Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia Spice

Vanilla Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"The Queen of Spices: Unraveling the Allure and Complexity of Vanilla."

Definition

A highly aromatic spice derived from the fermented pods of vanilla orchids, prized for its sweet, warm, and complex flavor in desserts and beverages.

Curing Process Beans undergo months of sun-drying and sweating for optimal flavor development.
Global Demand Second most expensive spice after saffron due to labor-intensive cultivation.
Primary Flavor Compound Vanillin is the main aromatic component, accounting for much of its characteristic scent.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Vanilla are:

Sweet warm woody floral creamy

Chef’s Secret

To maximize flavor from a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, then simmer the pod itself in liquids (milk, cream) to infuse.

Best Substitutes

Vanilla paste

Ratio 1:1

or for a different profile

almond extract

1/2 amount, not a true substitute

Buying Guide

For beans, look for plump, moist, pliable pods. For extract, choose "pure vanilla extract" over "vanilla flavor."

Recipes Using Vanilla

To Go Main Ingredient Cakes Preparation

Don T Knock It Until You Try It Beet Cake

Prepare to be amazed! This incredibly moist and delicious beet cake is a family favorite, even the kids love it! The secret? Hidden beets that add incredible richness and moisture without a hint of 'beety' flavor. The batter's vibrant red hue disappears during baking, leaving you with a stunning, perfectly textured cake. Top it with our suggested almond frosting or a dollop of homemade whipped cream – either way, it's pure decadence. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion North American Preparation Occasion

A Quick And Easy White Cake

This recipe delivers a moist and fluffy white cake in just 50 minutes! Perfect for beginners, this easy white cake recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps. Get ready to impress with this unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple dessert.

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Cookies And Brownies Equipment Cookies And Brownies Dietary

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with these chewy, moist, and decadent double chocolate chip cookies! Loaded with two types of chocolate chips for an intense chocolate flavor, this recipe from Cuisine Magazine is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cookie lovers of all ages!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Desserts

Apple Cider Pound Cake

Indulge in the moist, tender crumb of this Apple Cider Pound Cake, a beloved recipe straight from the Johnson County Kentucky Apple Festival Cookbook (25th Anniversary, 1987). This classic recipe is bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a special treat, this pound cake is sure to become a family favorite!

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Desserts Cake Fillings And Frostings Equipment Stove Top

Coconut Pecan Frosting

Indulge your senses with this decadent Coconut Pecan Frosting, a rich German buttercream that's the perfect topping for your favorite chocolate cake! This easy recipe, originally shared in 2005, creates a luscious, nutty frosting that's guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a taste of pure heaven!

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Desserts Number Of Servings Cookies And Brownies Fruit

Apricot Almond Cream Cheese Squares

These decadent Apricot Almond Cream Cheese Squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a friend's recipe, these rich and buttery bars feature a flaky crust, a luscious apricot cream cheese filling, and a delightful almond topping. Perfect for parties (mini muffin cups are a fantastic serving idea!), these squares are best made ahead and chilled overnight to allow the flavors to fully meld. The versatile base recipe can be adapted for countless other desserts! Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to create this impressive treat.

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Pitted Fruit 4 Hours Or Less Cakes Main Ingredient

Apricot Almond Upside Down Cake

Awarded second place in the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle baking competition! This show-stopping Apricot Almond Upside-Down Cake, adapted from pastry chef Sasha Crehan's recipe by Janet Fletcher, is bursting with fragrant almond and apricot flavor. Using Blenheim apricots (or fresh peaches for a delightful twist) creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Get ready to impress your guests with this elegant and delicious cake – perfect for any occasion!

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Low In Something Low Sodium Apples Dietary

Apple Pie By Grandma Ople

Transform your apple pie experience! This recipe, inspired by over 1,600 five-star reviews, fixes everything you hate about traditional apple pie. Say goodbye to overly sweet, cinnamony disappointments. This pie boasts a perfectly balanced, spiced apple filling, nestled in a flaky crust and drizzled with a luscious buttery caramel. Whether you're an apple pie aficionado or a lifelong skeptic, prepare to be amazed! This recipe is a game-changer, offering a simplified version of a viral sensation, with adjustments for calorie-consciousness and enhanced flavor.

