07.09.2018
Vanilla Extract Substitutes
Out of vanilla extract? Try rum, bourbon, almond extract, vanilla paste, or make your own. Tips, ratios, and storage advice.
- Many kitchen staples can replace vanilla extract: rum, bourbon, brandy, almond extract, rose water, vanilla bean sugar, and vanilla bean paste.
- For homemade extract, split 5-6 vanilla beans into 1 cup vodka, seal and steep for at least 8 weeks; flavor improves with time.
- Match substitutes to the recipe: use 1:1 for alcohol and paste, half the amount for strong almond extract, and small amounts for potent floral flavors like rose water.
Vanilla extract is a fragrant, floral flavor often used in baking. White cakes, custards and frosting often lean on the abundance of flavor vanilla provides. Vanilla can also be an ingredient that runs out and if used rarely, quick substitutes are helpful to have on hand. There are many common ingredients that can be used as a vanilla substitute already in your kitchen.
Substitutes for Vanilla Extract
Nothing can really substitute the nuanced flavors of pure, authentic vanilla. However, when you're out of vanilla extract, there are a few other ingredients you can use to add flavor and complexity to your cakes, cookies, and pastries. Instead of vanilla extract, try tipping a teaspoon of one of these ingredients in your recipe.
- Spiced Rum
- Bourbon
- Brandy
- Almond extract
- Rose water
- Vanilla bean sugar
- Vanilla bean paste
How to Make Vanilla Extract
Making your own vanilla extract is easy and can be especially potent and flavorful when you use a quality bean such as a Madagascar vanilla bean. Vanilla beans from different areas of the world infuse unique flavor profiles into your baking. If you are looking for a rich variety with some raisin notes, consider using a Mexican vanilla bean. Tahitian vanilla beans are floral with cherry-like aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
Good substitutes include spiced rum, bourbon, brandy, almond extract, rose water, vanilla bean sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Use alcohol or paste 1:1, use half as much almond extract, and use small amounts of rose water because it is strong.
How do I convert measurements when I swap vanilla?
Use alcohol-based swaps and vanilla paste at a 1:1 ratio. Almond extract is stronger so use about half the amount. For rose water use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per teaspoon of vanilla. For vanilla sugar use 1 to 2 teaspoons in place of 1 teaspoon extract and reduce the recipe sugar slightly.
Will using rum, bourbon, or brandy change my recipe?
Yes. Those spirits add warm, caramel and oak notes that deepen flavor. They work well in cakes, cookies and custards. Most alcohol cooks off in baking, but if you need a non-alcoholic option choose maple syrup, vanilla powder, or vanilla-flavored milk.
Is almond extract a good substitute for vanilla?
Almond extract can work, especially in cookies and quick breads, but it has a strong nutty taste. Use about half as much as you would vanilla extract and avoid it if you want a pure vanilla profile.
How do I make homemade vanilla extract?
Split 5 to 6 vanilla beans and place them in a clean jar. Cover with 1 cup (240 ml) vodka or another spirit, seal, and shake. Store in a cool dark place and shake occasionally. Let it steep at least 8 weeks; flavor improves over several months.
Can I use vanilla bean or vanilla paste instead of extract?
Yes. Vanilla bean paste swaps 1:1 with extract. If using whole beans, scrape the seeds and use the seeds from about 1/2 to 1 bean to replace 1 teaspoon of extract. Expect visible specks of vanilla in the finished dish.
What non-alcoholic vanilla substitutes work best?
Non-alcoholic options include maple syrup, honey, vanilla powder, and vanilla-flavored milks. Use around a 1:1 swap for liquid syrups. These change the flavor and texture slightly, so taste and adjust as needed.
How should I store homemade or store-bought vanilla extract?
Keep extract in a tightly sealed bottle, ideally dark glass, in a cool dark spot. Properly stored vanilla extract can last for years and usually gets more flavorful over time.
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
Good substitutes include spiced rum, bourbon, brandy, almond extract, rose water, vanilla bean sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Use alcohol or paste 1:1, use half as much almond extract, and use small amounts of rose water because it is strong.
How do I convert measurements when I swap vanilla?
Use alcohol-based swaps and vanilla paste at a 1:1 ratio. Almond extract is stronger so use about half the amount. For rose water use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per teaspoon of vanilla. For vanilla sugar use 1 to 2 teaspoons in place of 1 teaspoon extract and reduce the recipe sugar slightly.
Will using rum, bourbon, or brandy change my recipe?
Yes. Those spirits add warm, caramel and oak notes that deepen flavor. They work well in cakes, cookies and custards. Most alcohol cooks off in baking, but if you need a non-alcoholic option choose maple syrup, vanilla powder, or vanilla-flavored milk.
Is almond extract a good substitute for vanilla?
Almond extract can work, especially in cookies and quick breads, but it has a strong nutty taste. Use about half as much as you would vanilla extract and avoid it if you want a pure vanilla profile.
How do I make homemade vanilla extract?
Split 5 to 6 vanilla beans and place them in a clean jar. Cover with 1 cup (240 ml) vodka or another spirit, seal, and shake. Store in a cool dark place and shake occasionally. Let it steep at least 8 weeks; flavor improves over several months.
Can I use vanilla bean or vanilla paste instead of extract?
Yes. Vanilla bean paste swaps 1:1 with extract. If using whole beans, scrape the seeds and use the seeds from about 1/2 to 1 bean to replace 1 teaspoon of extract. Expect visible specks of vanilla in the finished dish.
What non-alcoholic vanilla substitutes work best?
Non-alcoholic options include maple syrup, honey, vanilla powder, and vanilla-flavored milks. Use around a 1:1 swap for liquid syrups. These change the flavor and texture slightly, so taste and adjust as needed.
How should I store homemade or store-bought vanilla extract?
Keep extract in a tightly sealed bottle, ideally dark glass, in a cool dark spot. Properly stored vanilla extract can last for years and usually gets more flavorful over time.
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