The Top 7 Alternatives to Vanilla Extract

You’re probably too familiar with that little bottle of vanilla essence that always has a front row seat in your pantry if you bake at home on a daily basis. But, we have choices if you do run out of vanilla extract or are just searching for a way to replace it completely (since buying vanilla extract regularly can get expensive).

Vanilla extract is a staple in many of your favorite baked products and desserts, including pies, cakes, and even ice cream. It is made from dried vanilla bean pods that are steeped in water and alcohol to extract their delicious taste.

Although it is possible to make your own vanilla extract at home, if you lack the time to make a jar of the homemade variety, utilize our list of the top 7 vanilla extract alternatives instead, and substitute another pantry item that is at least as good if not better.

1. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a sweet, thick, and ideal topping for airy pancakes and waffles. It may also be used as a superb vanilla extract alternative in baking. You won’t be able to tell the difference if you substitute equal amounts of maple syrup for vanilla in almost any baking recipe, even though the two have different flavor profiles and consistency.

2. Vanilla Almond Milk

Using almond milk in place of vanilla extract? Listen to us. The next time you’re at the grocery store, consider picking up a gallon of vanilla almond milk—or soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk—instead of vanilla essence. Since adding that vanilla cake scent to recipes is the main purpose of vanilla extract, any milk that has been flavored with vanilla in a one-to-one ratio will have the same effect.

3. Honey

Vanilla essence is just one of the many baking ingredients that honey is a wonderful replacement for. The only thing to watch out for when substituting honey for sugar is to use less sugar overall because honey is naturally quite sweet and the high sugar content can affect how sticky the finished product gets.

4. Bourbon

You may use that bottle of bourbon on your home bar for baking as well as cocktails these days. Aged in oak barrels, bourbon acquires a smoky, vanilla flavor that complements a variety of baked items, such as chocolate cake and cookies, pecan pie, and gingerbread cookies.

The taste testers for your dessert will not be let down if you choose to substitute whiskey for vanilla extract because it can also significantly enhance the wetness and texture of food.

5. Vanilla Powder

Did you know that vanilla powder can be used in place of vanilla extract in cakes and cookies? You’ve definitely seen it in your upscale neighborhood coffee shop, where a range of sweeteners are available for your coffee. Vanilla powder, which is made from pure ground vanilla beans, is almost identical to vanilla extract and can be used in baking recipes that call for vanilla extract as an ingredient.

6. Almond Extract

Almond oil is used to manufacture almond extract, which is an excellent alternative to vanilla extract. It has a distinct nutty scent and a sweet almond flavor. For a similar effect, use only half as much almond extract as vanilla due to its strong flavor, and make sure the recipe you’re cooking would benefit from or complement a hint of nuttiness.

7. Coffee

You were mistaken if you assumed that your morning coffee was only for your initial caffeine fix. Use instant coffee, espresso powder, or a strongly brewed coffee in place of vanilla extract when making any kind of baked chocolate product.

Your baked goods will taste even better with a deeper, more chocolatey flavor from the coffee and espresso. If you choose to use brewed coffee, be sure to adjust the other liquids proportionately to avoid having an overly thin consistency.

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