The Greatest Vanilla Extract Substitutes (That You Most likely Already Have)

Vanilla extract is a type of pantry staples we don’t assume a lot about—till we all of the sudden want it. Whether or not you are midway by a cookie recipe or baking a birthday cake and notice you are out, do not stress. There are many vanilla extract substitutes on the market, and likelihood is, you have already got just a few of them available. From darkish liquors like rum and bourbon to pantry sweeteners like maple syrup and even almond extract, these straightforward swaps can add heat, depth, and simply the correct contact of one thing particular to your favourite bakes. Forward, we’re breaking down the most effective alternate options to vanilla extract—and precisely learn how to use them.

Why You Can (and Ought to) Generally Skip the Vanilla

By now, you’ve in all probability been advised a couple of times to make your individual vanilla extract. (A kind of occasions could or could not have been by us.) Recipes let you know how easy-breezy it’s to DIY the answer, which is actually simply vanilla pods soaked in alcohol. Simply purchase vanilla beans, cut up down the middle, stuff in a jar, drown in booze (most individuals use vodka; bourbon is truthful recreation, too).

However what if I advised you that I’ve an even simpler technique for selfmade extract: You simply, properly, skip the vanilla.

Hear me out. American baking has its chosen substances: There’s cinnamon, which exhibits up all over the place (even when it’s not invited). And vanilla, which is so overworked and ubiquitous that many equate it with “plain”—the absence, versus the addition, of a taste. So unfair to vanilla. Typically, it shines by itself accord (these recipes will persuade you!). Different occasions, it is there by default—a wee teaspoon, simply because. That is when you need to let bourbon sneak in.

Perhaps you do not even discover. Perhaps you prefer it much more!

What’s extra: Most vanilla extract is costly. (Eater did an amazing deep dive on the beans’ worth spike following a cyclone in Madagascar, the world’s main producer of the ingredient.) You know the way shopping for in bulk saves you cash? Go into your kitchen and discover the vanilla extract. Now discover the bourbon. Which bottle is greater? Appears foolish, proper? The value distinction does, too: Most vanilla extract you’ll discover in a grocery store prices between $2.50 and $6 per ounce. A mid-shelf bourbon, however, would price lower than a $1 per ounce.

Our Primary trick

Listed here are the foundations:

• Use a darkish alcohol with a definite character. My go-to spirits are darkish rum, bourbon, and brandy. You need to use whichever model you could have available—no want to make use of one thing fancy, right here. (When you’ve got not one of the above, you might attempt almond extract or maple syrup, too.)
• Merely swap out the vanilla extract and change with 1 to 2 occasions that quantity in alcohol. Instance: If a recipe requires 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, change with 1 to 2 teaspoons darkish rum. (If you happen to go the almond extract route, halve the quantity of vanilla—so for 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, swap in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.)

And that is it! Now give it a whirl. Listed here are some recipes and the alcohols you may sub in for vanilla extract. Even higher than the unique? You inform me.

1. Swap in Darkish Rum

Darkish rum is an apparent selection for a vanilla extract substitute. It’s smoky-sweet, a bit of spicy, and likes to be paired with each wealthy and tart flavors (because of this piña coladas are so good!). Talking of which, when considering of how greatest to swap vanilla for booze, why not take into account the flavors that shine in a rum-based cocktail? Strive darkish rum as a substitute of vanilla in these treats, which lean into wealthy coconut, warming spices, and floral fruit:

Padma Lakshmi’s Clouds of Cardamom & Cashew Cookies

These buttery, crumbly cookies are made with wealthy floor cashews and cardamom.

Violet’s Pineapple-Coconut Cake

This super-moist, candy cake has crushed pineapple within the batter and is coated in a sticky caramel frosting.

Mango-Lime Trifle with Brown Butter Cake

Pair zingy mango-lime puree with thick pastry cream, whipped cream, and a nutty brown butter cake—it’s a dessert match for any season.

