Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade vanilla bean paste last? ›

Store it: Vanilla paste can be stored for up to 3 years when kept in a cool, dark environment. Do not refrigerate your paste, or the container will form condensation and spoil the vanilla. Ready to stock up on vanilla paste?

Cane Sugar, Water, Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Bean Seeds, Gum Tragacanth (a natural thickener).

For example, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract can be substituted for 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste. Pro tip: If a recipe calls for one whole vanilla bean pod OR 1 tablespoon vanilla powder, you can use the same 1:1 ratio and substitute either with 1 tablespoon pure vanilla bean paste.

Vanilla bean paste is thicker and more gelatinous than vanilla extract, but it can be used almost interchangeably. It's a great product because you get the specks that vanilla beans provide, but it's easy to scoop out of the jar and it's also more affordable than the beans themselves.

Vanilla Origins

"But Tahitian vanilla beans are also highly prized for their floral notes." Types of vanilla, such as extracts, paste, and powder, are expensive due to the labor and process involved in making these products. "There are limited tropical regions in which they can grow," says Vu.

Because vanilla extract contains no physical vanilla, the flavor is slightly lighter and less robust than vanilla paste.

People use vanilla extract for simple recipes such as cookies, cupcakes, and vanilla cakes. On the other hand, vanilla bean paste is often reserved for more complex recipes or dishes with a thicker consistency (ice cream, frosting, pudding, crème Brulee, etc.,.).

Basically, vanilla paste is a blend of concentrated vanilla extract and vanilla bean powder. It isn't as thick as paste; it's more the consistency of liquid glue. Most pastes contain invert sugar or corn syrup that acts as a binder.

If you don't have time to scrape vanilla beans, or you won't use them before they dry out, vanilla bean paste is a great alternative. While it's offered by only a few companies, including Nielsen-Massey and the Spice House, our Test Kitchen pros agree it's worth the search.

Since vanilla extract is relatively cheap compared to both whole beans and vanilla bean paste, it is the most commonly used form of vanilla extract. You should use it in everything from cookies to brownies and you can even add a splash in your salad dressing!

How much vanilla extract is equal to vanilla bean paste? ›

Vanilla extracts, flavors, whole beans, pastes and powders should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight. Refrigeration or freezing will speed up the natural separation of the vanilla essence from the liquid base in extracts.

Vanilla bean paste is commonly used in dairy recipes such as vanilla frosting, vanilla cheesecake, vanilla crème brulee, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. The tiny black seeds stand out against the creamy white mix for an appetizing vanilla bean look.

You definitely don't need these exact pieces of equipment — the one thing that I really do recommend is the vanilla bean paste. It gives the lattes a subtle sweetness and you get those nice vanilla bean flecks in your drink!

Vanilla extracts, flavors, whole beans, pastes and powders should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight. Refrigeration or freezing will speed up the natural separation of the vanilla essence from the liquid base in extracts.

You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using.

You can leave the vanilla beans in the bottles indefinitely and continue to top up the jar with alcohol as you use the extract. Alternatively, you can make vanilla sugar with the used vanilla beans. Place the old vanilla beans in some granulated sugar to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavors.

Storing. Store in a cool, dark place. Homemade vanilla should keep for up to 5 years, but if it smells unpleasant or is cloudy you should discard.