Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of vanilla bean paste to extract? ›

If your recipe calls for paste but you only have extract on hand (or vice versa), you can substitute an equal amount of extract for the paste. For example, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract can be substituted for 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste.

Just remember this ratio: 6 vanilla beans per 8 ounces of alcohol. So if your jar is 12 ounces, use 9 vanilla beans. If it's 16 ounces, use 12 beans.

If you need to swap one vanilla flavoring for another, we've found that 1/2 vanilla bean is the same as 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste.

Store it: Vanilla paste can be stored for up to 3 years when kept in a cool, dark environment. Do not refrigerate your paste, or the container will form condensation and spoil the vanilla.

Because vanilla extract contains no physical vanilla, the flavor is slightly lighter and less robust than vanilla paste.

Nielsen-Massey also suggest that 1 tablespoon of paste is the equivalent of of 1 vanilla pod.

The FDA dictates that a pure vanilla extract needs to be at least 70 proof or 35% alcohol, and this makes Vodka an ideal choice for vanilla extraction.

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.

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.

Is vanilla bean paste worth it? ›

If you don't have time to scrape vanilla beans, or you won't use them before they dry out, vanilla bean paste is a great alternative. While it's offered by only a few companies, including Nielsen-Massey and the Spice House, our Test Kitchen pros agree it's worth the search.

Vanilla Paste

Although it contains natural sugars, it does not have added sugar. As a result, it should be stored in the refrigerator once it has been opened. As long as the paste is kept in the original container, it will typically last at least a year in the refrigerator.

Around 80% of the world's supply of natural vanilla comes from the African island, but due to a number of challenges, from devastating storms, the pressures of deforestation, and intensive labor, the dwindling supply of the product makes it very difficult to meet the high demand (via Forbes).

Vanilla paste doesn't last quite as long as the extract, but you can still keep it for several years if stored properly.

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.

One tablespoon of paste is equal to one gourmet bean. Vanilla bean paste can also replace extract in a recipe with 1 teaspoon (tsp.) = 1 tsp. For vanilla extract, one teaspoon is approximately equal to a 2-inch piece of vanilla bean.

How to Substitute Vanilla Extract for Beans or Paste. As far as substitutions go, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is equal to one 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, so 1 typical vanilla bean will equal 3 teaspoons extract.

By contrast, vanilla extract is a liquid tincture without any specks from vanilla beans. Flavor: With the inclusion of ground vanilla bean powder, vanilla paste has a slightly more intense flavor than vanilla extract. Price: At most grocery stores, vanilla paste is more expensive than vanilla extract.

When taken by mouth: Vanilla is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. However, some people are allergic to vanilla. It might also cause headache and sleep problems (insomnia), especially for people who manufacture vanilla extract.