Recipes

vanilla bean paste vs vanilla extract from natural vanilla

Vanilla Bean Paste vs Vanilla Extract: Which One Should You Use?

When it comes to baking, the choice between vanilla bean paste vs. vanilla extract can significantly affect the flavour and texture of your desserts. Both have their unique qualities Understanding when to use each can help elevate your culinary creations.

Natural Vanilla-Vanilla Paste Traditional Range CroppedVanilla paste is a thick, syrup-like substance that contains actual vanilla bean seeds. This gives the paste a more intense flavour and a visual appeal, with specks of vanilla throughout your dish.

It’s perfect for recipes where the look and flavour of real vanilla beans are desired, such as custards, ice creams, and crème brûlée. The paste also offers convenience since it provides the rich taste of whole vanilla beans without splitting and scraping them.

Natural Vanilla - Vanilla Extract Traditional Range

 

Halal vanilla extract is a liquid obtained by soaking vanilla beans in a non-alcoholic solvent. It offers a smooth, versatile flavour that easily blends into various baked goods, making it a staple in most kitchens. If you’re following dietary restrictions or prefer a non-alcoholic option, the halal vanilla extract provides the same great flavour without compromising quality or religious beliefs.

 

So, which one should you use? If you’re looking for a robust and authentic vanilla taste with visible vanilla bean specks, vanilla paste is the way to go. However, halal vanilla extract is your best bet if you need a versatile ingredient that can easily be mixed into any recipe.

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Coffee and Vanilla Cake Recipes Using Vanilla Extract No Alcohol

Top 5 Recipes Using Vanilla Extract No Alcohol

For those seeking delicious desserts without alcohol, vanilla extract is a perfect ingredient. Whether catering to dietary restrictions or personal preferences or simply looking for a subtle, pure vanilla flavour, alcohol-free vanilla extract can make a significant difference in your baking. Here are the top five recipes where vanilla extract no alcohol shines.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

 

A classic favourite, vanilla bean ice cream made with alcohol-free vanilla extract has a smooth, creamy texture and a pure vanilla flavour that stands out. The absence of alcohol allows the essence of vanilla to come through, making every scoop delightful. 

 

cupcakes with vanilla extract no alcohol from natural vanilla

Vanilla Cupcakes

 

Light, fluffy, and bursting with flavour, these vanilla cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Using vanilla extract with no alcohol ensures the vanilla flavour is rich and pronounced without any aftertaste. 

 

French Toast

 

Elevate your breakfast game with French toast infused with vanilla extract, which is non-alcoholic. The subtle, sweet flavour enhances the dish, making it a morning favourite. 

French Toast with vanilla extract no alchocol

 

Natural Vanilla - Vanilla Custard Cake

Vanilla Panna Cotta

 

This elegant dessert relies on the delicate flavour of vanilla. With non-alcoholic vanilla extract, the panna cotta has a creamy texture and a pure, unadulterated vanilla taste. 

 

Homemade Granola

 

Add sweetness to your morning routine with granola flavoured with vanilla extract, with no alcohol. The extract adds a warm, comforting flavour that pairs perfectly with oats and nuts. 

Homemade Granola from Natural Vanilla

Buy Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract Today 

Ready to try these recipes? Ensure the best flavour using a high-quality, alcohol-free vanilla extract from Natural Vanilla. Buy vanilla extract at Natural Vanilla and bring out the pure essence of vanilla in all your dishes! 

 

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Vanilla-Pods-Grade-A-Tahitian-Gourmet Cropped

How to Make Vanilla Paste at Home?

For those who love to bake, understanding how to make vanilla paste at home can elevate your culinary creations. This homemade vanilla paste recipe is cost-effective and allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. Vanilla paste is a versatile ingredient that combines the potency of vanilla extract with the convenience of vanilla powder, giving your desserts an intense, aromatic flavour.

To begin, gather 3-4 high-quality vanilla beans, a tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of water or light corn syrup. Split the beans lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds. These tiny seeds, known as vanilla caviar, give vanilla paste its signature flavour and appearance.

Once the vanilla caviar is scraped out of the vanilla pod rather than discard the outer husk. This can be dried and ground using a standard coffee grinder to a fine powder for use in other dishes.

Natural Vanilla - Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe

Next, mix the seeds with the sugar in a small bowl. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the mixture into a fine paste. The sugar helps to break down the seeds and release the essential oils, intensifying the flavour.

Once you’ve achieved a smooth paste, slowly add the water or corn syrup. This step is crucial to getting the right consistency for your homemade vanilla paste thick enough to stay on a spoon but smooth enough to blend blend easily into your recipes.

This method on how to make vanilla bean paste ensures that you’re capturing the pure, unadulterated essence of the vanilla bean. The end product is a rich, fragrant paste perfect for adding depth to cakes, cookies, custards, and even savoury dishes.

Looking for a Premium Vanilla Paste?

If you don’t have the time to make your own or want to try a high-quality alternative, consider purchasing from Natural Vanilla. Our premium vanilla paste is made with the finest ingredients, delivering exceptional flavour and aroma. Buy vanilla paste at Natural Vanilla today and enhance your baking with the best

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common mistakes in making vanilla paste

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Making Vanilla Paste

Learning how to make vanilla paste at home can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls. A well-made paste recipe enhances your baking with rich, aromatic flavour, but a few mistakes can compromise the quality and taste.

