Substitutes for Vanilla Extract

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Concentrated vanilla flavor used in virtually all baked goods and many desserts.

Can't find Vanilla Extract in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 5 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Vanilla Bean Paste 1:1 replacement all baking and desserts
Vegan Gluten-Free
Vanilla Bean (scraped) 1 inch of bean per 1 tsp extract custards, ice cream, cakes
Vegan Gluten-Free
Almond Extract 1/2 tsp almond extract per 1 tsp vanilla cakes, cookies, pastries
Vegan Gluten-Free
Maple Syrup 1 tbsp maple syrup per 1 tsp vanilla baking, pancakes, oatmeal
Vegan Gluten-Free
Rum or Bourbon 1-2 tsp per 1 tsp vanilla extract cakes, cookies, custards

How to Use

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Vanilla Extract?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Vanilla Bean Paste is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla Bean Paste is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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