Bakers, we know there are a few ingredients you never want to do without: flour, sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla extract. Whether it’s the star of the show, in vanilla cheesecake for example, or a supporting player, like in chocolate chip cookies, vanilla extract plays a big role in baking sweets.
Because vanilla extract appears in so many recipes, it’s important that you choose the good stuff. However, since vanilla is one of the pricier ingredients in your pantry, we know that experimenting with new brands can seem daunting. What if you snag that expensive bottle and it’s not as good as what you typically use? Well, our Test Kitchen can help guide you!
How We Tested for the Best Vanilla Extract
To find the best vanilla extract out there, our Test Kitchen grabbed eight of the most popular and raved-about vanilla brands. All these options are pure vanilla extract, not vanilla flavoring. Our Test Kitchen experts tested the extract right out of the bottle and in a basic frosting recipe to get a feel for how it performed in recipes.
- Flavor: This is key! How did the extract taste? Did it taste of pure vanilla? What other notes did our Test Kitchen team pick up?
- Aroma: How did the extract smell? We all know good vanilla extract smells tempting and delicious (not chemical or artificial).
- Price: What’s the value for money of each bottle? Does the price point correlate with the flavor and quality?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Vanilla Extract Brands
After trying eight different extracts, a few rose to the top. These are the ones we recommend adding to your cart and to your next batch of buttercream.
Best Flavor Enhancer: Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract
While vanilla really shines in vanilla-centric recipes like ice cream or creme brulee, you can’t forget that its main job in most recipes is to enhance the flavors of other ingredients. Good vanilla makes chocolate, fruit, nuts, sugar and butter all taste better. And that is the real strength of Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract. It elevates all these ingredients and makes them shine. Testers noted that the frosting made with this brand of vanilla tasted more creamy and buttery than the rest—not just vanilla-forward.
But don’t think that Nielsen-Massey is only good for bringing out the best in other flavors. This vanilla was smooth and smelled like slicing open a vanilla bean. Delicious!
Best Splurge: Penzey’s Pure Vanilla Extract, Single-Strength
Sometimes you just want to treat yourself to an ingredient that’s a little extra special, something a bit pricier than you’d normally buy (but definitely worth the splurge). If you’re looking to spend a little extra for delicious vanilla flavor, try Penzey’s Pure Vanilla Extract. Penzey’s vanilla was warm and caramel-like. It tasted strongly of real vanilla beans and was complex in flavor.
This extract seemed the most potent of the ones our Test Kitchen tried, so while it is a bit more expensive, you could get away with using a smidge less than what’s called for in your recipe.
Best Supermarket Find: Simply Organic Madagascar Pure Vanilla Extract
We get it: Running to a specialty store or waiting on an online order isn’t always in the cards—especially if you’ve got a baking emergency. Don’t fret, though! You can find great vanilla extract at the supermarket and big box stores. Simply Organic is the bottle our Test Kitchen reaches for at the grocery store. This extract was mild with some floral notes, but overall very good vanilla for the price.
Smoothest Vanilla Flavor: Spice Islands Pure Vanilla Extract
Did you know there are different varieties of vanilla? Some are a bit spicy, some a bit more floral and some more mellow (just like types of cinnamon). All are delicious, but we all have our preferences. If you prefer vanilla that’s a bit more smooth and mild, you’ll want to grab a bottle of Spice Islands Pure Vanilla Extract. This extract was golden in hue and tasted of pure vanilla beans. The flavor was smooth and authentic but not overpowering.
How to Use Vanilla Extract
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you know how to make use of vanilla extract. It goes into almost every sweet recipe. Yes, it’s an essential part of a good vanilla cake recipe, but vanilla plays an important part in enhancing the flavors of cocoa, like in this chocolate cake recipe, or even fruit like in this tart. Whatever recipe you choose, make sure you’re measuring accurately (you don’t want to waste a drop of this pricey extract).
