What can you substitute vanilla bean paste with?

Cakes, ice cream, cookies — regardless of what dessert you’re making, vanilla bean paste is a popular ingredient that can elevate a dish. It’s a delightful compromise between pure vanilla extract and vanilla pods. Vanilla bean paste has a sweet taste with a viscous consistency of a thick syrup. It imparts a deep vanilla smell and flavor to anything it is added to.

Since vanilla bean paste is such a must-have ingredient, it also tends to sell out quickly. So, if you’re making a recipe that calls for this wonderful ingredient but can’t find it at the store, try these vanilla bean paste substitutes for a comparable result.

1. Almond Extract

Almond extract is a concentrated liquid made from almond oil, alcohol, and water. It has a strong nutty aroma and a consistency that’s similar to vanilla extract, making it an excellent alternative to vanilla paste in various dishes.

You can use almond extract in any baking and cooking recipe that calls for vanilla bean paste. Bear in mind that it will bring in a subtly sweet taste with hints of bitterness. But, don’t worry, it won’t detract from your recipe’s unique flavors.

Use almond extract as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla bean paste.

2. Honey

Honey is a thick, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste and a mellow aroma. It is packed with various vitamins and essential minerals and is considered a healthy alternative to table sugar and other sweeteners.

Honey and vanilla bean paste share the same consistency and have similar flavor notes. So, you can use honey to replace the original ingredient in cookies and cakes or any other sweet delights. However, bear in mind that honey can be a touch too sweet. It’s better to dilute it with equal amounts of water to reduce its sweetness and avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of lighter desserts.

Use honey as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla bean paste. (You might need to add more to get your desired vanilla flavor.)

3. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It has a clean, rich flavor with a distinct aroma along with notes of caramel and prune combined with our hero ingredient — vanilla. Commonly used as a sweetener, maple syrup can be a wonderful addition to vanilla-based dishes.

Maple syrup may present a different consistency than vanilla bean paste, but it will bring in a similar vanilla flavor along with a sweet aroma. This makes it work really well in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pastries. Maple syrup comes in different grades and is distinguished by its color. So, use the darker-colored maple syrups for the best results.

Use maple syrup as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla bean paste.

4. Vanilla Beans

This substitute is expensive but an easy and near-perfect substitute as vanilla bean paste is made with vanilla beans. Vanilla beans have a sweet aroma with a woody or smoky flavor. Plump, fresh beans will give you the best vanilla flavor, appearance, and essence and will make a fine addition to just about any baked goods. Before using it, make sure to check for molds as vanilla beans tend to go bad when kept in humid conditions.

You can either use the beans as is or scrape them to use in recipes that call for the original ingredient. You can even ground the beans into a fine powder and mix in a small amount of vanilla extract to produce a honey-like sticky consistency. It will give your dishes a similar color and flavor to the paste.

1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste = 1 whole vanilla bean or

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste = 2 inches of vanilla bean.

5. Vanilla Essence

Vanilla essence is a more processed form of vanilla extract, which is why it’s also known as imitation vanilla extract. It is made using artificial flavors and colors and is a cheaper, more widely used alternative to pure vanilla extract. However, as it gets its flavor from vanillin, a synthetic ingredient, and not from vanilla beans, it will not have a rich vanilla taste.

You can use vanilla essence in the same way as vanilla bean extract or vanilla bean paste in a range of dishes. It will lend a lovely flavor and aroma of vanilla, although at a much subtler scale. It’s recommended you use vanilla essence in dishes where vanilla essence is not the primary ingredient, such as cakes and cookies. Even then, it’s better to use it only when other alternatives aren’t available.

Use vanilla essence as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla bean paste.

6. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a product made by soaking whole vanilla beans in a water and ethanol mixture and then filtering it to produce a brown-colored liquid. This extract is used to add the signature complex vanilla flavor to a range of dishes. It has a more concentrated flavor and is an affordable, easily available ingredient.

Vanilla extract is wonderful in baked goods, but you can also use it in other types of dishes. However, because it contains alcohol, it adds hints of bitter flavors. Using vanilla extract will also not give you the same seed speckles of vanilla bean paste, so bear that in mind.

Use vanilla extract as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla bean paste. (Add more if needed.)

7. Vanilla Powder

Vanilla powder is made with vanilla beans, so it’s essentially vanilla in its purest form. It has a rich, strong flavor, and because it does not contain any liquid or alcohol, it also brings in a much thicker consistency. There are slight differences in texture and aroma, but vanilla powder can work as a great alternative.

Vanilla powder will add a wonderful vanilla taste to just about every baking recipe, without any moisture or alcohol notes. However, a lot of vanilla powder manufacturers tend to infuse the fine powder with confectioner sugar, producing a product called vanilla sugar that is much sweeter. It will work in place of vanilla bean paste as well, but it will not give your baked goods the pure vanilla flavor you desire.

