What can i use instead of vanilla extract
In this brief guide, we will address the query, “What can I use instead of vanilla extract?” and answer other related questions like “What are the best substitutes that can replace vanilla extract?”
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
The answer is, ‘you can use many different substitutes for vanilla extract’. With vanilla extract one can make various recipes, however, there are many ways to substitute it with different alternatives such as vanilla beans, vanilla powder, vanilla paste, maple syrup, honey, almond extract, alcohol, spices, citrus zest, and homemade vanilla extract.
Vanilla extract is made from vanilla pods, it is a staple in every household that is mostly used for dessert recipes. It has an aromatic, sweet touch to it that can enhance any recipe.
We have some of the best substitutes for vanilla extract you can try if you’ve run out of it.
Vanilla beans
Vanilla beans are one of the best substitutes for vanilla extract since vanilla extract is made by fermenting vanilla beans in alcohol.
One can substitute vanilla beans by cutting them from the middle and scraping out the beans with a knife or spoon.
Vanilla beans work well with recipes such as puddings, pies, cakes, etcetera.
One can use 1 whole pod of vanilla bean seeds for substituting vanilla extract.
Vanilla powder
Vanilla powder is made from vanilla beans, it is another close substitute for vanilla extract since it can give a stronger vanilla flavor to any recipe.
Vanilla powder works well with recipes such as frostings, icecreams, etcetera.
One can use vanilla powder at a 1:1 ratio for substituting vanilla extract.
Vanilla paste
Vanilla bean paste is made of vanilla beans, sugar and vanilla extract, it is a great alternative for vanilla extract since it has a rich consistency and strong vanilla flavor.
Vanilla paste works well with recipes such as cookies, icecreams, etcetera.
One can use vanilla powder at a 1:1 ratio for substituting vanilla extract.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a good substitute for vanilla extract since it has a rich syrupy texture and has a sweet flavor that can mimic vanilla extract.
Maple syrup works well with recipes such as waffles, pancakes, etcetera.
One can use maple syrup at a 1:1 ratio for substituting vanilla extract.
Honey
Honey is a good substitute for vanilla extract since it has a rich texture and sweet flavor that can work well with any recipe.
Honey works well with recipes such as cakes, oatmeal, and pancakes.
One can use honey at a 1:1 ratio for substituting vanilla extract.
Almond extract
Almond extract is a good substitute for vanilla extract since it has a nutty but slightly bitter flavor so it should be used carefully.
Almond extract works well with recipes such as pancakes, and cookies.
One can use almond extract in half the amount for substituting vanilla extract.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a suitable substitute for vanilla extract since vanilla extract contains alcohol and it can give a similar flavor and texture to any recipe. One can use alcohols such as bourbon, brandy or rum.
Alcohol works well with recipes such as brownies, cakes, etcetera.
One can use alcohol at a 1:1 ratio for substituting vanilla extract.
Spices
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom are a good substitute for vanilla extract since they can enhance the flavor and depth of both sweet and savory recipes.
These spices work well with recipes such as cakes, pies, oatmeals, smoothies.
One can use half a teaspoon of one of these spices for substituting vanilla extract.
Citrus zest
Citrus fruit zests like lemon, lime, orange, can work as a good substitute for vanilla extract since they have an acidic, sweet flavor.
Citrus zest works well with recipes such as salads, and pound cakes.
One can use any citrus fruit zest at a 1:1 ratio for substituting vanilla extract.
Homemade vanilla extract
One of the best ways to substitute vanilla extract is to make it at home but you cannot use it immediately, though you can make it for your future recipes.
The process for making vanilla extract is easy, you just have to take a few pods of vanilla beans and put them in a jar and fill it with 1 cup of alcohol such as vodka, rum or bourbon then store it, you can use it after a few weeks.
One can use any homemade vanilla extract at a 1:1 ratio for substituting vanilla extract.
Other FAQs about Vanilla Extract that you may be interested in.
Can you eat vanilla extract raw?
Where does imitation vanilla come from?
Where do vanilla beans come from?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “What can I use instead of vanilla extract?” and answered other related questions like “What are the best substitutes that can replace vanilla extract?”
