Be it in buttercream frosting or luscious layer cake, we’ve all used vanilla extract at some point in our baking endeavors. And since the bottles come with a big price tag, we’ve even found thrifty ways to use every last drop. However, there may be one crucial mistake your making when picking up a bottle of vanilla from the store: buying imitation.
Imitation Vanilla vs. The Real Deal
Apart from price, there are several key differences between imitation and pure vanilla. To start, manufacturers can artificially create vanillin (the compound responsible for vanilla’s iconic scent and flavor) without an actual vanilla bean. While this alone might not give pause to some, bakers should take caution when using imitation vanilla as the flavor tends to bake away in the oven more easily than true vanilla. In fact, you may have to use twice as much imitation vanilla to get the same flavor as pure vanilla.
Editor’s tip: A good quality vanilla (like this one from Nielson Massey) will give you more bang for your buck.
How to Find Quality Vanilla at the Store
Luckily the FDA has strict laws for labeling vanilla. Here’s how to decode the vanilla you see in the baking aisle
- Pure vanilla extract: Any vanilla product that’s named “pure” contains vanillin that’s derived from real vanilla beans. However, read the label closely. Sugar or corn syrup can still be added to pure vanilla extract to bulk up the bottle.
- Imitation vanilla extract: Read closely for “imitation” on the label. The vanillin in this bottle could be derived from pine sap, clove or even wood pulp!
Editor’s tip: Here’s why vanilla prices likely won’t go down anytime soon.
The Bottom Line
If you’re making a recipe that contains vanilla—try to reach for the real thing. You’ll find that pure vanilla extract has much more flavor, and even enhances other flavors in your dish. Try it out and see the difference in these vanilla recipes that are anything but boring.
Try These Vanilla Recipes
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Pressure Cooker Very Vanilla Cheesecake
Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the pressure cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart
It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Blueberry Quick Bread with Vanilla Sauce
This loaf is chock-full of blueberries—two whole cups! When you pour the vanilla sauce over the bread, it makes it moist--almost like a pudding. I suggest serving a robust cup of coffee with this delicious treat. —Sue Davis, Wausau, Wisconsin
Vanilla Bean Fizz
A homemade vanilla bean syrup from our home economists fabulously flavors Champagne. The bubbly beverage is ideal for holidays throughout the year.
Rum Vanilla Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is one of my favorite things—this jazzed-up version combines vanilla with rum to create a rich flavorful sauce that's far from the usual! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Vanilla & Cinnamon-Kissed Apple Latkes
Latkes are crispy fried pancakes, often made with potatoes. But this sweet version with apples, orange juice, cinnamon and vanilla falls in the dessert realm. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Vanilla Cheesecake
To me, there is nothing better than a simple, elegant cheesecake where the vanilla takes center stage. And when I'm feeling decadent, I'll add the rich chocolate ganache topping. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Vanilla Citrus Cider
My mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrusy-vanilla variation on her recipe. I think it hits the spot! The longer the cider simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.—Kristin Weglarz, Bremerton, Washington
Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
After trying a few buttercream frosting recipes, this easy buttercream frosting takes the cake with its unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors. —Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado
Very Vanilla French Toast
These French toast slices have creamy vanilla flavor from convenient pudding mix, plus a hint of cinnamon. We like to top them with syrup or powdered sugar and fresh berries. —Linda Bernhagen, Plainfield, Illinois
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
We don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest, too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions below to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Vanilla Wafer Cookies
These buttery cookies bake up chewy and crispy at the same time. Sprinkle these vanilla wafers with colored sugar or leave them as-is. Their simplicity is beauty enough! —Edith MacBeath, Gaines, Pennsylvania
Vanilla Meringue Cookies
Want to learn how to make meringues? This meringue cookie is light, airy morsels and the perfect fat-free treat to really beat a sweets craving. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa
Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
Vanilla Bean Cake with White Chocolate Ganache
For a distinctive dessert with unforgettable flavor, I recommend this cake. Feel free to substitute your favorite jam and lend your own touch to this signature treat. —Lisa Bogar, Coventry, Vermont
Vanilla Cream Puff Dessert
Inspired by classic cream puffs, this recipe is a wonderful treat. I've served it at Cub Scout banquets, birthday parties and holidays. I'm a regular baker, and this dessert is one of my all-time favorites. —Denise Wahl, Homer Glen, Illinois
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla is fun to give in decorative bottles with attractive labels. Share it with special friends who like to cook or bake. —Becky Jo Smith, Kettle Falls, Washington
Frozen Greek Vanilla Yogurt
It's simple and easy to make your own frozen Greek yogurt—you might even want to get the kids in on the fun. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Pear-Stuffed French Vanilla Toast
My handyman, who is originally from Nicaragua, shared this classic breakfast dish his mother use to prepare. He says he makes it frequently for his children and they clean their plates! —Gail Borczyk, Boca Raton, Florida
Vanilla Crescents
These cookies are especially cozy at Christmastime, but are wonderful all year long. Try them dipped into hot tea or coffee.—Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado
Vanilla Bean Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is everyone’s favorite blank slate for making awesome desserts. Serve it with a simple glaze or pile on fresh fruit, chocolate sauce or nutty sprinkles. —Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Berries with Vanilla Custard
What a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
My 3-year-old son loves these! Flecks of vanilla bean in the moist, tender cupcakes gives them special-occasion status. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
Almond-Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits
I’m a night-shift nurse. When I get home, I make a crunchy parfait with yogurt as a protein boost before heading off to a good day’s sleep.—Meredith Brazinski, Neptune, NJ
Vanilla White Chocolate Mousse
I needed a quick dessert for my daughter's bridal shower, and a co-worker gave me this mousse recipe. It's so pretty with almonds and raspberries on top. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
Fudge-Filled Vanilla Cake
For my husband’s birthday cake, I used white chocolate pudding mix as part of the cake’s topping. Guests rated this fluffy cake excellent. —Linnea Ledgister, Wausau, Wisconsin
Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Flavored coffee creamer drives my husband nuts. Even so, I still make this classic vanilla one all the time. It’s better (and cheaper) than store-bought—and I know exactly what’s in it! —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
The post The Biggest Mistake You Can Make When Buying Vanilla appeared first on Taste of Home.
Carolyn Lewis