Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade vanilla bean paste last? ›

Store it: Vanilla paste can be stored for up to 3 years when kept in a cool, dark environment. Do not refrigerate your paste, or the container will form condensation and spoil the vanilla. Ready to stock up on vanilla paste?

Basically, vanilla paste is a blend of concentrated vanilla extract and vanilla bean powder. It isn't as thick as paste; it's more the consistency of liquid glue. Most pastes contain invert sugar or corn syrup that acts as a binder.

If your recipe calls for paste but you only have extract on hand (or vice versa), you can substitute an equal amount of extract for the paste. For example, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract can be substituted for 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste.

If you need to swap one vanilla flavoring for another, we've found that 1/2 vanilla bean is the same as 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste.

Because vanilla extract contains no physical vanilla, the flavor is slightly lighter and less robust than vanilla paste.

Around 80% of the world's supply of natural vanilla comes from the African island, but due to a number of challenges, from devastating storms, the pressures of deforestation, and intensive labor, the dwindling supply of the product makes it very difficult to meet the high demand (via Forbes).

"The most succinct answer is that you'd use paste when you want to see the vanilla bean seeds," Nielsen said. You know, those tell-tale little black flecks in vanilla bean ice cream or vanilla custard? Using the paste or scraping out the bean gives you those, while extract does not.

6-8 Vanilla Beans (1 oz. by weight is the goal.

If you don't have time to scrape vanilla beans, or you won't use them before they dry out, vanilla bean paste is a great alternative. While it's offered by only a few companies, including Nielsen-Massey and the Spice House, our Test Kitchen pros agree it's worth the search.

Our Pure Vanilla Bean Pastes and Pure Vanilla Powders will last up to three years.

What to do with vanilla beans after making vanilla? ›

Aside from obvious applications, like poached pears, leftover vanilla pods can add a creamy, aromatic presence in dishes like roasted strawberries, homemade applesauce, cherry ice cream, and lemon syrup (or perhaps an orange variation, if you wanna groove on a Creamsicle vibe).

Since vanilla extract is relatively cheap compared to both whole beans and vanilla bean paste, it is the most commonly used form of vanilla extract. You should use it in everything from cookies to brownies and you can even add a splash in your salad dressing!

Vanilla bean paste is a less expensive (and simpler) way to get the characteristic black flecks of a vanilla bean than buying and scraping whole beans. You can use it in your baking recipes as a teaspoon-for-teaspoon substitute for vanilla extract, where it adds some visual flair and bit more potent flavor.

Vanilla beans can last upwards of two years if stored properly. Now, they're not exactly the type of beans that spoil when they expire, but rather, they tend to dry out. So, while the beans might still be safe to use after their shelf life, you'll notice they have little to no taste or aroma left.

Change in texture: Vanilla extract has a vicious consistent texture throughout, but in case they have a cloudy or muddy appearance or if any impurities float inside the best thing to do is not to use the extract. Change in flavour: Vanilla will be best within the time it should be used that is, within 3-4 years.

You can leave the vanilla beans in the bottles indefinitely and continue to top up the jar with alcohol as you use the extract. Alternatively, you can make vanilla sugar with the used vanilla beans. Place the old vanilla beans in some granulated sugar to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavors.

Our Pure Vanilla Bean Pastes and Pure Vanilla Powders will last up to three years.

Always check the best-by date on the package for more specific information. Once opened, it lasts about 7-10 days in the refrigerator. If you have homemade red bean paste, use it within a week while stored in the fridge. Furthermore, you can also freeze red bean paste for up to 6 months to make it last longer.