Using Low-Quality Vanilla Beans

One common mistake is using low-quality vanilla beans. The flavour of your paste largely depends on the beans you choose. Always opt for fresh, high-quality vanilla beans. Dry or stale beans will yield a weak, flavourless paste.

Scrapping Vanilla Seeds

Not Scraping Enough Vanilla Seeds

Another mistake is not scraping out enough of the vanilla seeds. In this method on how to make vanilla bean paste, the seeds, or “caviar,” are the show’s star—failing to thoroughly scrape them out results in a paste that lacks intensity. Split the beans lengthwise and carefully scrape out all the seeds to maximise flavour.

Inaccurate Measurements

Inaccurate measurements can also affect the consistency of your paste. Adding too much or too little sugar or liquid can result in a paste that’s too runny or too thick. Follow your vanilla paste recipe carefully to achieve the perfect consistency.

Skipping the Grinding Process

Lastly, skipping the grinding process is a standard error. Grinding the vanilla seeds with sugar helps to release their essential oils, enhancing the flavour. If you skip this step, your paste might have a more robust taste than you want.

Prefer Ready-Made Vanilla Paste?

If you’d rather skip the hassle or ensure a consistent, high-quality product, consider purchasing premium paste from Natural Vanilla. Our paste is crafted with care to deliver the best flavour and aroma. Buy vanilla paste at Natural Vanilla today and elevate your baking effortlessly!

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Natural Vanilla - Vanilla Extract Recipe

Vanilla Extract Recipe

Easy Vanilla Extract Recipe

There are a lot of recipes for making vanilla extract recipes online that simply require dropping vanilla pods into a bottle of vodka and then waiting an extended period of time for the vanilla flavor to permeate into the vodka. If you, however, would like a much quicker method that will also greatly increase the vanilla flavor of your vanilla extract, we have developed the following simple pure vanilla extract recipe through several years of experimentation.

Vanilla Extract Recipe – Using Vodka

Chop vanilla pods or vanilla beans into small pieces and then boil the cut vanilla pod pieces in a covered pot in a fluid made from equal portions of vodka and water for 5 minutes at a ratio of 3.5oz (100g) of vanilla pods per 33fl.oz (1 liter) of fluid. Let soak overnight and when cool, strain out the vanilla pieces with a very fine sieve. Sugar can then be added to taste. We suggest around 1.5oz (40g) of sugar per 33fl.oz (1 liter). The cut vanilla pieces can then be dried and ground using a coffee grinder for use as vanilla powder.

Make Homemade Vanilla Extract – Alcohol Content

Note that the optimum alcohol continent is suggested to be between 15% and 20%. At this level, the alcohol still provides the preservative effect but does not overpower the vanilla flavor. By using equal portions of vodka and water, the normally 35% alcohol volume of the vodka is reduced to 17.5%. The alcohol content contained in the vanilla extract will ensure it keeps indefinitely. Use 0.5fl.oz (15ml), which is about 3 teaspoons per 33fl.oz (1 liter) during food preparation.

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Natural Vanilla - Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe

Vanilla Paste Recipe

Easy Vanilla Paste Recipe

Vanilla paste is made starting with the exact same method explained in the Vanilla Extract Recipe, except when straining out the vanilla pieces from the fluid, do not remove the vanilla seeds. This is achieved by using a sieve with hole sizes around 1mm which will let the tiny vanilla seeds through the sieve.

Vanilla Paste Recipe – Thickening Agent

Use a natural product such as cornstarch, gelatin, psyllium husk or xanthan gum to thicken the liquid so that the vanilla seeds are suspended in the fluid rather than sinking to the bottom.

If the thickening product has some lumps through the vanilla paste, leave it to sit overnight so the lumps can soften and then can more easily be mixed in. Transfer the completed vanilla paste into an air-tight container and store it at room temperature.

The alcohol content contained in the vanilla paste will ensure it keeps indefinitely. Use 0.5fl.oz (15ml), which is about 3 teaspoons per 33fl.oz (1 liter) of food.

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Natural Vanilla - Vanilla Sugar Recipe

Vanilla Sugar Recipe

Easy Vanilla Sugar Recipe

Vanilla pods can be used for infusing sugar to capture its vanilla flavor and aroma. You can simply bury two vanilla pods that have a reasonably high moisture content into 1Lbs (450g) of sugar and store them in an airtight container. Over time the vanilla flavor will permeate through the sugar.

However, we have a second method that will greatly increase the vanilla flavor in the sugar and also reduce the time it takes for the vanilla flavor to permeate through the sugar.

Vanilla Sugar Recipe – Storage

Select a large fragrant vanilla pod with reasonably high moisture content. Cut the vanilla pod into pieces and place it in the bowl of a small food processor. Add 1Lbs (450g) of sugar and process until the vanilla pod is finely ground and well distributed through the sugar. The sugar will be powdery similar to icing sugar. Transfer the vanilla sugar to an airtight container. Vanilla-infused sugar will keep indefinitely and is used as you would use plain sugar.

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