Making your own bourbon vanilla bean extract will add some jazz to your baking! Vanilla extract is used to improve the taste of many desserts (hello, Mega Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies!)
A lot of it was used to test recipes for The Cookie Book and The Cake Book. I use a lot of it in a lot of recipes (most of them?).
The bottle of vanilla extract I’ve been using for years is shown above. I put it together in 2017 for the first time. That ‘aged’ vanilla extract is on the right and it’s a rich, deep mahogany.
I made the pure vanilla extract on the left for these pictures. It needs a few months to get that deep, rich color, which is why we’re talking about it now.
Whew, this is a long one. Start reading while you drink some tea or bourbon. You’ll love this easy baking project that will make your baked goods taste even better! xo
Vanilla is one of the most popular and versatile flavors used in baking, beverages, and more. Both vanilla extract and vanilla beans impart that distinctive vanilla taste, but they aren’t exactly the same. So how much vanilla extract equals a vanilla bean when substituting in recipes? Here’s a comprehensive guide to converting between the two for the best results.
An Overview of Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Beans
First, let’s understand what makes vanilla extract and vanilla beans unique:
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Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a solution of water and alcohol to draw out the flavor compounds, This results in a liquid that provides concentrated vanilla flavor
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Vanilla beans are the long, thin pods that grow on vanilla orchids. The beans are cured and dried to enhance their complex flavor before being used in cooking When heated, the seeds inside release vanilla aroma and taste
So while both provide that signature vanilla flavor, the intensity and nuances differ between the extract and bean forms. This affects how they can be swapped in recipes.
Vanilla Bean to Vanilla Extract Conversion
When a recipe calls for a vanilla bean but you only have extract, use this handy conversion guide:
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1/4 vanilla bean = 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 vanilla bean = 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 whole vanilla bean = 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
However, keep in mind that the flavors won’t be identical. Extract has a more uniform vanillin taste. Beans also provide texture and specks from the seeds, which you won’t get with extract alone. Consider adding vanilla bean paste or seeds to mimic this effect.
Key Factors That Influence Vanilla Equivalents
There are a few factors that determine how much vanilla extract equals a vanilla bean:
Type of Recipe
Delicate recipes like custards and ice creams rely more on the nuanced vanilla bean flavor, so the beans impart something unique. Extract works better in recipes where vanilla is not the star flavor.
Quality of Vanilla
Higher quality beans and extract will be more aromatic and flavorful. Cheaper options may require more to achieve the intended vanilla intensity.
Personal Preference
Some enjoy a bold vanilla flavor, while others prefer it to be more subtle. The amount needed can vary based on individual tastes.
Pros and Cons of Vanilla Beans vs. Extract
To decide which to use, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of beans versus extract:
Vanilla Beans
Pros: Complex, nuanced flavor. Provides texture and specks. Can be reused.
Cons: More expensive. Require prep and scraping seeds. Have shorter shelf life.
Vanilla Extract
Pros: Cost effective. Easy to measure and use. Long shelf life. Readily available.
Cons: One-note flavor. No texture or specks provided. Can overpower if too much is added.
Tips for Getting the Best Results When Substituting
To successfully swap vanilla beans and extract in recipes:
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Start with less extract than the equivalent bean amount. You can add more to taste.
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For appearance, add vanilla bean specks or paste along with the extract.
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Make vanilla sugar or simple syrup with pods to approximate the bean flavor.
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Look for high quality extract and beans to maximize flavor.
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Consider the recipe and desired intensity of vanilla when converting amounts.
Common Vanilla Bean to Extract Conversions
For quick reference, here are some of the most common vanilla bean to extract conversions:
- 1 whole bean = 1 tablespoon extract
- 1/2 bean = 1 teaspoon extract
- 1/4 bean = 1/2 teaspoon extract
- 2 beans = 2 tablespoons extract
- 1 1/2 beans = 1 1/2 tablespoons extract
Use this handy chart to guide your substitution amounts:
<Vanilla Bean Conversion Chart>
| Vanilla Bean Equivalency to: | Vanilla Extract | Ground Vanilla Beans |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Whole Vanilla Bean | 1/4 tbsp | 1/2 tbsp |
| 1/2 Whole Vanilla Bean | 1/2 tbsp | 3/4 tsp |
| 1 Whole Vanilla Bean | 1 tbsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
While vanilla extract and beans provide the same base flavor, they have distinct differences in taste, texture, cost, and ease of use. Carefully converting measurements is key when substituting vanilla extract for vanilla beans called for in recipes. Consider the factors above like recipe type, bean quality, flavor intensity, and visual appeal when determining the equivalent amounts. With the proper substitutions and adjustments, you can achieve delicious results with either vanilla extract or beans.
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The Vanilla Bean Industry
In many places where vanilla is grown, there is a chance of corruption. The farmers and their communities are the ones who suffer the most from this.
It’s nice to put our money with companies that are trying to elevate rather than exploit. You can read this article to get more details on the industry.
Gifting Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract
I LOVEEEE the idea of gifting homemade bourbon vanilla bean extract. It’s such a thoughtful, indulgent gift for someone who loves to bake. You can just tie a simple tag around it or you can make it into a larger gift. Some ideas include: throwing in a bottle of your favorite bourbon, vodka or rum.
Throwing in a funnel (because they’ll need it). Print out a cute instruction card so they know how to replenish their supply for years to come. You could also give them some vanilla beans on the side, which they can use in baking and then add to their extract to make it taste even better.
If you want to give vanilla extract as a gift, you should start making it now so that it has time to get darker and more flavorful by the time you give it.
Expert’s Guide to Vanilla: Extract, Paste, Powder, and Whole Beans
How many teaspoons of vanilla extract equal a piece of vanilla bean?
I say whatever works and gets you excited about baking! As far as substitutions go, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is equal to one 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, so 1 typical vanilla bean will equal 3 teaspoons extract.
How much vanilla extract should I use?
A general rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for every 1 inch of vanilla bean. So, if a recipe calls for 1 inch of vanilla bean, use 1 teaspoon of extract instead. However, keep in mind that the flavor of vanilla extract is different from that of a vanilla bean, so the resulting taste may be slightly different.
How many teaspoons of vanilla extract in a jar?
As far as substitutions go, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is equal to one 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, so 1 typical vanilla bean will equal 3 teaspoons extract. As for vanilla paste, there are usually directions on each jar indicating proper equivalencies, so consult that first as the concentrations can differ. Related:
How many vanilla beans are in a recipe?
Firstly, when using vanilla beans, it is important to scrape out the seeds and use them in your recipe. One vanilla bean is generally equivalent to about 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. So, for example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, you would need to use 2-3 vanilla beans.