Best Homemade Vanilla bean paste recipe

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. 

1. 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. 

1. Use it every time the recipe calls for vanilla flavor. 
2. 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.
3. Add it to whipped cream to add a subtle vanilla flavor. This is perfect for topping pies, cakes, and cheesecake.
4. It is ideal for adding flavor to custards and puddings. Whisk it into the mixture during the cooking process.
5. Mix  it with a bit of honey or agave nectar to create a simple syrup and drizzle it on fresh fruits 
6. 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:

Vanilla butter

Liqueur

Vanilla syrup

Cupcakes

Vanilla milk tea