The Simple Cheat Sheet To Substitute Vanilla Bean Extract

Vanilla seems to be called for in nearly every sweet, baking, or candy-making recipe. And yet, its flavor is commonly misunderstood, maligned for being bland when compared to chocolate, strawberry, and the list goes on. However, vanilla and its flavor play a key role in baking, even if you don't always notice it. In fact, Kitchn rates its importance as highly as salt in savory foods. Vanilla adds richness and depth to almost any sweet, like caramels, chocolate cake, citrus custards, and more.

Sometimes when you've got the urge to bake up a storm, there can be a terrible obstacle: running out of vanilla extract. And if you're the average bear, you probably don't have any shockingly expensive vanilla bean pods sitting around. Luckily, there's an easy workaround, and you probably already have it on hand. 

Despite being almost synonymous with plainness, vanilla is a spice. So when you're out of extract, it's time to crack open the spice cupboard. Now, you don't want to swap cayenne pepper for vanilla; the word "spice" encompasses an array of ingredients, so when you're looking to sub one in for vanilla, consider which sweeter spices typically pair well with vanilla. Cardamom, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are all excellent choices. You could also use a spice blend, such as chai or pumpkin spice. 

Baking spices lend warmth and dimension of flavor without totally overwhelming your sweet treats — similarly to vanilla. Because you're using dried spices instead of diluted vanilla extract, don't use a 1:1 ratio in the substitute. Instead, just start with a ½ teaspoon or so and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it away once you've mixed it in. This spice swap works equally well for savory or sweet dishes.

However, it's important to keep in mind that these alternatives won't work in every recipe. Avoid this swap if the treat you're making is vanilla-forward, such as in vanilla ice cream, custard, or cake. For those recipes, it's well worth the trip to the store for a fresh supply of vanilla. And if you find yourself frequently running out of extract, consider having vanilla powder on hand. Vanilla powder is just finely ground vanilla beans, so it comes with a hefty price tag but should make a welcome addition to the spice cupboard.