SaurabhIn 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.
