Vanilla Extract

Vanilla planifolia (from vanilla bean) Flavoring Agent

Vanilla Extract Flavoring Agent

At a Glance

  • Category Flavoring Agent

The Forktionary Angle

"The understated star of the dessert world, its warm, sweet aroma is often the secret ingredient that ties all other flavors together."

Definition

A liquid flavoring made by steeping vanilla beans in an alcohol and water solution, imparting a rich, sweet, and aromatic flavor.

Alcohol Content Minimum 35% alcohol by volume (US FDA)
Origin From cured pods of vanilla orchids
Shelf Life Indefinite if pure, flavor degrades over time (2-4 years)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Vanilla Extract are:

Sweet floral woody warm creamy

Chef’s Secret

Add vanilla extract after removing baked goods from heat to preserve its delicate alcohol-evaporating aroma.

Best Substitutes

Vanilla Bean Paste

Ratio 1:1

Vanilla Beans

1 bean = 1-2 tsp extract

Maple Syrup

for sweetness, different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose "pure vanilla extract" over "vanilla flavoring." Dark glass bottles protect from light.

Recipes Using Vanilla Extract

Equipment Course Preparation Oven

4 Cheese Cheesecake

Indulge in this decadent 4 Cheese Cheesecake recipe! A creamy, dreamy dessert perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight treat. This recipe, originally shared on a message board, delivers a rich and unforgettable cheesecake experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic, elevated dessert.

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Oamc Freezer Make Ahead 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Course

Best Ever French Toast Breese Waye Inn

This incredible French toast recipe, inspired by a charming Iowa B&B, is a crowd-pleaser perfect for brunch, holidays, or any special occasion! Make it ahead of time – the overnight soak enhances the flavor – and wake up to a golden-brown, fluffy breakfast that's ready in minutes. Enjoy it plain or drizzle with your favorite maple syrup. This recipe was a huge hit at a choir retreat – it's that good!

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Course Course For 1 Or 2 Low In Something

Apple Cinnamon Cornmeal Pancakes

Fluffy and delicious Apple Cinnamon Cornmeal Pancakes, a vegan twist on a classic breakfast! This recipe, adapted from the cookbook "How It All Vegan," is bursting with warm apple and cinnamon flavor. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight treat. Enjoy the satisfying texture of cornmeal combined with the sweetness of apples – a truly irresistible vegan pancake experience.

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Snacks Muffins Dietary Southern United States

Banana Nut Muffins Or Loaf

Delight in the irresistible aroma of warm, nutty banana bread! This versatile recipe lets you bake either a batch of delightful muffins or a classic 9-inch loaf. Choose your favorite nut – crunchy toasted pecans or rich raw macadamia nuts – for a personalized touch. Perfectly moist and bursting with banana flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.

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For Large Groups For Large Groups 4 Hours Or Less Desserts

Apricot Biscotti

Indulge in these delightful Apricot Hazelnut Biscotti! Perfectly crisp on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside, these biscotti are bursting with the warm flavors of toasted hazelnuts and sweet apricots. A perfect treat for coffee or tea, or a delightful addition to your holiday baking. This recipe yields approximately 20 biscotti.

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Cupcakes Cupcakes Cakes Time To Make

Banana Papaya Cupcakes

Inspired by a surprise papaya find (thanks, Mom!), these moist and delicious Banana Papaya Cupcakes offer a unique tropical twist on a classic treat! Sweet bananas perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of papaya, creating a cupcake that's both comforting and exciting. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins for an extra burst of flavor!

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Course Occasion Kid Friendly Oven

Baked Cinnamon French Toast

Indulge in a healthier twist on a classic breakfast favorite! This Baked Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is baked, not fried, making it a guilt-free delight. Prepare it the night before for a quick and easy morning, or bake fresh for a warm, comforting treat. Loaded with cinnamon, vanilla, and your favorite bread, it's the perfect weekend brunch or weekday breakfast.