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
Best Vanilla Cake
There's a reason this vanilla cake recipe is the best. Adding creamy vanilla bean paste into the moist, rich cake batter creates a power-packed vanilla flavor that can't be bought in stores. Try spreading vanilla buttercream frosting on top to finish it off. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sugar Cream Pie
I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana
Very Vanilla Slow-Cooker Cheesecake
Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the slow cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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
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-Glazed Ginger Scones
Gingerbread is a flavor that works with all sorts of delicious holiday baked goods. To glaze these ginger scones, just dip a fork or spoon into the glaze mixture and then drizzle over the tops. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Chilean Monkey Tail Punch
Stories vary surrounding the origins of this punch's unique name. Some say it was initially served in a bottle depicting a monkey with a long tail, but others suggest it was named after a funny incident with a Chilean president in the early 1900s. Whatever the origin, coffee and spirits will make this sweet chilled drink warm you right up this Christmas. It also goes by "cola de mono." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce
This dessert is a great ending to a special-occasion meal. Whole pears are lightly spiced and chilled, then served with a heavenly custard sauce.—Al Latimer, Bentonville, Arizona
Vanilla Citrus Cider
My mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrus-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
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
Mini Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies
I love baking cookies to give as gifts to my family and friends. I created this recipe for my annual holiday cookie platter and it received rave reviews from both children and adults. If the buttercream doesn't come together after all of the butter has been incorporated, add some shortening one tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to transform. —Julie Thomas, Saukville, Wisconsin
Best Ever Bread Pudding
The secret to incredible bread pudding with a soft middle and crisp edges starts with leftover dinner rolls. I picked up the rich brown sugar sauce recipe from my friend Kathryn Gartmann. A big drizzle of it takes this dessert over the top and really makes it the best bread pudding ever. —Maria Petrella, Taste of Home Prep Cook
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
Hoka Cheesecake
The Hoka Cheesecake, named for a beloved local theater, is pretty addicting. It's one of the first recipes I learned when I moved here. For a finishing touch, I sprinkle a few crust crumbs on top. —Beth Ziegenhorn, Oxford, Mississippi
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 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
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
Potluck Candied Sweet Potatoes
To make it easier to bring this traditional southern staple to a potluck or gathering, I updated it so that it can be cooked in a slow cooker. It's hard to go wrong with candied sweet potatoes when it comes to pleasing a crowd. —Deirdre Dee Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
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
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
Pina Colada Zucchini Bread
At my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and won first place! I think you'll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania
Vanilla Frosting
Don't know how to make icing for cake but don't want to settle for store-bought frosting? This four-ingredient easy vanilla frosting recipe is the perfect topper for your cakey creations. The homemade taste just can't be beat. —Mary Faulk, Cambridge, Wisconsin
Creamy Caramels
I discovered this caramel recipe in a local newspaper years ago and have made these soft buttery caramels ever since. I make them for Christmas, picnics and charity auctions—and they are so much better than store-bought caramels. Once people have a taste, they ask for the recipe. —Marcie Wolfe, Williamsburg, Virginia
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
Cream Wafers
My sons used to help me make these cookies, and now my oldest granddaughter helps. When the smaller grandchildren are home, they help, too. The cute little sandwich cookies are tender, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth good! —Linda Clinkenbeard, Vincennes, Indiana
Creamy Butterscotch Pudding for 2
One day when I had a craving for something homemade, I tried from-scratch pudding. It’s much better than the store-bought kind! —EMR, Taste of Home Online community
Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes
We love using this simple vegan vanilla cupcake recipe as a base to layer on extra flavor. Stir in grated orange zest and chopped pecans, vegan chocolate chips and cinnamon, or your own favorite mix-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Skillet Cinnamon Rolls
I love using cast iron to get a nice crust on these skillet cinnamon rolls! The pan also makes an impressive serving dish on the table without it looking as if you tried too hard. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island
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
Glazed Apple-Maple Blondies
My 6-year-old son and I conjured up this recipe to use up the last of the apples we picked from the local apple orchard. Serve it with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
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
Sweetened Whipped Cream
Whipped cream recipes don't have to be hard. This one can even be made ahead. Slightly underwhip the cream, then cover and refrigerate for several hours. Beat briefly just before using.
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
Blue-Ribbon Butter Cake
I found this buttercake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, FloridaThe post Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Vanilla Extract Brands for Baking appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski