Vanilla Extract is available in two forms – Natural or Pure vanilla extract, which comes from a pollinated vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) that produces vanilla bean pods, and Artificial vanilla extract, which is a product of refining petrochemicals.

Vanilla extract is a flavoring ingredient popularly used in baked goods and desserts. It has an intense and aromatic smell.

This liquid flavoring is also used in meats, drinks, marinades, and dressings. Add it to healthy meals like smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, and roasted fruits.

A substitute is needed because there might be none available to make the dish. One might not like the flavor or want a non-alcoholic substitute.

Don’t worry; we have provided below some good options that are a must-try.

1) Best Substitutes

Whether in sweet or savory recipes, the alternatives for vanilla extract can be used according to one’s preferences and usage. Look at the ingredients mentioned below and select the best one for you.

1.1) Vanilla Paste

Vanilla Paste or Vanilla bean paste comprises vanilla extract, sugar, and vanilla beans.

With a strong flavor and smooth texture, Vanilla bean paste has a loose consistency, like syrup. But, it can substitute in terms of taste.

Vanilla paste is ideal for more rich-looking desserts like ice cream, cupcakes, and milkshakes. However, use the more straightforward vanilla extract if you don’t want the fancy black specks.

1.1.1.) How to use it?

Vanilla bean paste can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute.

1.2) Vanilla Beans

Flavor-wise, Whole vanilla beans are the closest substitute, as the latter is made of vanilla beans soaked in water and alcohol.

You can use vanilla beans in your recipe if it is vanilla-based. However, one of the cons of using this ingredient is its price compared to vanilla extract.

1.2.1.) How to use it?

1) First, slice the vanilla bean in half and remove the seedy interior.

2) As a substitute (1 tbsp/15 ml), use the seeds from 1 vanilla bean pod.

1.3) Almond Extract

An almond extract is a good substitute in desserts like pound cakes and cookies, although it might be a little stronger and add a nutty flavor to the dish.

This is a perfect alternative if you love a dessert that would bring out the almond flavor. However, the recipe must be handled carefully as too much almond extract might make the dish bitter.

1.3.1) How to use it?

A 1:1 ratio will be followed to substitute vanilla extract with almond extract due to the flavor profile.

Fun Fact: Almonds are generally healthy, packed with vitamins and proteins, and can produce many items like almond milk, butter, and paste.

1.4) Maple Syrup

For rich and sweet recipes, using maple syrup instead of vanilla extract is a good option, as it binds baked goods and adds moisture to the dishes.

Since maple syrup is a natural sweetener made of the xylem sap of the maple trees, it can also be used as pancake toppings and in other baked recipes.

1.4.1) How to use it?

Maple syrup might differ slightly in flavor but can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.

Note: If you plan to use maple extract instead of maple syrup, reduce the ratio to half the amount. Do not use imitation syrup as a substitute for pure maple syrup, as it might drastically change the taste.

Fun Fact: If you use maple syrup to substitute for a significant amount, the calorie content also changes.

1.5) Vanilla sugar

But, when you infuse vanilla beans with sugar to extract the essential oils, you get vanilla sugar. This is a common alternative used in Europe.

It can be used by replacing the regular sugar in the recipe. You can sprinkle it on cookies, cakes, and freshly baked pies.

1.5.1) How to use it?

If the recipe calls for vanilla extract, use one and a half teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar or 1 tsp of store-bought vanilla sugar.

Note: You must find another substitute for certain food items like buttercream and custard, as the granulated sugar might make it grainy.

Tip: Dissolving vanilla sugar into a liquid ingredient like egg and cream can be used as an excellent substitute for custards.

1.6) Alcoholic spirits

Using a flavorful spirit is a good option for a rich and caramel-filled vanilla flavor. Here are some of the suggestions:

1.6.1) Bourbon

The popular American whiskey bourbon is an excellent alcoholic substitute due to its slightly sweetened and smokey flavor.

It can make desserts like chocolate cake, pecan pie, and gingerbread.

While bourbon enhances the darker tones of vanilla extract, it tones down the licorice ones, so choose according to your flavor profile.

1.6.2) Rum

Rum can be used as a sweet substitute or vanilla to enhance sweet recipes.

The sweetness of rum, added to its smooth and pure texture, works excellently on toppings and ice creams. Darker rums can be used in caramel apples and other rich dishes.

1.6.3) Brandy

Brandy is the best substitute, adding a sweet and fruity flavor. It tastes well when fermented and appropriately aged.

It can be used to make buttercream frosting and banana bread.

To avoid other substitutes with a more robust flavor or aroma, brandy is a good option.

1.6.4) Vanilla liqueur

Vanilla liqueur can replace vanilla extract if someone needs an ingredient with low alcoholic content and less flavored components.

Fun Fact: The composition difference makes liqueurs more expensive, so restaurants use them in beverages and desserts. In contrast, extracts are used more universally due to their beneficial economic value.

