Vanilla sugar is simple to make and a great way to use the vanilla pod that remains after scraping out the vanilla seeds used in many recipes. This recipe can transform into a simple, homemade gift: pack it into a decorative holiday jar!
What is Vanilla Sugar Made of?
Vanilla sugar is a simple recipe that infuses vanilla beans with granulated sugar. It is very simple to make and a versatile ingredient in various desserts or beverages, from coffee and tea to creme brulee, snickerdoodles, and more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
How to Make Vanilla Sugar
For a Stronger Vanilla Sugar:
Use a whole vanilla bean if you want a stronger vanilla sugar.
- Split a vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Then, use a knife to scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds on top of the bowl of sugar.
- Blend the vanilla bean seeds and sugar using a food processor or blender. If you can’t do this, whisk them together in a bowl, but blending them will give you a better flavor.
- Place the empty vanilla bean pod at the bottom of your sugar jar, and then pour your new vanilla sugar mixture on top. The vanilla specks will help flavor the sugar, and the empty pod will boost the sugar’s flavor.
- You can use vanilla sugar immediately, but wait about 2 weeks for optimal flavor.
- Store vanilla sugar at room temperature. Shake it now and again because it can clump up. If stored properly, vanilla sugar has a shelf life of 2+ years.
For a Mild Strength Vanilla Sugar:
Use an empty vanilla pod if you want a mild-strength vanilla sugar
- Split a vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Then, use a knife to scrape out the seeds. Use the vanilla seeds in a recipe.
- Place the empty vanilla bean pod at the bottom of your sugar jar, then pour sugar on top. The empty pod will give the sugar a boost of flavor.
- You can use vanilla sugar immediately, but wait about 2 weeks for optimal flavor.
- Store vanilla sugar at room temperature. Shake it now and again because it can clump up. If stored properly, vanilla sugar has a shelf life of 2+ years.
After making one batch of vanilla sugar, you can keep adding empty vanilla pods to the bowl to infuse it with vanilla flavor.
Why Use Vanilla Sugar in Baking?
Vanilla sugar can replace traditional sugar in recipes to intensify the vanilla flavor in your favorite recipes. Vanilla sugar should not be used as a vanilla extract substitute but to add more vanilla flavor to the dish. Try using vanilla sugar in creme brulee, snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, and more.
Homemade Vanilla Sugar
Equipment
- sugar jar
- sharp knife
- food processor or blender (optional)
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 whole vanilla bean (or empty vanilla bean pod)
Instructions
Strong Vanilla Sugar
- Split a vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Then, use a knife to scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds on top of the bowl of sugar.
- Blend the vanilla bean seeds and sugar using a food processor or blender. If you can't do this, whisk them together in a bowl, but blending them will give you a better flavor.
- Place the empty vanilla bean pod at the bottom of your sugar jar, and then pour your new vanilla sugar mixture on top. The vanilla specks will help flavor the sugar, and the empty pod will boost the sugar's flavor.
- You can use vanilla sugar immediately, but wait about 2 weeks for optimal flavor.
- Store vanilla sugar at room temperature. Shake it now and again because it can clump up. If stored properly, vanilla sugar has a shelf life of 2+ years.
Mild Strength Vanilla Sugar
- Split a vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Then, use a knife to scrape out the seeds. Use the vanilla seeds in a recipe.
- Place the empty vanilla bean pod at the bottom of your sugar jar, then pour sugar on top. The empty pod will give the sugar a boost of flavor.
- You can use vanilla sugar immediately, but wait about 2 weeks for optimal flavor.
- Store vanilla sugar at room temperature. Shake it now and again because it can clump up. If stored properly, vanilla sugar has a shelf life of 2+ years.
