Follow these easy steps to make Vanilla Bean Paste with just two ingredients. It delivers a concentrated vanilla flavor far more intense than any vanilla extract.
I have been experimenting with vanilla lately and have made various recipes, from vanilla syrup and liqueur to vanilla butter. This vanilla paste is far more intense than any other product I created.
So, if you love vanilla bean paste, this recipe is for you. It takes about 5 minutes to make, and it is a versatile ingredient that you can use in any recipe that calls for vanilla.
What is Vanilla bean paste?
This Vanilla bean paste is made of soaking vanilla beans in glycerin. It has an intense vanilla flavor and thick, dense consistency, unlike vanilla syrup, which has a runny and syrupy consistency. Homemade vanilla bean paste adds a pure vanilla flavor to any dessert or recipe with vanilla flavor. In fact, most bakers use the paste in place of vanilla extract if they want a strong vanilla flavor.
Why make vanilla bean paste at HOme?
- The homemade paste has a rich, intense natural vanilla flavor that store-bought vanilla bean versions cannot compete with.
- This vanilla paste with glycerin is sugar-free. This makes an excellent option for those looking to limit their sugar intake or avoid added sugars altogether. The natural sweetness of the glycerin complements the vanilla flavor. It makes a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional vanilla bean syrups that contains sweeteners like corn syrup, vanilla sugar, white sugar or agave syrup.
- It is a simple, easy, and you can adjust the strength and flavor.
- It is a great way to preserve vanilla beans. While I love using them in milk tea, butter, or muffins, this paste lasts for several months, and you can use it whenever you need a vanilla flavor.
- Cost-effective – You only need some whole beans along with glycerin to whip up vanilla paste and it’s so economical to make.
- This recipe is natural and doesn’t use thickening agent like xantham gum (which I saw on TikTok video) that most runny products do to keep the vanilla bean suspended in the syrup.
- No waste – with this recipe, you can use leftover vanilla pods that would typically be thrown away after using the seeds; empty pods still have tons of flavors. You can also use dried vanilla pods with seeds that have lost their moisture. This is a great way to reduce waste and create a lasting concentrated vanilla flavor.
Vanilla Paste Ingredients
There are only two ingredients to whip up vanilla paste.
Vanilla Beans: What kind should I use?
You will need a bunch of fresh beans. They contain a natural compound called vanillin, which gives them a delicate flavor and scent that other artificial flavorings cannot replicate.
Whole Vanilla pods contain thousands of vanilla bean flecks you can scrape from and turn into a paste. Bourbon vanilla beans, also known as Madagascar, are rich and creamy, whereas Tahitian has a unique floral flavor and aroma. In general, you can use any best quality (grade A) vanilla bean pods to make the paste as long as they are fresh and have a strong, aromatic fragrance. Don’t use grade b as they have lower moisture content than Grade A.
Where to buy vanilla beans?
You can purchase them in natural food stores, gourmet markets, or online retailers. I like to use Mountain Rose herbs for their high-quality organic ingredients.
Glycerin
I use glycerin for making vanilla paste because it is a natural, clear, and odorless liquid that helps to preserve the vanilla flavor and extend the shelf life of the paste. Additionally, glycerin has a slightly sweet taste that complements vanilla’s natural sweetness and can create a smooth and creamy texture.
Some recipes use alcohol instead, such as rum or vodka, which is also fine. The alcohol acts as a preservative and extracts the vanilla flavor from the beans, similar to glycerin. I used it when making homemade vanilla extract.
Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
First step: Make vanilla powder
Cut the beans, including the caviar, into small pieces and place them in a high powered food processor or spice grinder. You don’t need to dry them before. Pulse the chopped beans until they are ground into a fine powder.
Second step: Mix it with glycerin
In a small bowl, mix the ground vanilla beans with the glycerin until well combined in a small bowl. Let it sit for a couple of days to allow the beans to release their essence into the glycerin. Transfer the mixture into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Note: To intensify the flavor, you can adjust the bean amount or exceed the maceration time.
