
What is the best vanilla extract substitute?
Pure maple syrup has a rich, sweet flavor profile that makes it an excellent vanilla extract alternative. It can also add moisture and binding properties to baked goods. Be sure to use pure maple syrup instead of imitation syrup.
Is maple syrup the same as vanilla extract?
It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla’s mellow flavor. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you’ll barely notice the difference. ( This is why vanilla is so expensive.)
Why do some people not use pure vanilla extract?
Furthermore, some people choose not to use pure vanilla extract because of its alcohol content, which is at least 35% (1 ). Others have concerns about the sustainability of the vanilla industry and might avoid using the product for environmental reasons ( 5, 6, 7, 8 ).
How do you make vanilla syrup?
There are some vanilla syrups out there made with a little bit of salt and brown sugar to provide a more enriched flavor in the final vanilla syrup result. The syrup is then made by boiling the sugar and some salt in the water until that mixture comes to a full boil.

Is vanilla syrup the same as vanilla extract?
While you can use vanilla extract while making vanilla syrup, vanilla extract and vanilla syrup are not the same things. Vanilla syrup is a sweet simple syrup infused with vanilla flavor. Vanilla extract is a concentrated flavoring agent that is made when vanilla pods are soaked in an alcohol mixture.
Can you substitute vanilla extract with syrup?
Many people like to use maple syrup as a replacement for vanilla, using 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of syrup for each 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extract. To some, the scent and the hint of sweetness from maple syrup are reminiscent of vanilla.
Can I use vanilla syrup instead of vanilla extract in baking?
No need to worry about making alterations or changes, just add that same amount of syrup instead of vanilla extract. Maple extract is another variation that can be used in place of vanilla extract.
Can I use vanilla syrup for baking?
Vanilla syrup is an easy way to add sweetness and vanilla flavor to your favorite beverages and baked goods.
What can I use if I run out of vanilla extract?
My go-to substitute for vanilla extract is maple syrup. It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla's mellow flavor. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you'll barely notice the difference.
What do you do if you don't have vanilla extract?
8 substitutes for vanilla extractVanilla paste. Vanilla paste — also called vanilla bean paste — is a mix of vanilla extract, vanilla beans, and sugar. ... Vanilla powder. ... Vanilla sugar. ... Almond extract. ... Maple syrup. ... Honey. ... Bourbon, brandy, rum, or vanilla liqueur. ... Vanilla flavored plant-based milk.
Can you substitute syrup for extract?
To use maple syrup in place of maple extract, use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of syrup for every teaspoon of extract. Maple syrup is a great substitute if your recipe calls for a lot of flavor.
Can I use pancake syrup instead of vanilla extract?
The flavor of maple syrup is similar enough to vanilla extract that you can replace the vanilla extract with an equal amount of maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is best, but if you only have pancake syrup, that will work fine too. Any changes in flavor will be subtle, but maple syrup has more sugar than vanilla.
Is there a substitute for vanilla extract in baking?
Maple Syrup It also has the added benefit of adding moisture to baked goods, so it's a great alternative for cakes, pound cakes and muffins. Keep in mind that it's important to use pure maple syrup when replacing vanilla extract in a recipe.
What happens if you bake syrup?
When a sugary solution is heated, some of the water evaporates, and this makes the sugar more concentrated in the solution and the overall product thicker. As the heated maple syrup cools, sugar molecules (the smallest particles of the sugar) can form crystals.
Can you use syrups in baking?
Honey, maple syrup, and molasses are three liquid sweeteners commonly used in baking. They're easily accessible and also delicious, so we're focusing on these ingredients.
Can you use vanilla syrup instead of vanilla extract in French toast?
Your French bread will be perfectly delicious if you decide to just skip over the vanilla and continue making your French toast as-is. However, if you'd like to incorporate a little more flavor into the dish, you can try replacing the vanilla with a substitute like maple syrup, bourbon, or almond extract.
Can I use pancake syrup instead of vanilla extract?
The flavor of maple syrup is similar enough to vanilla extract that you can replace the vanilla extract with an equal amount of maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is best, but if you only have pancake syrup, that will work fine too. Any changes in flavor will be subtle, but maple syrup has more sugar than vanilla.
Can you substitute syrup for extract?
To use maple syrup in place of maple extract, use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of syrup for every teaspoon of extract. Maple syrup is a great substitute if your recipe calls for a lot of flavor.
Can you use maple syrup instead of extract?
You can use real maple syrup in place of maple extract by adding natural maple syrup to your recipe. You will need to use real maple syrup and not imitation or artificial maple syrup.
Is a syrup the same as an extract?
The syrup is a sweet additive best used in beverages and desserts, while the extract is a bitter solution best used in baking, cooking, and beverages. The syrup requires the extract for its manufacture, while the extract requires vanilla beans and alcohol.
1. Vanilla beans
Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol and water. Thus, whole vanilla beans are its closest alternative flavor-wise.
