What Can you Substitute for Vanilla Extract: Want to bake a cake but don't have vanilla extract? Dont fret, as you are at the right place. If you do not have vanilla extract or if you have seen that the vanilla extract has got expired, you can follow these few substitutes that we are going to provide you below sections.
Vanilla extract is the most used ingredient when you make desserts, cakes, custards, and more. Even it is a great addition to drinks, meats, dressings, marinades, and more.
Look into the article, to know what can you substitute for vanilla extract easily with the same taste and texture and also we have provided you with homemade vanilla extract and many more.
Best Substitutes For Vanilla Extract in Baking and Cooking - What To Use Instead of Vanilla Extract?
- Almond Extract
- Honey
- Vanilla Essence
- Orange Extract or Lemon Extract
- Bourbon, Brandy, or Rum Extract
- Vanilla Flavored Milk
- Maple Syrup
- Rose Extract
- Coffee Extract
If you run out of vanilla extract at home, there are many substitutes that are handy to use in place of vanilla extract. Below are some of the substitutes that are available to you.
Look into them, and select them based on the recipe you bake, and use them in that recipe.
Almond Extract
This almond extract is the common ingredient that you will have at home along with the vanilla extract if you are a baker. So when there is a lack of vanilla extract with you, you can go for almond extract.
For the majority of the recipes, you can use one cup of vanilla extract use one cup of almond extract(1:1). Though if it does not give you vanilla flavor it gives the recipe a nutty flavor, you will not miss the vanilla flavor at all.
Honey
Of course, honey is another best substitute that can be used instead of vanilla extract, even if this will not taste like vanilla extract but it will add a slight floral sweetness to the baked goods that vanilla extract does.
Even it is a healthy option too. The usage of honey instead of vanilla extract will also be in 1:1 ratio.
Vanilla Essence
Vanilla essence is also the best substitute for vanilla extract as it is made from synthetic vanilla. Using this will give the same taste to the recipe that vanilla extract gives.
Substitute vanilla essence in place of the vanilla extract by mixing 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (1:2 ratio).
Orange Extract or Lemon Extract
As orange or lemon extract is also a zest of citrus fruits it works well in place of vanilla extract. And it gives the recipe a tangy flavor and also balances the sweetness level of the recipe. But you need to use only a few drops of extract not to become your sweet dish into a sour dish. Related Articles:
Bourbon, Brandy, or Rum Extract
By seeing this you may think how can we use alcohol in a recipe? But if you see the recipe for a vanilla extract there we will use alcohol. So, you can use rum extract or bourbon or brandy extract instead of vanilla extract.
These are great replacements for vanilla extract. Even using them the texture or taste will not get altered, so you can use them without any worry. Use any type of alcohol with the same amount of vanilla extract that you use in a recipe(1:1).
Vanilla Flavored Milk
When it comes to vanilla-flavored milk, it will also work as the best substitute for vanilla extract. Not only this, you can use vanilla-flavored soy and almond milk in place of vanilla extract.
This substitute also can be used in a 1:1 ratio. Even if you have the vanilla pod at home, you can make homemade vanilla-flavored milk easily by splitting the vanilla bean and removing the inside part. Pour the milk and add this pod to it and leave for 15-20 minutes.
Maple Syrup
This maple syrup is also one of the best substitutes for vanilla extract. For replacement, you can use a 1:1 ratio of maple syrup for vanilla extract. As it is a common household ingredient, even nonbakers also will have it at home.
When you are using maple syrup as a substitute use less sugar in the recipe than recommends as maple syrup is incredibly sweet.
Rose Extract
If you add rose to your recipe it gives a rich taste to it. Many recipes which are very famous use rose water to enhance the fragrance and flavor of the dish.
And even as a substitute for vanilla extract it really works well and it gives a new touch to your recipe. Even this can be replaced with a 1:1 ratio.
Coffee Extract
Maybe you never thought of coffee extract to use in recipes instead of vanilla extract, but yes, you can use it as a vanilla extract substitute, and even it is a cheaper alternative.
The coffee extract also enhances the flavor of a lot of homemade desserts like vanilla extract. Even it can be substituted with a 1:1 ratio. More Articles:
What is Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract is made with an amazing combination of vanilla beans and alcohol. In baking recipes, it plays a major role as it gives a good flavor to the recipe. Most people are even not aware of artificial and real vanilla extract.
Vanilla is also available in different forms not only as extracts, like paste, powder, and essence. This sweet, pure taste of vanilla is even used in many chocolate recipes.
Do Vanilla Extract Substitute Really Work?
Yes, vanilla extract substitutes really work well in baking recipes like cakes, cookies, banana bread, french toast, and much other variety of recipes that you make. And not only one substitute there are plenty of substitutes to use in place of vanilla extract.
As vanilla extract is having alcohol, you can substitute it with alcohol-free extracts or as it is more expensive most of them may not have this. So even they can use these substitutes. Below you can see some of the extracts that can replace vanilla extract. Just Check it out.
How To Make Vanilla Extract At Home Without Using a Substitute? - Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
As you have seen many vanilla substitutes if you dont want to use any of them for your recipe, make your own vanilla extract at home easily by looking at this article.
Below we have provided you with the steps on how to make vanilla extract easily at home. It is very easy to make with only two or three ingredients.
- As you have brought vanilla beans and plain vodka, now split the vanilla pods into half-lengths.
- Take a small jar available with you and place these vanilla beans, and cover them with alcohol.
- Make sure that they should be submerged completely.
- Cover the jar with a lid, and give it a good stir.
- Place it in a dry, cool area and store it for at least one month by giving it a shake from time to time.
- After one or 2 months, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and store it in bottles.
FAQs on What is an Alternative to Vanilla Extract
Key Takeaways
We hope you have learned about what can you substitute for vanilla extract easily with the ingredients that we have or with the extracts that we have at home. Even you have got the idea of making homemade vanilla extract.
As we have provided many substitutes, choose the one that works best for your recipe. Still, if you are looking for more substitute articles, you can check out our canyousubstitute.com website.