Variations
This vanilla bean paste uses just two ingredients; therefore, adding a unique twist to the flavor profile is easy.
- add some alcohol flavor – Make Bourbon vanilla bean paste by adding a splash of bourbon that adds a warm, smoky flavor to the paste.
2)Zest of an orange or lemon adds a zesty twist and refreshing taste.
3)Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a rich twist to chocolate desserts.
4)Pinch of cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor which works great for fall-inspired desserts.
5)Add some syrups like agave syrup, sugar syrup or honey to adjust the consistency and sweetness.
How to use Vanilla Bean Paste?
Use it every time the recipe calls for vanilla flavor.
- Use it every time the recipe calls for vanilla flavor.
- It adds a rich and intense vanilla flavor to homemade vanilla ice cream. Stir in the paste during the final stages of churning for best results.
- Add it to whipped cream to add a subtle vanilla flavor. This is perfect for topping pies, cakes, and cheesecake.
- It is ideal for adding flavor to custards and puddings. Whisk it into the mixture during the cooking process.
- Mix it with a bit of honey or agave nectar to create a simple syrup and drizzle it on fresh fruits
- For all things baking related. Add it to your batter when making delicious different vanilla treats such as chocolate bliss balls, cupcakes, or Pizookie.
How to store vanilla paste?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It is best to keep it away from direct sunlight. If kept in an airtight jar in the fridge, it can last over six months.
Substitutes for Vanilla bean paste recipe.
If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, here are some substitutes you could use:
Pure Vanilla extract
Use the same amount of vanilla extract as the amount of paste. For example, 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste equals 1 teaspoon extract.
Vanilla powder
Vanilla powder is made from grinding whole vanilla beans. The best practice is to use half the amount of vanilla powder as the amount of paste.
Vanilla beans
If you have whole vanilla beans, you can scrape the vanilla seeds out of the pods and use them as a substitute for the paste. Use one whole vanilla bean for every tablespoon of vanilla bean paste.
Vanilla sugar
I don’t recommend substituting with Vanilla sugar as it contains a small amount of vanilla flavor and cannot replace fully the strength of vanilla paste.
Other vanilla recipes you want to try:
Best Homemade Vanilla bean paste recipe
This Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste is made of two ingredients and delivers a concentrated vanilla flavor far more intense than any storebought version.
Ingredients
- 15 whole vanilla beans
- 1/2 cup food-grade glycerin
Instructions
- Cut the beans, including the caviar, into small pieces and place them in a high powered food processor or spice grinder. You don’t need to dry them before. Pulse the chopped beans until they are ground into a fine powder.
- In a small bowl, mix the ground vanilla beans with the glycerin until well combined in a small bowl. Let it sit for a couple of days to allow the beans to release their essence into the glycerin. Transfer the mixture into a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Notes
To intensify the flavor, you can adjust the vanilla bean amount and maceration time.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Wow this came out perfect! I love using vanilla bean paste and this is one of the best recipes. It worked well…read the tips…they were super helpful!
This smells so heavenly! Making the vanilla paste was like aromatherapy. I can’t wait to use it in my baking.
I had no idea how easy it was to make the paste at home. Love baking with paste versus extract so this is incredibly handy!
My vanilla bean paste turned out so rich with natural vanilla flavor! So satisfying and impressive!
Can you use vanilla bean paste to make home made vanilla?
Directions say 10 minutes cooking time – no cooking time instructions. Is there cooking or not.
How long before you can use the paste – the 4 additional days?
Would like to try recipe but am unsure about directions completeness.
No cooking required. the four days maceration is required to allow the vanilla beans to release their flavor into the glycerin.You can use it right away but it may not lead to a potent and rich in taste vanilla bean paste. After 4 days of maceration, you can use it up to six month if kept refrigerated.
Do I refrigerate the mixture while it sits for 4 days? Thank you!!
There’s no need to refrigerate it. Just keep it away from direct sunlight in the cool, dry place.
Thank you so much!!!!
