Vanilla extract substitute
Out of vanilla extract? Here are 5 swaps that work, with exact amounts scaled to your recipe.
The best vanilla extract substitutes
Vanilla rounds out sweetness and adds warmth. In most recipes it is a background flavor, so many swaps work. The best all-round swap is vanilla bean paste: swap 1:1. Adds vanilla specks.
| Substitute | For 1 tsp vanilla extract, use | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla bean paste | 1 tsp vanilla bean paste | Custards, frosting, ice cream |
| Vanilla bean | 1/3 vanilla bean, seeds scraped | Custards, cream sauces |
| Maple syrup | 1 tsp maple syrup | Pancakes, oatmeal, cookies |
| Almond extract | 1/2 tsp almond extract | Cookies, cakes |
| Bourbon, brandy or dark rum | 1 tsp bourbon, brandy or rum | Brownies, pecan pie |
How to choose
- Match the jobThink about what vanilla extract does in your recipe, then pick the swap listed for that kind of dish.
- Scale the amountEnter your recipe's amount in the tool above and every swap rescales automatically.
- Check the tagsGreen Healthier swaps cut calories or add protein. Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free swaps are tagged too.
Missing something else? The full ingredient substitute finder covers 20 ingredients, and our recipe calorie calculator shows how a swap changes your recipe's nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
The best substitute for 1 tsp vanilla extract is vanilla bean paste: 1 tsp vanilla bean paste. Swap 1:1. Adds vanilla specks.
Can I leave vanilla out of a recipe?
Usually yes. Vanilla is a background flavor in most cookies and cakes. Maple syrup 1:1 adds a similar warmth.
How much vanilla bean equals 1 teaspoon of extract?
About one third of a vanilla bean, seeds scraped. One whole bean replaces about 1 tablespoon of extract.
References
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