Walk through the baking aisle and you’ll find yourself in a sea of vanillas. Extracts of all types, full beans and even vanilla pastes — does it really matter which one you use?
Well, yes and no. Here’s everything you need to know about vanilla extract and paste, and some easy vanilla recipes to indulge your sweet tooth.
What is vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract is the most common type of vanilla used in baking, and you’ll find plenty of options at your grocery store. While there are a few types of vanilla extract — more on that in a moment — extract is made by steeping vanilla in a mixture of alcohol and water, so the flavor compounds diffuse into the liquid.
What’s the difference between artificial vanilla extract and natural vanilla extract?
Natural vanilla extract is made by steeping real vanilla beans in liquid, while artificial extract is made by adding vanilla’s flavor compounds — for example, vanillin — in liquid. Natural extract is dark brown in color with nuanced vanilla flavor, while artificial vanilla extract can be brown or clear, and adds a strong vanilla flavor that’s less complex.
Both have useful applications in cooking. In general, natural vanilla extract is the best choice when you want a nuanced vanilla flavor, while artificial vanilla can be ideal for creating that strong signature “birthday cake” flavor you love.
What are vanilla beans?
Vanilla beans are pods harvested from the vanilla orchid. They’re flat, about four inches long, and filled with “caviar” with potent vanilla flavor. To cook with vanilla beans, slice each pod lengthwise and use a knife to carefully scrape out the caviar.
What is vanilla paste?
Vanilla paste is made by mixing vanilla extract with vanilla powder, created from crushed and dried vanilla beans. Because it includes vanilla beans, vanilla paste offers intense and complex vanilla flavor — but it can also be more expensive than even very high-quality vanilla extract.
When to use vanilla extract vs. vanilla beans vs. vanilla paste
Whether you use vanilla extract or paste depends on what you’re making and your budget.
Vanilla extract can be the ideal way to add a touch of vanilla flavor to any recipe in an instant. It’s shelf stable and easy to keep in your pantry, and because you can get dozens — or even hundreds — of servings per bottle, it’s the more budget-friendly option.
It may be worth splurging on vanilla beans or vanilla paste, though, when you’re centering vanilla in your flavorscape — think a decadent homemade French vanilla ice cream or a luxe vanilla frosting. In these cases, the paste also adds flecks of vanilla bean, giving your goods a gourmet look.
The best vanilla recipes for every occasion
Use extract or paste in these decadent vanilla recipes
Quick and Easy French Toast
Making brunch is simpler than you think with this decadent French toast. It uses McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, plus cinnamon for cozy flavor.
Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread
There’s no tastier way to use up a bunch of bananas than making banana bread. Our recipe keeps it classic, layering banana, cinnamon and vanilla for the perfect snack.
Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies
Meet your next favorite cookie recipe! These chocolate chip cookies are ooey-gooey, chewy and tender, with a hefty dose of vanilla in the dough.
Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Speaking of cookies, these upgraded oatmeal cookies are sure to please. They use McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract for creamy vanilla flavor, and cinnamon for an unexpected twist.
Homemade Vanilla Pie Crust
Pie crust usually takes second billing to the filling — until now. This vanilla-spiked crust is sweet and flaky, and works well with any filling.
Signature Pumpkin Pie
It’s just not the holidays without pumpkin pie. And it’s not pumpkin pie without vanilla. Here, McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract creates a creamy vanilla flavor base that perfectly complements classic pumpkin pie spice.
Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe
This homemade whipped cream is a great way to upgrade any dessert in five minutes — and it just takes a dollop to transform your fave summer produce into a light-but-satisfying final course.
Peach Cobbler
Peaches. Ginger. Cinnamon. Vanilla. Yup, this dessert’s got it all. Make it using fresh peaches in the warmer months, or using frozen peach slices for the taste of summer all year long.
