Vanilla Bean Bread Recipe, Whats Cooking America (2024)

FAQs

How much vanilla extract for 1 vanilla bean? ›

Beans, paste, extract—they all describe vanilla. As a general rule, if a recipe calls for vanilla beans, a teaspoon of either vanilla paste or vanilla extract can work as a great substitute. Alternately, you can use the seeds scraped from half a vanilla bean in place of a teaspoon of extract.

The most efficient way to get the flavor from the vanilla is to add it to something warm, which helps to disperse the seeds and the oils. If you are using vanilla bean in a pound cake or other recipe that does not call for you to cook the bean in a hot liquid, then just scrape out and use the seeds.

How to Use: To use the entire vanilla bean, cut the pod in half lengthwise, then use the back of a knife to scrape out the thousands of brown flecks inside. Add these to your favorite batter or steep the seeds and whole pod in a liquid to infuse it with even more vanilla flavor.

Vanilla extract is an ingredient in many of our baked goods. This common addition actually carries big weight—1 teaspoon completely transforms a good dessert into a great dessert.

Vanilla beans have a much stronger flavor than extract, so you don't need to use as much. For example, if your recipe calls for one teaspoon vanilla extract, you can swap it out for 1/3 of a vanilla bean, about a two-inch piece.

If you don't have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extract—or any form of vanilla—brings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first.

For most oven–based recipes, such as cookies, cakes, brownies, cupcakes and tarts, it's near impossible to tell the difference between imitation and pure vanilla extract. Therefore, using a 1:1 swap will work just fine.

Madagascar (Planifolia family)

This is the most common vanilla bean for cooking. It has a classic buttery and rich vanilla taste. It has universal vanilla appeal and a wide range of applications in baking, brewing and so much more.

Vanilla is actually known as a tropical spice, pairing well with other tropical flavors – like mango, pineapple and even coconut. Other fruits that go particularly well with vanilla include cherry, fig, orange, and strawberry.

What are the best vanilla beans for making extract? ›

For classic vanilla flavor, stick strictly with Madagascar vanilla or Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans. If you have the choice between “Grade A” or “Grade B”, stick to the Grade B because they're cheaper (if not as pretty) and they work just as well for making extract.

You can simmer it in milk or cream, or store it in sugar to make vanilla sugar. Conversion: One vanilla pod equals 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

The standard for pure vanilla extract is 1 oz. of vanilla beans (by weight) per 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) of alcohol.

You'll find that homemade vanilla is less expensive (store-bought vanilla extract can cost $4 an ounce) and more flavorful than store-bought, and it's so EASY to make! It never expires and you'll have plenty to use in cookies, cakes, scones, french toast, and more.

It is best to use vanilla bean paste when you really want vanilla to be the star of the recipe. Craving those creamy vanilla bean specks? Use vanilla bean paste. This bit of visual flair adds a level of elegance and gourmet feel to classic treats like crème brûlée, pastry cream, or French vanilla ice cream.