Let's Make Vanilla Extract, Paste and Powder!
As any baker knows, store bought (real) vanilla products are expensive! But you can make your own at home for a fraction of the price and you get to control the ingredients. Plus, they make great gourmet gifts that will impress your friends and family.
Vanilla Extract Directions
Makes approximately one cup of vanilla extract.
INGREDIENTS:
- 23-grams vanilla pods, splits or chopped
- 8 ounces alcohol (80-proof)*
Step 1 Gather Supplies: You will need a sharp knife or kitchen shears, mini funnel, glass bottle with lid and alcohol.
Step 2 Cut Beans in Half: Using a sharp knife, cut beans in half lengthwise, exposing vanilla seeds. Place in bottle. If needed, cut in pieces to fit in your glass jar.
Step 3 Cover with Alcohol: Any 80 proof (40%) alcohol can be used. Vodka is recommended for traditional vanilla. *To make alcohol-free, substitute a ratio of 3 parts food-grade vegetable glycerin to 1 part water in place of the alcohol.
Step 4 Shake & Wait: Store it in cool, obvious place, and shake every couple days. Extract will be ready for use in 6-8 weeks, and continue to intensify in flavor up to 6 months.
Step 5 Decant (Optional): A small funnel will help avoid spills. If desired, you can strain vanilla. If gifting, add a couple beans to each jar, so the flavor continues to intensify.
Reuse the Beans: Mix a few with a cup of sugar, add one to a jug of maple syrup, scrap the seeds out to add to homemade ice cream, or dry the pods to grind for vanilla powder.
The Magic of Vanilla Paste
Want to take your baking from good to magical? The secret might be in vanilla paste! Unlike extract, paste is a thick, rich blend of the entire vanilla bean, including the gorgeous flecks we associate with French vanilla ice cream. It's a baker's best friend as it offers the deep vanilla flavor without the hassle of having to scrape out the inside of the pods.
Five Reasons to Make Vanilla Paste:
đź’° Exceptional Value: Store-bought vanilla paste costs about $5 per ounce, but you can make it at home for 1/3 of the price!
🙌 Simple to Make: Grind everything up in your blender! No cooking involved.
👩‍🍳 Rich Flavor: Since you use the whole vanilla pod, paste has a more complex vanilla flavor. The dark color and rich vanilla caviar adds fun texture to your creations. Substitute vanilla paste 1:1 in any recipe that calls for extract.
⏲️ No Wait: Unlike vanilla extract that must sit for months, vanilla paste can be used immediately.
🌍 Eco-Friendly: By choosing vanilla splits or cuts to make paste, you're reducing food waste and supporting responsible sourcing.
Vanilla Paste Directions
Makes approximately one pint of vanilla paste.
Tip: You will need a high-powered blender to create the best texture.
INGREDIENTS:
- 47-gram pack of vanilla splits
- 1/3 cup water (75g)
- 1+1/8 cup sugar (224g)
- 3/4 cup 80-proof alcohol (162g)
- 2 Tbsp light corn syrup (40g)
- 1/4 tspxanthan gum or guar gum
Step 1: Add all ingredients except for xanthan gum to your blender and mix on high for 2-3 minutes. The mixture will turn dark in color; it should have the texture of fine sand. Don't be surprised if the mixture warms up in the blender; this is normal.
Step 2: Turn blender to low and add xanthan gum. Blend for an additional 30-seconds to incorporate.
Step 3: Transfer to an airtight jar. It will thicken as it sits! Store at room temperature indefinitely. You can use immediately, but the flavor will intensify after a month.
Ingredient Discussion Notes:
Yes, sugar is necessary for paste! If you are looking for a sugar-free option, make vanilla extract. :)
To make alcohol-free, substitute food-grade vegetable glycerin for the alcohol. Use 3 parts glycerin to 1 part water.
No, you don't have to use corn syrup! But corn syrup prevents sugar crystallization in your vanilla paste. As a substitute, you can make homemade invert sugar with a candy thermometer and some citric acid.
We've added mini packs of xanthan gum to the shop! It acts as an emulsifier and will keep your vanilla caviar suspended in the paste. If you omit this ingredient, simply mix up your paste each time you use it.
What are Vanilla Splits?
Vanilla splits are pods of vanilla that have split on the vine. Since they are no longer whole, they cannot be sold as gourmet beans.
Due to their lack of moisture, they have high levels of vanillin! This is the flavor compound responsible for that vanilla taste.
Usually splits go straight to commercial buyers for use in extract and beverages.
Gneiss Spice is excited to offer splits direct to the home consumer, giving you a more affordable and sustainable way to make extract.
Vanilla Powder Directions
Makes approximately 1/4 cup of vanilla powder.
Tip: You will need a spice grinder or old coffee grinder.
INGREDIENTS:
- 47-gram pack of vanilla splits
Step 1: First you will need to dry out your vanilla pods until you can snap them easily with your fingers. The simplest way to do this is to leave them out on a cookie sheet for a few days.
Step 2: Snap the pods into small pieces to fit in the cup of your spice grinder.
Step 3: Most likely you will still need to sift your vanilla powder to separate the powder and flakes. Using a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, separate the powder. Tip: You can use the flakes for making paste or extract! Or add to chai or tea blends.
Step 4: Transfer to an airtight jar.
Ways to Use Vanilla Powder:
Use 1/4 tsp in place of 1 tsp extract per recipe.
Make vanilla sugar with a ratio of 1 tsp powder to 1 cup sugar.
Mix with agave to create a quick vanilla paste.
Stir a pinch into coffee grounds before brewing.
Add to whipped cream for a flecked finish.
NEW! Chopped Vanilla
Chopped vanilla is a commercial grade product that is used for pastes and powders.
It's a blend of vanilla from three origins: Madagascar, Indian and Indonesia, creating a robust, well-rounded flavor.
If you don't have a spice grinder, you can sift out the caviar and powder. Each 47-gram pack contains about 2 Tablespoons (10 grams) of vanilla powder.
Gneiss Spice is excited to offer chopped vanilla direct to the home consumer, giving you a more affordable and sustainable way to make paste!
Learn best by video? Watch Gneiss Spice Instagram Tutorials!