2. Swap in Bourbon

Bourbon swapped in for vanilla is one other straightforward answer. Many truly describe vanilla as a major taste within the candy spirit. Caramel, maple, chocolate, and butterscotch are different notes individuals choose up on in bourbon, so it could solely make sense for it to shine when splashed into recipes that includes these substances. Ditch the vanilla and take a look at bourbon in these desserts (you gained’t be sorry):

Brown Butter Blondies

Fudgy, chocolate-stuffed blondies style like caramel due to brown sugar and deeply browned butter.

Teddie’s Apple Cake

This moist, cinnamon-kissed apple cake is simply as welcome at breakfast with a scoop of yogurt as it’s after dinner, with loads of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Chess Pie

Ooey-gooey chess pie will get a chocolate twist right here, making it ideally suited for colder climate dessert tables.

3. Swap in Brandy

Syrupy, fruity, barely candy brandy is a type of bottles I purchase and promptly neglect about. Whereas I don’t pour myself a snifter of the stuff often (er, ever?) the bottle stays behind my liquor cupboard, simply in case. A kind of circumstances? Working out of vanilla extract. I’ll go for a splash of brandy as a substitute of vanilla in super-creamy desserts to chop by a few of that richness. These recipes are an amazing place to begin:

Hannah Bronfman’s No Cook dinner Chocolate Mousse

Don’t let the avocado issue spook you: that is the creamiest, richest chocolate mousse. Who wants the heavy cream?

Clementine Chocolate Lava Desserts

Wealthy, chocolate-y, olive oil-kissed lava truffles are petite, however pack a punch. Nonetheless, they couldn’t be simpler to pop within the oven once you’re craving a cake.

Our Greatest Vanilla Ice Cream

Make this basic, egg yolk-enriched ice cream to maintain within the freezer always.

4. Strive Maple Syrup or Honey

Pure sweeteners like maple syrup and honey add heat, wealthy notes that may mimic the depth of vanilla—particularly in cookies, fast breads, or muffins. Use a 1:1 swap for vanilla extract, conserving in thoughts these will add a contact of sweetness (so cut back sugar barely if wanted). Bonus: They’re alcohol-free.

5. Use Almond Extract (or One other Extract)

Almond extract has a robust, nutty aroma that works properly instead of vanilla in lots of desserts—particularly fruit-forward or nutty bakes. Simply use half the quantity, because it’s extra concentrated. It’s also possible to attempt hazelnut, orange, and even coconut extract for one thing extra surprising.

6. Sub in Vanilla Powder or Paste

If you happen to’re out of liquid vanilla extract however occur to have vanilla powder or vanilla bean paste, you’re in luck—these are much more flavor-packed. Use 1:1 for paste, and barely much less for powder. These choices shine in custards, frostings, and truffles the place you need that signature vanilla taste entrance and heart. Though, we’re guessing in case you’re right here you do not have these both, however perhaps!

7. Strive Espresso Powder or On the spot Espresso

This may sound like a curveball, however a pinch of espresso powder or instantaneous espresso can deepen chocolate-based recipes very like vanilla does. It gained’t style like espresso—simply richer. Use about 1/4 teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, particularly in brownies or chocolate truffles.

8. Use Spices Like Cinnamon or Cardamom

In heat baked items like banana bread or spice cookies, including a touch of floor cinnamon, cardamom, and even nutmeg can fill in for vanilla’s fragrant position. They gained’t replicate vanilla’s taste precisely, however they’ll deliver complexity and heat.

9. Skip It Fully

If vanilla isn’t the star of the present, you could be fantastic leaving it out altogether. In recipes full of spices, citrus, or daring substances like peanut butter or chocolate, skipping vanilla could not make an enormous distinction—particularly in a pinch.

What About Vanilla-Flavored Milk (Like Almond or Oat)?

In recipes like pancakes or custards the place liquid is concerned, utilizing a vanilla-flavored plant milk can subtly change that lacking word. It’s not tremendous concentrated, so it gained’t be an ideal 1:1—however it could assist spherical out the flavour in case you’re in a pinch. We would not advocate this in doughs or cake batters.

Editor’s Be aware: This text was up to date in April 2025 to incorporate much more good substitutions & recipes

Extra from Food52