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Low Sodium Dietary Low In Something Amish Mennonite

Amish Bread Pudding

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Amish Bread Pudding recipe, a treasured classic from a 1990 Missouri Amish cookbook! This unbelievably delicious bread pudding is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dessert or brunch. Customize it with your favorite dried fruits – raisins, dates, or citron – for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. Get ready to savor every bite!

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Easy Easy Breakfast 15 Minutes Or Less

Amber's French Bagels French Toast

Transform leftover bagels into a decadent breakfast treat with this unique French toast recipe! This isn't your grandma's French toast – we're using bagels for a deliciously chewy and satisfying twist. Inspired by a popular blog post, this recipe elevates the classic comfort food with a surprising, irresistible texture. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will make you wonder why you haven't been making French toast with bagels all along!

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Cobblers And Crisps American Desserts Dietary

Aunt Lois Butter Roll

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Aunt Lois' Butter Rolls! This quick and easy recipe, inspired by a classic Southern dessert, delivers melt-in-your-mouth rolls bursting with buttery, spiced goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful treat, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest!

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Breakfast 60 Minutes Or Less Occasion Breakfast

Berry Good French Toast Bake

Start your day with this delightful Berry Good French Toast Bake! A decadent breakfast casserole bursting with juicy berries, creamy cream cheese, and crunchy nuts, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prep ahead, this recipe is perfect for brunch, holidays, or a special weekend treat. From a friend's kitchen to yours!

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Christmas Small Appliance Fruit Dinner Party

Apricot And Raisin Butter Cake

Indulge in this moist and decadent Apricot & Raisin Butter Cake, a delightful twist on traditional fruit cakes. The rich, buttery crumb is perfectly complemented by plump, brandy-soaked apricots and raisins, creating a symphony of flavors. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, this show-stopping cake is ideal for special occasions or a cozy afternoon treat. Easy to halve for smaller gatherings!

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Course Low In Something Dinner Party Desserts

Basic White Cake Vegan

Create a wonderfully moist and adaptable vegan white cake with this easy recipe! Free of dairy and eggs, and naturally lower in sugar, it's the perfect guilt-free base for countless delicious desserts. Transform it into a delightful apple cake (instructions included!), or unleash your creativity and invent your own unique variations. Adapted from "The Best of Silver Hills" cookbook. Get baking!

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Fruit Breakfast Northeastern United States Time To Make

Apricot Bran Honey Cakes

Indulge in these delightful Apricot Bran Honey Cakes! Baked in individual ramekins, these warm, gooey cakes are the perfect blend of sweet apricots, crunchy bran, and a touch of honey. Adapted from a Cooking Light recipe (Jan 2006), this recipe is easy to follow and delivers irresistible flavor in every spoonful. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert!

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For Large Groups Low In Something Low Sodium Time To Make

A Kissable Brownie

Indulge in these irresistible Kissable Brownies! Easy to make, these decadent brownies hide a delicious candy kiss surprise inside every bite. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat anytime, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and a delightful, unexpected candy center!

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Cakes Chocolate

Best Wacky Cake

No mixer? No problem! This unbelievably moist and delicious Wacky Cake is a family favorite, passed down from my mom, Rosie. It's incredibly easy to make – just one bowl and simple ingredients – and delivers a rich, chocolatey treat that's perfect for any occasion. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Desserts North American Course Mexican

Anna's Tres Leches Cake

Indulge in this incredibly moist and rich Tres Leches Cake, a family favorite! Originally adapted from a VeryBestBaking.com recipe, this cake is incredibly easy to make and delivers unbelievably delicious results. Perfect for any occasion, its creamy texture and subtle sweetness will leave everyone wanting more. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature for a decadent dessert.

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