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Course Course Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Best Pancakes Ever

Fluffy, light, and utterly irresistible! These pancakes are a weekend breakfast game-changer. So easy to make, even the kids can help (and they'll definitely want to!). The perfect recipe for a delicious stack of pancakes, whether you're feeding a crowd or just yourself. Make a big batch, reheat leftovers in the microwave, and enjoy fluffy perfection all week long!

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Biscotti Desserts Equipment Cookies And Brownies

Almond Vanilla Bean Biscotti

Indulge in the irresistible crunch of these Almond Vanilla Bean Biscotti! Perfect for dunking in your favorite tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, these biscotti are twice-baked for an incredibly crisp and satisfying texture. The delicate vanilla bean flavor complements the crunchy almonds beautifully, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Make a batch today and experience the ultimate biscotti perfection!

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European Low Sodium Beverages South West Pacific

Baileys Spiced Frappe

Indulge in pure heaven with this creamy, spiced Baileys Frappe! A quick and easy recipe perfect for a cool treat any time of day. This decadent blend of Baileys Irish Cream, ice, and warming spices is the ultimate comfort drink. Find your next favorite dessert drink here!

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Taste Mood Desserts 4 Hours Or Less Dinner Party

Millionaire Pound Cake

Indulge in the decadent Millionaire Pound Cake, a Southern classic recipe passed down through generations! This ultra-rich, moist pound cake is a true masterpiece, perfected by an elderly belle from Jackson, Mississippi, and featured in James Villas' "The Glory of Southern Cooking." Prepare to be amazed by its melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself to a luxurious dessert.

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Easy Dinner Party Cuisine Scottish

7 Cup Steamed Christmas Pudding With Butterscotch Sauce

This light and fluffy Christmas pudding is a game-changer! Perfect for those who find traditional puddings too heavy, this recipe retains all the classic festive flavors with a decadent butterscotch sauce twist. Easy to steam, it's the perfect make-ahead dessert for a stress-free Christmas. Impress your family with this crowd-pleasing pudding, suitable for all ages. Adapted from the BBC Good Food Magazine (Christmas 2003), this recipe has been a holiday favorite for years!

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Cobblers And Crisps Holiday Event Cobblers And Crisps Grains

Apple Dapple French Toast Cobbler

Warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible! This Apple Dapple French Toast Cobbler combines the best of French toast and cobbler into one incredible dessert. Imagine crispy, buttery French toast pieces baked beneath a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a golden-brown crumble. A perfect fall treat or anytime you crave a cozy, delicious dessert!

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Free Of Something Technique Free Of Something Fruit

Banana Butter

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy deliciousness of homemade Banana Butter! This easy-to-make spread from c. C. Preserves is the perfect topping for scones, toast, or pound cake. Bursting with ripe banana flavor, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Get ready to elevate your teatime experience!

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Number Of Servings Course Number Of Servings Oven

Banana Mini Choco Chip Muffins

Indulge in these incredibly moist and decadent Banana Mini Choco Chip Muffins! Adapted from a Penzeys Spices recipe, these muffins are bursting with tiny chocolate chips and the irresistible sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or delightful dessert, this recipe yields either 12 large muffins (baked for 20-25 minutes) or 16-18 smaller muffins (baked for a shorter time). Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every bite!

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Cuisine Course Occasion Hawaiian

Alton Brown's Paradise Macaroons

Indulge in these heavenly Alton Brown macaroons! Crispy coconut cookies dipped in rich, melted chocolate and studded with crunchy macadamia nuts. This Food Network-inspired recipe delivers a taste of paradise. Perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion.

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Time To Make Low Sodium Course Puddings And Mousses

Apricot Honey Wheat Pudding

Indulge in this Apricot Honey Wheat Pudding, a delectable Northwestern Indian dessert! This comforting and flavorful sweet treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert, stars hearty wheat and sun-kissed apricots (or your favorite dried fruit!). Warm spices blend beautifully with creamy milk and rich honey for a taste of India in every bite. Easy to make and even better reheated, it's a recipe you'll want to make again and again.

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Course Low Fat American Cuisine

Banana Bread Ii

Moist and delicious Banana Bread II recipe! This quick bread is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with banana flavor, it's sure to become a family favorite. Easy to follow instructions make it perfect for beginner bakers.

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