I just have a question regarding longevity of the vanilla bean paste. Under “second step” it states to put in mason jar and keep in fridge up to 6 months. Under “How to store vanilla bean paste” it states to store in a cool, dry place for over a year or in the fridge for up to 2 years. I’m sure that it won’t last me more than a couple of months with all of the baking that I do but I am thinking that if I decide to give some as gifts, the recipient may want to have a more precise timeframe. Thanks for any input!
Thank you Lori, since we didn’t use any preservatives in this recipe, I would not keep it longer than 6 month. If you’re giving vanilla bean paste as a gift, it’s a good idea to mention that it’s best used within 6 months.
Hi Lori,
this homemade vanilla paste combines fresh vanilla beans with glycerin that serves as a preservative and a medium to extract and infuse the vanilla flavor from the beans. The purpose of adding vanilla extract to recipes is to enhance the vanilla flavor, and this homemade paste already have a rich and concentrated vanilla flavor from the infused vanilla beans.
great stocking stuffer idea – – just put in the tiny thread spool size jars. Can stack 3 and wrap or decorate as a snow man.
Hi Tina, What an idea! Thank you
Hello… my last question never got addressed but I have another. I’ve looked at about a dozen recipes and all of the other ones say to add vanilla extract. I would gladly save on the expense of having to add extract if it is absolutely not necessary. Is adding vanilla to make the paste ready for immediate use?
Thanks,
Lori
There are so many different way to make paste, some use beans, vodka, sugar, corn syrup, xantham gum, water, etc. Others just use a little extract (beans and vodka), beans and little corn syrup AND/OR sugar. I would go with the ones the least ingredients. Some even prefer using extracted beans (used beans). You don’t need to use extract, it would just make it a little more potent if you did.
Where should the vanilla bean paste be kept while it is macerating, in a cool dry place or the refrigerator?
Thank you.
Cindy
HI Cindy,
Keep it in a cool, dry place while it’s macerating. There’s no need to refrigerate it. Just ensure it’s stored in a sealed container away from direct sunlight.
Sorry it I’m totally missing this- but how much does this recipe make? I’m looking to do these as gifts, so is this for 1 jar? and what size jar (s)?
I would say it is 3/4 cup, less than 200 ml jar.
Questions . . .
1. can I make this with corn syrup (or something else) instead of glycerin? I don’t have glycerin on hand.
2. Don’t the ground pods leave a weird texture in whatever you use this in?
Much more so, than with just the beans.
Thank you!
Hi Jeanette,
I like to use glycerin for its thickening and preserving properties, but you can substitute it with corn syrup. However, glycerin has a neutral taste and corn syrup is sweet. Moreover, the texture may also differ when using corn syrup. Start with a smaller amount and adjust it to you liking. I didn’t notice any weird texture from the ground pods, but you can use just the beans if you prefer.
Hi can vegetable glycerin be used?.
Thank you in advance
Hi Lisa,
sure, glyrecin (also called glycerol) can be obtained from both plant and animal sources. Both are fine for this recipe.
I’d like to put this in my latte. Will it dissolve or is there a way to make it more dissolvable?
Thanks
The vanilla bean paste won’t dissolve completely because it has small vanilla seeds and is a bit thick. It’ll mix in, but using vanilla syrup works better for lattes! https://simplybeyondherbs.com/vanilla-simple-syrup/
How long will it last, if only stored in a cool, dark dry place instead of the refrigerator? Thank you!
Hi Mandy, this homemade vanilla bean paste can last up to 3-6 months when stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.
What if I put the jars in refrigerator overnight? Should I store it in there or counter?
Hi Theresa,
You can store it in the fridge for longer shelf life, but it will be firmer and may need to be brought to room temperature before use. If you plan to use it quickly, storing it on the counter in a cool, dark place is fine.
Do you use the whole bean including the outer skin when you cut in pieces
Hi Robert,
as you can see in one the images above, I cut the whole beans, including the outer skin and caviar, into small pieces and place them in a high powered food processor.
Vladka