Use vanilla powder as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla bean paste.

In the process of cooking, we add many ingredients that help our meal to be even tastier so we can bring the best out of it.

When we are baking or making a nice dessert we add additional ingredients that will result in a mouthwatering dish. Actually, something that is usually added especially in baking is the vanilla bean paste.

Many people enjoy the smell and taste of vanilla which is very mild and sweet. The vanilla bean paste is actually made out of vanilla beans which are commonly used in cooking.

The paste provides a lovely touch to recipes, which will make them better. However, vanilla bean paste might be costly. If you can afford it or you need a substitute, keep reading.

Can I substitute vanilla bean paste with something else? Yes, you can use Whole Vanilla Beans, Vanilla extract, Vanilla powder, or Vanilla Pure extract which will give you the same results as the paste.

We also included common products that will give similar results like Maple syrup, Honey, and Almond extract. Lastly, we have included the best recipe for homemade vanilla bean paste. Read below to find out more.

Vanilla Bean Paste Substitutes

There is always another option for you if you don’t want to use vanilla bean paste.

There are 7 products that will easily help you replace the paste. Read carefully and substitute the right amount, so you’ll have the results you are looking for.

1. Whole Vanilla Beans

As a replacement for vanilla beans paste you can always use whole vanilla beans. They might be a bit expensive but they are always a good substitute.

Vanilla beans are the main source of vanilla paste, so they release the same flavor that you are looking for in your recipe as well as give you a similar color to your desserts.

Use vanilla beans by splitting the pods with a sharp knife and remove the seeds with the edge. Add them to your dessert. Make sure to use one vanilla bean for every teaspoon of vanilla paste.

2. Vanilla extract

Another vanilla product that you can easily find and use is vanilla extract. This is another way to substitute the paste in your desserts.

It is cheap and available at any supermarket. Vanilla extract gets the vanilla taste from the beans but there are no seeds inside. It is actually made by soaking the whole vanilla beans.

Vanilla extract also contains alcohol and can leave traces in the meal that you are making. When replacing them, use a 1:1 ratio.

3. Vanilla powder

The vanilla powder will serve you as a good substitute in many recipes that include vanilla paste. It is made by grinding the vanilla beans to a powdery texture or by drying out the mixture.

Although it’s more consecrated than the extract, it does not have any alcohol in it. You can use it to make cookies or other baking goods. It will give your dishes a creamier texture. When substituting, use a 1:1 ratio, the same way as the extract.

4. Vanilla Pure extract

Even though it is expensive, the vanilla pure is another way of replacing the paste. You have to use twice the amount that is required to get almost the same flavor as you are aiming for. Also, you have the option of making it at home but you’ll have to buy vanilla beans.

5. Maple syrup

Even though it does not have the same texture as the vanilla paste, maple syrup is also another option that you can use. It will provide a sweet aroma and will imitate the vanilla’s tender flavor. You can use the same amount as the paste or add it to your own taste.

6. Honey

Honey is a cheap and effective alternative. It is a good replacement since it is very sweet and can mimic the sweet flavor of vanilla.

You have to add extra water to reduce it because it can be sweeter than normal. It is also sticky so use a proper amount and reduce. When baking you can use the same amount.

7. Almond extract

By using this type of extract you can have similar results as if you are using vanilla beans paste. Even though this is an extract, almond has a similar profile as vanilla.

Its nutty flavor resembles vanilla taste, so you won’t notice much difference. Use the same amounts as a vanilla extract to substitute.

Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe

If you don’t want to spend time looking for other alternatives, you can always make vanilla bean paste at home as well.

It takes 30 minutes to prepare everything and you’ll have enough to use in your recipe. All you need is 30 vanilla beans, 6 tablespoons of extract, and 1 ⅔ agave nectar.

Place the ingredients in a blender and blend until you get a smooth texture. Press on the vanilla bean so the liquid can come out and place the mixture in a jar. Store the paste in your fridge for further use.

Related Questions

Is vanilla bean paste the same as vanilla extract?

The Vanilla bean paste is an extract but thicker than the extract. They are both products of the vanilla beans and the texture is the only difference. You can use the same amounts when substituting in a recipe.

Can I replace vanilla bean paste with extract?

It may be hard to find vanilla bean paste and if you do it may be expensive. That’s why if the recipe calls for a paste, you can always add extract. This is especially true for vanilla frosting, custard, and even ice cream.

How much vanilla extract is equal to vanilla bean paste?

In a recipe when you are replacing vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste use equal amounts, meaning for each teaspoon of vanilla extract use 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.