Vanilla Extract (2024)

FAQs

How much is enough vanilla extract? ›

Vanilla extract is an ingredient in many of our baked goods. This common addition actually carries big weight—1 teaspoon completely transforms a good dessert into a great dessert.

On the other hand, pure vanilla extract is quite strong when consumed in large amounts. Most pure vanilla extracts are sold in small one ounce bottles and, based on a 35% ABV, taking four one-ounce bottles of vanilla extract is the equivalent of four shots of vodka.

Editor: If your extract still tastes of alcohol, that shouldn't be of too much concern — especially given you're still on the short end of the steeping time. Wait a bit longer; give it at least another month before calling it.

My vanilla extract isn't getting dark. Why? Answer #1: Time. If your beans have only been soaking for a few weeks, just give them more time.

Vanilla extract offers many health benefits. Vanillin is known to have both antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being neuroprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, boost antibiotics, and helpful for wound healing.

You may be best to just leave it out if you don't have any. “I usually don't try to replace vanilla extract,” Enjaian said. “Honestly, if I don't have vanilla, I just leave it out. It will affect the flavor, and that is why it's good to have a back up.”

For every 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract called for in your recipe, use about 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.

A bit of simple math reveals that homemade vanilla extract is the more economical choice. Say you buy two 4-ounce bottles of the good vanilla extract from the grocery store every year. If each jar costs $18, that's $180 over a five-year span.

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening.

The highest percentage of alcohol Queen Vanilla contains is 35%. This means that if you use 1 tsp Queen Vanilla extract in your baking (5ml), you would at most add 1.75ml alcohol to your cake (a tiny amount).

How much alcohol is in McCormick vanilla extract? ›

McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract: Ingredients

Vanilla bean extractives in water, alcohol (35%), and corn syrup.

Yes. Vanilla extract is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking. While vanilla extract does contain alcohol, the tiny amounts typically used in baked goods and meals mean that it is fine to add vanilla extract to foods for baby.

Mix 2 tsp (10mL) vanilla extract into the syrup. Skip this step if you used a vanilla bean. Add to cola or store in the fridge.

In my testing, I found that the homemade vanilla extract imparted a markedly different flavor than the bottled stuff—great in some applications, less so in others.

With Vodka, you get the taste of the pure vanilla bean, as the alcohol is completely tasteless. With Rum, you get a very sweet taste and the maximum vanilla taste. With Bourbon, while you do get a wonderfully enhanced vanilla taste, there are specific smoky notes that emanate through the extract.

Saves money: store-bought vanilla extract can cost up to $4 an ounce! Re-fillable: Once you run out of vanilla, refill the bottle with Vodka and use the beans for another batch (they will last for up to two batches).

Vanilla bean pod particles may also break down over time, so it isn't uncommon to see specs or "floaties" in your extracts, especially if you sliced or cut your beans before submersing them. This is normal.

And, of course, you can enjoy your coffee with nothing more than just a splash of vanilla extract. If you're in a rush and don't have time to make a creamer or syrup, a half teaspoon of extract will flavor your coffee wonderfully and make it all the more enjoyable.

May benefit brain health

Some research suggests that certain compounds found in vanilla, including vanillin and vanillic acid, may support brain health. They may also have neuroprotective properties, meaning that they may protect your nervous system.

Vanillin, a primary component of vanilla bean extract, has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antitumor properties.

How do you replenish homemade vanilla extract? ›

Re-fillable: Once you run out of vanilla, refill the bottle with Vodka and use the beans for another batch (they will last for up to two batches). Also, the vanilla extract wont expire as long as it's stored in a cool, dry place.

An easy measure that usually works is to change the requirement to half. If your recipe calls for one teaspoon of vanilla extract, you could use half a teaspoon of vanilla powder.

Vanilla extract and how important is it for the baking process. The primary purpose of vanilla extract is to add flavour to baked goods. Lacking it, baked goods tend to have a bland and boring taste. Vanilla extract can also contribute moisture to create a soft and fluffy texture.

First, extracts and oils are not the same thing.

So to make vanilla extract, vanilla beans are steeped in alcohol until their flavor and aroma infuse that alcohol. Oils, however, are the essential oil squeezed from the ingredient itself — so vanilla oil is made from squeezing the beans to extract their oil.