How to make vanilla bean paste at home for cooking and baking

vanilla beans

🥗Healthier: vanilla extract

💰Cheaper: vanilla flavoring

Vanilla extract is more affordable and easier to find.

sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index.

corn syrup

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup is a natural sweetener with a similar viscosity.

alcohol

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic vanilla extract

💰Cheaper: vanilla essence

Non-alcoholic options are suitable for all diets.

Chop the ends off the vanilla beans and cut them into roughly 1” pieces.

Place the chopped vanilla beans and half of the sugar into a food processor or spice grinder and process until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed for a total of 3-4 minutes.

In a pot, combine the water, corn syrup/glucose, and remaining sugar and boil for 1-2 minutes.

Add the vanilla sugar mix to the pot and boil for a further 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Strain the boiled paste through a metal sieve into a clean bowl to remove the large vanilla bean chunks, using a rubber spatula to push out excess paste.

Store the finished vanilla bean paste in a mason jar.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary