Just keep adding beans and alcohol and discarding the older softer beans if the jar gets too full.
More Ingredient Substitutes
- The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes
- Broccoli
- Chilli Bean Sauce
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Miso Paste
- Oyster Sauce
- Pesto
- Tahini
Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x