Missing vanilla extract in your pantry? Fear not! Our guide details the perfect substitutes to keep your baking game on point.
Vanilla extract is a classic ingredient in baking, known for its sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances a wide range of recipes.
However, there may be times when you’re out of vanilla extract or looking for alternatives for one reason or another.
Here, we present the best substitutes for vanilla extract in baking, ordered based on their suitability and availability.
1. Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is an excellent substitute for vanilla extract in your baking recipes.
As a blend of granulated sugar and vanilla beans, vanilla sugar gives you the sweet, aromatic flavor you’re seeking. However, using it can increase the sugar content of your recipe.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Vanilla Bean
The vanilla bean is where the extract originates, making it a good alternative.
While vanilla beans provide the most authentic vanilla flavor, they are more expensive and harder to work with than extract. You’ll need to split and scrape the beans.
How to make it work: For every teaspoon of vanilla extract, substitute with one vanilla bean.
3. Vanilla Paste
Vanilla paste can effectively replace vanilla extract in your baking recipes.
This product contains a blend of vanilla extract and vanilla seeds, providing a stronger vanilla flavor. Be aware, it might slightly alter your recipe’s texture due to the presence of seeds.
How to make it work: Substitute in a 1:1 ratio. If your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste.
4. Vanilla Powder
Vanilla powder can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract.
Vanilla powder offers a sweet, rich vanilla flavor. However, it can slightly change the color of your finished product, especially in white or light-colored baked goods.
How to make it work: To substitute, use the same amount of vanilla powder as vanilla extract.
5. Vanilla Milk
Vanilla-flavored milk is a suitable replacement for vanilla extract.
Vanilla milk will add both sweetness and vanilla flavor to your baked goods. However, it’s liquid, so it may affect the liquid ratios in your recipe.
How to make it work: For every teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1 tablespoon of vanilla milk, and reduce other liquid ingredients accordingly.
6. Vanilla Yogurt
Vanilla yogurt can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract in certain recipes.
While vanilla yogurt offers a hint of vanilla flavor, its acidity and creamy texture may alter your baked goods. It’s best used in cakes and muffins.
How to make it work: For every teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1 tablespoon of vanilla yogurt, adjusting the other ingredients as necessary.
7. Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla syrup is another good replacement for vanilla extract.
While it offers a sweet vanilla flavor, its sugar content and liquid form may affect your recipe. It’s best used in wet batter recipes like cakes and brownies.
How to make it work: For substitution, use 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup for every teaspoon of vanilla extract, reducing other sweeteners and liquids in the recipe as needed.
8. Almond Extract
Almond extract can be used as an alternative to vanilla extract.
While almond extract has a distinct flavor, it can give your baked goods a similar depth of flavor. However, it’s more potent, so use sparingly.
How to make it work: For every teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
9. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup can replace vanilla extract, giving your baked goods a unique flavor twist.
While it imparts a sweet, caramel-like flavor rather than a vanilla flavor, it can still add depth to your recipes. Like other liquid substitutes, you may need to adjust your recipe.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
10. Honey
Honey can be used as a vanilla extract substitute.
While it doesn’t offer a vanilla flavor, honey can give your baked goods a subtle sweetness. Note that honey is sweeter and denser than vanilla extract.
How to make it work: For every teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1 tablespoon of honey, reducing other sweeteners in the recipe as needed.
11. Bourbon
Bourbon is an unconventional but effective vanilla extract substitute.
While it doesn’t taste like vanilla, bourbon can add a similar depth of flavor to your baked goods. Make sure to use it in recipes where its strong flavor will be a complement.
How to make it work: Substitute in a 1:1 ratio. If your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1 teaspoon of bourbon.
12. Rum
Rum can be used to replace vanilla extract in your baking recipes.
Although it doesn’t provide a vanilla flavor, rum can add depth and complexity to your baked goods. Its flavor works well in recipes such as cakes and cookies.
How to make it work: To substitute, use the same amount of rum as vanilla extract.
13. Brandy
Brandy is another alcoholic beverage that can be used as a vanilla extract substitute.
While it provides a unique flavor rather than a vanilla one, brandy can enhance the taste of your baked goods.
How to make it work: To substitute, use the same amount of brandy as vanilla extract.
14. Coffee or Espresso
Coffee or espresso can act as a substitute for vanilla extract in chocolate-based recipes.
While they won’t give a vanilla flavor, coffee and espresso can enhance the flavor of chocolate, similar to vanilla extract. Note that they can darken your baked goods.
How to make it work: To substitute, replace vanilla extract with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or espresso.
15. Citrus Zest
The zest of lemons, oranges, or limes can act as a vanilla extract substitute.
While citrus zest will give a different flavor, it can still add a nice aroma and fresh taste to your baked goods. It works well in recipes like cookies and cakes.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 1 teaspoon of citrus zest for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
16. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used to replace vanilla extract in your baking recipes.
Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness, although it doesn’t replicate vanilla’s flavor. It’s a great option for recipes like cookies and spice cakes.
How to make it work: For every teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
17. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice that can serve as a vanilla extract substitute.
Nutmeg offers a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, but it doesn’t mimic the flavor of vanilla. It works best in recipes like cookies and spice cakes.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
18. Cardamom
Cardamom can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract in certain recipes.
While it provides a unique, sweet-spicy flavor, cardamom can add complexity to your baked goods. It works best in spice cakes and breads.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
19. Cloves
Cloves can be used to replace vanilla extract in some baking recipes.
Cloves offer a warm, sweet-spicy flavor. Although it doesn’t provide a vanilla flavor, it can still add depth and complexity to your recipes.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
20. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk can be a substitute for vanilla extract in certain recipes.
While it doesn’t provide a vanilla flavor, coconut milk can add a tropical, sweet note to your baked goods. It’s best used in cakes and muffins.
How to make it work: For every teaspoon of vanilla extract, use 1 tablespoon of coconut milk.
21. Anise
Anise can be used as a vanilla extract substitute.
Anise has a distinct sweet-spicy flavor that can still complement many recipes that call for vanilla. It works well in cookies and sweet breads.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground anise for every teaspoon of vanilla extract.
The Takeaways
Substituting vanilla extract in baking is a nuanced process that depends heavily on the specific recipe and your personal preferences.
While there is no direct replacement that perfectly mimics its flavor, many of these alternatives can still provide your baked goods with complexity and depth of flavor.
Vanilla bean, vanilla sugar, and vanilla paste are your go-to substitutes when you’re after an authentic vanilla flavor, but keep in mind cost and availability.
Alcoholic substitutes like rum, bourbon, or brandy can add depth and complexity to your baked goods, whereas spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom introduce different but delightful flavors.
Remember, when using a liquid substitute, you might need to adjust the quantities of other ingredients to keep the right consistency in your batter.
Above all, baking is an art, so feel free to experiment and find the substitute that works best for you.
Happy baking!