1.6.4.1 How to use it?

The standard ratio for these alcohol-based vanilla extract substitutes is 2:1. It might also vary according to the recipe.

Note: Remember that alcoholic substitutes should be avoided for certain groups like children and pregnant women.

1.7) Vanilla powder

Made of ground vanilla beans, the flavor and smell of vanilla powder are intensely sweetened and rich. This is a great substitute if one is looking for a much stronger flavor than vanilla extract.

The vanilla powder can be used in frostings and pale cakes instead of the extract, as it won’t tint them brown.

The concentrated flavor of the powder is also beneficial for desserts. It can also be used in cereals, beverages, and sprinkling.

1.7.1) How to use it?

To use the powder, you can use 1:1 or 1/2 tsp vanilla powder to 1 tsp vanilla extract.

1.8) Vanilla-flavored plant-based milk

Vanilla-flavored milk like almond, soy, and oat milk can be used as substitutes for a more subtle flavor when compared to vanilla extract.

You can use them instead of any liquid in the recipe, like milk or water, to get a more vanilla-flavored result.

1.8.1) How to use it?

The ratio proportions would be 1:1 to replace these kinds of milk with vanilla extract.

1.9) Honey

Using honey instead of vanilla extract is a good option for a healthier and natural sweetener. The best thing about honey is that it can be used in sweet and savory dishes.

Even though it’s milder in flavor than extract, it is one of the sweeter substitutes. So, using it in a restrained manner is advisable.

1.9.1) How to use it?

The ratio can be 1 tbsp of honey to 1 tsp of vanilla extract, however, if is one looking for a healthier alternative, replace the sugar ingredients with honey.

1.10) Spices and Herbs

Substitutes that contain herbs for sweet dishes made with vanilla extract are as follows:

1.10.1) Chai Spices

These act as a good ingredient in making cookies and pound cakes. The ratio can be 1/2 tbsp of chai spice to the prescribed vanilla extract in the recipe.

1.10.2) Lavender

Compared to vanilla extract, Lavender works perfectly as a dried herb ingredient in oatmeal and yogurt to add a floral depth.

For replacing savory dishes that use vanilla extract, these are the options:

1.10.3) Cinnamon

This warm spice can add flavor to savory dishes like spicy toasts and oatmeal and replace vanilla extract in dishes like cakes, cookies, brownies, pancakes, and coffee.

1.10.4) Cloves

Clove works well to add a distinct aromatic flavor to your savory dishes. It provides a sweet and warm flavor and works well with vanilla extract.

Cloves make dishes like meats, curries, marinades, and wine.

1.11) Fruit Zest

Citrus fruits work as good substitutes in dishes that don’t feature vanilla as the star ingredient. Some of the options are:

1.11.1) Lemons

Using lemon extract instead of vanilla extract would work to add a more acidic and bitter taste to your dishes.

When you use it in baked items like cookies, the sweetness combined with the bitterness of lemons creates a complex flavor that tastes amazing. You can also try it out in other dishes like cakes and pies.

Depending on the dish and recipe, the amount may vary from 1 tbsp to 1-2 tbsp.

1.11.2) Oranges

To add an orange flavor to custards, buttercream, icing, and cupcake batters, orange is a perfect substitute.

1.12) Chocolate

If you need to add a healthier chocolate ingredient, dark chocolate instead of vanilla extract is a great option. It not only contains less sugar but also has an intense flavor.

Tip: Swapping the vanilla extract with a pinch of instant coffee powder or espresso powder is also an option if you make treats based on rich chocolate.

2) The Verdict on Vanilla extract

Even though vanilla extract does not structure the recipe, it does add flavor when required, and leaving it out is also not a good option.

There might be a temptation to use artificial ingredients for recipes that do not require vanilla extract. Here’s why the switch is not recommended:

2.1 What is the difference between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla?

Compared to homemade vanilla extract, Imitation vanilla – like vanilla essence – provides an artificial flavoring that is less expensive and adds a mild flavor.

The main risk factor is vanillin in imitation vanilla, which has artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners that are hazardous to health.

So, instead of using an artificial substitute, a pure extract made of natural ingredients like water, sugar, and alcohol is a much better option.

2.2 Some tips and tricks for making homemade vanilla:

1) Try the recipe provided above for homemade vanilla extract, as you can save 77% by making it at home with simple ingredients like vanilla beans and liquor in a jar.

2) If you are looking for a spare use of the vanilla beans left, you can make homemade vanilla powder just with a coffee grinder; it also works in half the amount.

3) If you don’t like the idea of powder, you can also go for vanilla syrup, made with simple ingredients like beans, sugar, and water in a saucepan.   

Conclusion

The conclusion is that these substitutes are good enough to enhance the flavor, just like vanilla extract, without affecting the texture and quality of the dish. Do not skip using the extract or the substitutes because it completes the dish in terms of its flavors.