Making your own homemade vanilla bean paste is a good way to add a strong vanilla flavor to everything. Whether you want a versatile ingredient for various recipes or a great gift for a fellow baker, this recipe is a favorite method you’ll return to again and again.
Why Make Vanilla Bean Paste at Home?
Store-bought vanilla paste can be expensive; by making it yourself, you can make it for less.
Plus, this paste can be used in place of pure vanilla extract, giving your desserts the authentic flavor that comes from fresh beans. Hint, we recommend using Madagascar vanilla bean or bourbon vanilla beans
Easy Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe: Make in Minutes
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Ingredients
- 2 Ounces Whole Vanilla Bean Grade A preferred, 4-6 average size beans
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2/3 Cup Vodka plain vodka 80 proof
- 3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Water
- Optional: Add a pinch of xanthan gum, a natural thickener, if you want a creamier texture.
text ingredients
Instructions
How to Make Vanilla Bean Paste in Minutes
- Combine the vanilla bean pods, vodka, sugar, corn syrup, and water in a high-powered blender or food processor until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender in a tall container, but it takes a while.2 Ounces Whole Vanilla Bean, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 2/3 Cup Vodka, 3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup, 2 Tablespoons Water
- Thicken if desired. Slowly add xanthan gum while blending for a natural thickener that keeps your paste creamy and smooth.Optional: Add a pinch of xanthan gum, a natural thickener, if you want a creamier texture.
- Pour the paste into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or airtight container. Keep it in a cool place or dark place. Flavors will deepen over a couple of months.
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Notes
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Bean Paste
- Fresh beans are always best, but you can also use leftover vanilla pods to make vanilla powder or vanilla sugar.
- Use a fine mesh strainer if you want a silky-smooth paste for custards or sauces.
- Keep your paste away from light and heat in a dark place or cool place, and it will stay fresh for long time.
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How do you use vanilla bean paste in place of vanilla extract?
- Generally, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract can be replaced with 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.
- Some recipes call for a slightly smaller amount of paste since it’s more concentrated. If you want a subtler flavor, start with ¾ teaspoon of paste per teaspoon of extract.
Mix It in Like Extract
- Stir the vanilla bean paste directly into wet ingredients like eggs, milk, cream, or butter.
- It dissolves easily, especially in liquids or batters.
Enjoy the Extra Vanilla Visual
- Unlike extract, the paste contains real vanilla seeds, sometimes called vanilla caviar, which give baked goods, custards, and ice creams those tiny black specks that make them look gourmet.
- It’s perfect in recipes where you want the look and flavor of whole vanilla beans, like crème brûlée, custards, puddings, or chocolate desserts.
No Need for Heating
- You don’t have to cook the paste first. It can be added raw to batters, frostings, or even simple syrup.
- In cooked recipes, the flavor develops as it heats, just like with pure vanilla extract.
- For frostings or glazes, stir the paste in at room temperature for a strong vanilla flavor without affecting texture.
Vanilla Swap Cheat Sheet – Quick & Easy
Swap vanilla like a pro in seconds!
1️⃣ Vanilla Extract → Vanilla Bean Paste
- 1 tsp extract = 1 tsp paste
- Adds real vanilla seeds & texture
2️⃣ Vanilla Extract → Whole Bean
- 1 tsp extract = ½–1 tsp scraped whole vanilla bean
- Use less for subtle, more for strong flavor
- Save pod for vanilla sugar or infusions
3️⃣ Vanilla Bean Paste → Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp paste = 1 tsp extract
- ⚠️ Paste adds seeds, slightly thicker
4️⃣ Whole Vanilla Bean → Paste
- 1 scraped bean = 1–1½ tsp paste
- 🍮 Perfect for crème brûlée, custards, & frostings
5️⃣ Whole Vanilla Bean → Extract
- 1 scraped bean = 1 tsp extract
- Flavor is strong, but no visible seeds
Make a small batch or a big batch for gifting. Anyone who loves baking or just wants to experience real vanilla seeds in their treats.
Making your own vanilla bean paste is not only simple, it’s a good way to elevate everyday desserts.
This easy vanilla bean paste recipe ensures that you’ll never have to rely on store-bought paste again. And the strong vanilla flavor will make all your baked goods taste extraordinary.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
A delicious way to add vanilla flavor to so many recipes.