2. Flavored extracts
As is the case with vanilla, a myriad of flavored extracts is made from other natural and artificial flavors.
3. Herbs and spices
People use vanilla to add depth of flavor to a dish. When you can’t use vanilla, choosing another flavor profile and rolling with that instead may be the next best option.
4. Fruit zest
Another quick way to replace vanilla with an ingredient you might already have on hand is to use the zest or juice of citrus fruits, such as:
5. Maple syrup
Many people like to use maple syrup as a replacement for vanilla, using 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of syrup for each 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extract.
6. Honey
Honey is another liquid sweetener that can easily be swapped in at a 1:1 ratio for vanilla extract. It will add flavor to your dish, though it’s milder than vanilla extract.
7. Liquor
Since vanilla extract comprises at least 35% alcohol, it makes sense that using another type of alcohol in its place could work ( 1 ).
1. Vanilla paste
Vanilla paste — also called vanilla bean paste — is a mix of vanilla extract, vanilla beans, and sugar. It has an intense flavor and a smooth texture and contains the distinctive black flecks of vanilla beans.
2. Vanilla powder
Vanilla powder is a fine, light-colored powder made of ground vanilla beans. Many people like using it in pale cakes or frostings, as it does not tint them brown like extract does.
3. Vanilla sugar
Vanilla sugar is sugar infused with vanilla beans. While it can be hard to find in the United States, people commonly use it in Europe.
4. Almond extract
The nutty flavor of almond extract is stronger than vanilla, which works well for certain desserts. However, using too much can cause a bitter taste.
5. Maple syrup
Pure maple syrup has a rich, sweet flavor profile that makes it an excellent vanilla extract alternative. It can also add moisture and binding properties to baked goods.
6. Honey
Honey adds a bright, floral sweetness to desserts. Like maple syrup, it can also enhance the texture of baked goods.
7. Bourbon, brandy, rum, or vanilla liqueur
Spirits such as bourbon, brandy, rum, and vanilla liqueur can mimic the rich, caramelly taste of vanilla extract.
Maple Syrup
My go-to substitute for vanilla extract is maple syrup. It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla’s mellow flavor. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you’ll barely notice the difference. ( This is why vanilla is so expensive.)
Almond Extract
Almond extract is significantly more potent than vanilla, but it will provide a similar flavor profile if you use it sparingly. You’ll only need to use half the amount of almond extract, and you might be surprised at how much you like its nutty flavor in your favorite vanilla recipes.
Bourbon, Brandy or Rum
Believe it or not, there is alcohol in vanilla ( here’s how much ). To make the extract, vanilla beans are soaked in alcohol to extract its enticing flavor and aroma. Swapping in the same amount of a flavorful spirit makes a fantastic substitute.
Other Spices
If vanilla isn’t the star of your recipe, it’s likely added to create depth of flavor. Try swapping in another spice, like cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg. These spices can be strong, so we recommend starting with a pinch.
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder
You won’t miss the flavor of vanilla in rich, chocolaty treats if you add coffee or espresso powder instead. You won’t need to add much; a pinch of espresso powder goes a long way.
Citrus Zest
Zesting a lime, lemon or orange is a great way to add a burst of fresh flavor to your favorite baked goods. The juice is too acidic, but the zest is super flavorful and it won’t water down your dough, either.
1. Pure Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup is a natural sugar that is tapped from the sap of maple trees especially the red, black, and sugar maple trees. The harvested sap has a high moisture content which is evaporated to make a concentrated dark-brown syrup.
2. Chocolate
A lot of coffee shops use the chocolate sauce to make a mocha. You can purchase chocolate sauce or simply add cacao powder or shredded dark chocolate to hot coffee for a deeper flavor. Cacao powder is not sweet so you may want to go for dark chocolate powder if you want a sweet drink.
3. Almond Extract
Almond extract is quite potent and a little of it adds a rich nutty flavor to the coffee. Like vanilla extract, pure almond extract is made using alcohol and water. The extract is made up of alcohol, almond oil, and water.
4. Natural Honey
Natural honey is a healthier substitute for vanilla syrup as it has a lower glycemic index than the sugar in vanilla syrup. Honey provides a host of health benefits such as antioxidants, healing properties, and antibacterial and antifungal benefits. It can also fight sore throat and digestion problems.
5. Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste is made by mixing the flecks that are scraped from vanilla beans with vanilla extract. It can also be made by mixing ground vanilla beans and vanilla extract. Sweeteners such as corn syrup and preservatives may be added to the paste.
6. Vanilla Powder
Vanilla powder is more potent than vanilla extract and you should add about a quarter of what you would normally use with vanilla extract. For example, if a recipe requires a tablespoon of vanilla extract, use a quarter tablespoon of vanilla powder.
7. Fiori Di Sicilia
Fiori Di Sicilia is a herbal extract that is rich in flavors that are commonly used in pastries. Some of the flavors include vanilla, citrusy and herbal notes.