Vanilla bean paste has become a staple in many home kitchens due to its versatility and intense vanilla flavor. But what exactly is vanilla bean paste and how does it differ from vanilla extract? Understanding the unique properties of vanilla bean paste helps unlock its full potential in recipes.
What Is Vanilla Bean Paste?
Vanilla bean paste is a thick, concentrated vanilla product made from vanilla bean pods. It consists of vanilla bean seeds scraped directly from the pod and suspended in a sugar syrup or glucose solution. The result is an ultra-aromatic vanilla mixture with a paste-like consistency.
Unlike vanilla extract which derives flavor solely from soaking beans in alcohol, vanilla bean paste imparts robust flavor from the tiny vanilla bean specks themselves. These tiny seeds bursting with vanilla essence deliver intense vanilla taste and aroma.
Benefits of Cooking and Baking with Vanilla Bean Paste
There are a few key advantages that make vanilla bean paste a prized ingredient:
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Potent vanilla flavor – Vanilla bean paste provides a more concentrated vanilla punch than extract alone, with aromatic compounds directly from the bean
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Visible vanilla seeds – The tiny black vanilla bean specks in the paste give baked goods visual appeal and textural interest.
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Convenient – No need to scrape vanilla beans, as the paste contains pre-scraped seeds ready to use.
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Sugar content – The natural sugar in vanilla bean paste helps balance bitterness and enhances sweetness.
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Less alcohol – Since it’s not solely extract-based, vanilla bean paste contains less alcohol than pure vanilla extract.
Sweet Recipes Using Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste really shines in desserts, ice cream, and sweet baked goods that benefit from intense vanilla flavor and a visual boost.
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Cakes – Add vanilla bean paste to cake batter for maximum vanilla flavor and beautiful flecks in the baked cake.
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Cookies – The paste swirled into cookie dough delivers irresistible vanilla taste in every bite.
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Cupcakes and muffins – Swap vanilla extract for paste in recipes to intensify vanilla flavor and decorate cupcakes with paste swirls.
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Pies – Stir a spoonful of paste into your next pie filling for heightened vanilla notes and speckled look.
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Cheesecakes – A touch of paste in the filling gives that rich, iconic vanilla flavor.
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Puddings and custards – Infuse creamy desserts with aromatic vanilla by using paste instead of extract.
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Ice cream – Churn paste into ice cream bases or swirl it into finished ice cream for delicious vanilla bean specks.
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Frosting and whipped cream – Add a spoonful of paste when whipping up frosting or cream to reinforce vanilla flavor and sweetness.
Savory Applications for Vanilla Bean Paste
While vanilla bean paste is wonderful in sweet recipes, it also has applications in savory dishes:
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Sauces and dressings – Whisk a small amount into a vinaigrette or pan sauce for depth of flavor.
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Marinades and rubs – Mix with olive oil, herbs, and spices to infuse meat or vegetables with vanilla aroma.
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Soups – Add a teaspoon of paste to lentil or cream soups for subtle background vanilla taste.
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Stews and braises – Stir in a little paste near the end of cooking for rich vanilla undertones.
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Smoothies – Blend vanilla paste into fruit or vegetable smoothies instead of vanilla extract.
So don’t save your precious vanilla bean paste only for cookies and cakes. With its concentrated flavor and aroma, a little paste goes a long way in enhancing both sweet and savory recipes. Discover firsthand how this magical ingredient can elevate your cooking and baking to new heights.
Anniversary Blend Barrel Aged Vanilla Extract This specialty vanilla was developed with ultra-premium, Madagascar vanilla beans, cold-extracted for two weeks using our artisanal process before barrel aging for five years in American oak whiskey barrels. Over the course of time, it has developed a mellow, creamy, and complex vanilla flavor with added nuance, depth, and earthy base notes imparted from the oak cask.
Vanilla paste is also called vanilla puree. It is a blend of pure vanilla extract, sugar syrup, and vanilla bean seeds in a convenient product. The sugar syrup holds the vanilla bean seeds in place, so you can easily add their appealing look without having to cut open the vanilla pod.
Vanilla bean paste is often used in dairy recipes like vanilla cheesecake, vanilla frosting, vanilla crème brulee, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. The tiny black seeds stand out against the creamy white mix for an appetizing vanilla bean look. Add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of Pure Vanilla Bean Paste to your favorite recipe to use it in any of these ways. Or, if pure vanilla extract is an ingredient, substitute paste for extract at a 1:1 ratio.
Other traditional uses are cream fillings, custards, mousses, and vanilla sauces. Vanilla paste is a dream for all of these recipes too!
You can also bake with vanilla bean paste! For example, you can use vanilla puree in white and yellow cakes, shortbread, and sugar cookies. The vanilla bean seeds will make these treats look fancy. The same substitution rule applies to these recipes.
Expert’s Guide to Vanilla: Extract, Paste, Powder, and Whole Beans
FAQ
What’s the difference between vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste?
Does vanilla paste need to be refrigerated?
When to add vanilla bean paste?
Is vanilla bean paste good in coffee?
What is vanilla bean paste used for?
Vanilla bean paste can also be used to flavor beverages. Whether you’re making a latte, a smoothie, or a cocktail, a small amount of vanilla bean paste can add a delicious and aromatic vanilla flavor. You can stir it into hot or cold beverages, and it dissolves easily, so you don’t have to worry about it leaving a gritty texture in your drink.
What are the benefits of vanilla essential oil?
Vanilla essential oil soothes the palate. It can relax the mind with its beautiful and satisfying aroma. Vanilla extracts will also help to restore the skin and help to maintain the healthy skin. The vanilla essential oil is rich in anti-oxidants and phenolic compound which helps to remove the free radicals and reduce the skin damage.
Can you use vanilla bean paste for vanilla extract?
Vanilla bean paste can be used one-to-one for vanilla extract in most recipes. Note–there’s not a thing wrong with pure vanilla extract. If that’s what’s in your pantry, use it! But when it’s time to buy another bottle, consider trying out paste instead.
Can you use vanilla bean paste in baking?
One of the most common ways to use vanilla bean paste is in baking. It can be used in place of vanilla extract in most recipes, and it adds a more intense and complex vanilla flavor to baked goods. To use vanilla bean paste in baking, simply substitute it for the amount of vanilla extract called for in the recipe.