
Vanilla essence might be a better fit for baked foods that don’t require a strong vanilla punch, whereas actual vanilla extract is typically preferable for dishes that are raw or rely on vanilla as the predominant flavor.

Vanilla extract is twice as strong as that vanilla essence, so it is recommended to use a 2:1 ratio when using vanilla essence. Vanilla essence is produced synthetically and is made from artificial flavor and colors, and because of this, it is less expensive than pure vanilla extract. Vanilla essence, commonly known as artificial vanilla extract, is made from vanilla beans that have been soaked in alcohol. However, if trying something new is on the cards, here are some substitutes you can use for vanilla extract. Whether you’ve run out of vanilla extract or you want to experiment with a new chocolate chip cookie recipe, there are a few substitutes you can try like vanilla essence, honey, or maple syrup.Ĭhocolate chip cookies have been a popular dessert or snack worldwide.Īlthough, store-bought cookies are also delicious, still, nothing beats a homemade chocolate chip cookie.įor someone familiar with baking, you’d know that vanilla extract is one of the key ingredients in making a delicious and flavorful chocolate chip cookie. Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a mix of water and ethyl alcohol, and some liquors will make a pretty good substitute.

It might sound a tad strange, but you can use liquor such as bourbon or rum as a substitute. You can use the same amount of maple syrup as the amount of vanilla extract the recipe calls for. Often used as a sweetener on pancakes and waffles, maple syrup is also an excellent choice for a vanilla extract substitute.Ī sweet, rich flavor can also give moisture and binding properties to your baked food. It is recommended to use a 1:1 ratio when using vanilla paste as a substitute.īecause of its nutty flavor, almond extract is considered more potent than vanilla extract, so it is recommended to use ½ the amount you would use for the vanilla extract. Vanilla paste has a more intense flavor than vanilla extract it is best used when you want to highlight the vanilla flavor in your recipe. Vanilla paste is a mixture of vanilla extract and vanilla powder mixed into a syrup-like paste. Some folks enjoy using vanilla powder in certain recipes as it doesn’t pale the color of the cake or turn the frosting brown as the extract can do.

It is made from vanilla beans and has a more intense vanilla flavor than vanilla extract.Īdditionally, aside from using it in baking recipes, it can also be used as a natural sweetener. The vanilla powder has a color that ranges from white to sandy beige and has a consistency similar to powdered sugar. If you have no access to vanilla extract or are unable to use it for some reason, don’t worry! From maple syrup and vanilla powder to almond extract and bourbon, here are some substitutes for vanilla extract you can use in your baking recipes.
