This collection highlights vanilla recipes that celebrate the deep warm flavors of the classic spice. Learn about the differences between pure vanilla extract, paste, and powder.
collection originally published March 11, 2012
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Vanilla spice
Are you one of those people who add more vanilla than what the recipe calls for? Then these recipes are for you!
This collection of recipes highlight the rich warm flavors of vanilla in wonderful presentations of desserts, snacks, dips and smoothies.
Vanilla extract vs vanilla paste
Pure vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste both add delicious vanilla flavor to our recipes. Vanilla extract and paste are similar in strength, and I use them interchangeably in recipes. Here are some differences I have noted with use.
Vanilla bean paste has a gel consistency and seems deeper, richer in flavor. You can see the specks of vanilla, which I love. While pure vanilla extract is not clear in color, it leaves no visible trace of the vanilla bean.
Vanilla paste is my go to when I do not have any actual vanilla bean on hand but want that speckled vanilla to show in my recipe.
Vanilla powder is similar to vanilla bean paste in that the flavor is bolder and richer than a pure vanilla extract liquid. I suspect this is due to the liquid being alcohol based, which can evaporate and decrease the flavors.
I love adding vanilla powder directly to the dry ingredients in baking, and mixing it with coarse sugar for an easy vanilla sugar that is great for dusting and finishing.
Whatever vanilla you prefer, I hope you can find several new recipes to try in our vanilla recipe collection.
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Vanilla Recipes
A delicious collection of recipes that feature the classic warming spice, these vanilla recipes are unique and varied.
These cookie bars bring that classic tangy cinnamon cookie to a rich vanilla blondie. This is a quick and easy, one bowl recipe.
These cut out cookies do not spread! An easy and foolproof sugar cookie recipe that tastes great and rolls easily.
This Blue Majik vanilla milk is a perfect snack or accompaniment to your breakfast pancakes. Brimming with nutrients, flavor and color.
A delicious recipe for a vegan and gluten free version of the classic and decadent dessert.
Have breakfast or a snack ready in minutes with a minute mug muffin. Choose favorite fillings for a tasty single serve muffin.
A delicious way to use up your over ripe bananas. You will love this quick and easy fritter as a dessert or snack.
These crescent cookies bring perfectly sweet buttery richness in an updated, plant based version and are just as tasty as the original!
This naturally sweetened dip is a fiber and protein rich snack. Our version of a dessert hummus, this is a perfect dip for apples!
This recipe is so tasty, and is quick and easy to make. I always add extra vanilla...
Rich vanilla bark is marbled with bright raspberry and deep blue spirulina for a treat that is lovely to look at.
A sweet loaf of sugared vanilla snickerdoodle bread has all the sweet and tangy flavors of our favorite cinnamon cookie.
Juicy fresh pears are infused with rich vanilla bourbon flavors for a fancy dessert.
Cookies and cream pound cake is what sweet dreams are made of! Moist vanilla cake with your favorite cookie throughout.
Tart sweet lemonade gets a flavor boost with vanilla bean. So refreshing and unique!
This easy method gives you a multi purpose sweetener that has rich, deep flavors.
This classic Australian pastry has rich custard between flaky pastry for a truly lovely dessert.
Perfect for both parties and snacking, this cashew based dip has cheesecake vibes.
about Kristina:
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Baker Street says
I've never tried vanilla paste but I surely must after having read your post.
spabettie says
you should - let me know how you like it!
janetha says
once you go paste, you never go back. i love it.
mmm.. vanilla pasta...
spabettie says
I know, vanilla pasta actually sounds good... I may have to make some.
Allie says
I have a nice bottle of VAINilla too 🙂 That always cracks me up. I've never used paste, but I'd probably love it. I over-vanilla whenever I can, too. And YES, always the real stuff--it's worth the extra money and then some. I'd love to experiment with whole vanilla beans--I eye them every time I pass them in the grocery--but have yet to do so.
spabettie says
hee, VAINilla - I loved that too. good to know you are also an over-vanilla-er 😉 you should try the paste, I think it tastes even better! I made my own vanilla in college a couple times - besides one cheesecake that is the only time I've used vanilla bean - and I feel bad about that! I need to make vanilla again...
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
So far, I've always used a vanilla bean and scraped the seeds out or threw the whole thing into the blender. 😛 I've also used vanilla sugar, but that one just has aroma, no real vanilla. And, you know, sugar ... 😉
spabettie says
I need to use more straight vanilla bean...
Lauren says
Where can you buy it?
spabettie says
hi Lauren, I know I have seen vanilla paste at Whole Foods and other markets similar to WF. I think I have also purchased it at Williams Sonoma.
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says
omg vanilla. There was so much of it in India. I didn't know there was such a thing as vanilla paste! I bought SO many beans... but I'm already running low :S will need to look into this paste business, looks soooo good. You're right, coconutty good.
spabettie says
I bought a bunch of beans in Mexico last December too... and the powder... and... 😉 paste is good - you should try!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
We make our own vanilla extract with vanilla bean and cheap vodka. I use it so much that it's pointless to buy and so much better and cheaper to make on your own. I've always wanted to try the paste though. I just so stinkin' cheap.
spabettie says
I used to make my own in college - I really need to do this again!
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
I've never heard of vanilla paste - but I love that you can see the seeds in it!
spabettie says
I love that too!
Shirley @ gfe says
Now I must have some vanilla paste! (I typed pasta, too, the first time around!)
Thanks so much for sharing, dear! xo,
Shirley
spabettie says
haa, Shirley I LOVE that you typed pasta as well. 😉
Natasha says
Powder and I never heard of paste until you! I will have to look for it!
TTY this week..Happy Spring forward...:)
spabettie says
I love the paste the most. Happy Spring Forward to YOU, dear! I hope this week starts off well for you all XO