
vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is used in minimal quantities and provides negligible calories or macronutrients per serving. It contains trace amounts of minerals and antioxidants from vanilla beans but is primarily valued for flavoring rather than nutritional content.
About
Vanilla extract is a liquid flavoring derived from vanilla orchid pods (Vanilla planifolia and related species), native to Mexico. The extraction process involves splitting cured vanilla beans and steeping them in alcohol (typically ethanol) for several months, allowing the flavor compounds—primarily vanillin—to infuse into the liquid. Pure vanilla extract contains at least 35% alcohol by volume and must contain constituents from vanilla beans. Imitation vanilla extract, made from synthetic vanillin, offers similar flavor at a lower cost but lacks the complex aromatic notes of pure extract. The flavor profile ranges from sweet and creamy to slightly floral, with subtle woodsy undertones in quality extracts.
Real vanilla extract's complexity derives from hundreds of volatile compounds present in vanilla beans, not merely vanillin. Different vanilla-producing regions (Madagascar, Tahiti, Mexico) yield extracts with distinct flavor characteristics—Madagascar vanilla is typically bold and creamy, Tahitian vanilla is floral and fruity, and Mexican vanilla offers earthy, spicy notes.
Culinary Uses
Vanilla extract serves as a primary flavoring agent in baking, desserts, and sweet preparations across numerous culinary traditions. It is essential in cakes, cookies, custards, ice cream, and puddings, where it enhances sweetness and provides aromatic depth. Beyond sweets, vanilla extract appears in savory applications—fruit compotes, sauces, and even certain meat preparations—where it adds subtle complexity. The ingredient is typically added near the end of cooking to preserve volatile aromatics, though in baked goods it integrates throughout the batter. A small quantity (½ to 2 teaspoons per recipe) is generally sufficient, as vanilla extract is highly concentrated.
Used In
Recipes Using vanilla extract (618)
Sugar Cookies
Sugar Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Sugar-free Fudge
Recipe by Kaye Hartley as published in Dec/Jan 95 Taste of Home magazine
Sugarless Wheat 'n' Fruit Cookies
* Makes 5 dozen
Summer Strawberry Orange Cups
.
Swedish Rice Porridge
Makes 6 servings.
Swedish Rice Pudding II
Makes 6 servings.
Sweet Oatmeal Corn Muffins
Sweet Oatmeal Corn Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Sweet potato Bread Pudding that I perfected in 1982. I loved sweet potatoes and love bread pudding. I experimented with these recipe for 3-4 times before I came up with this version which won second place in a cooking contest in 1999. Enjoy.
Sweet Potato Casserole II
Sweet Potatoes Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

Sweet Potato Pie
S.
Sweet Potato Pudding
Sweet potato pudding is a sweet treat and a great side for Thanksgiving meals.
Tasty Tofu Brownie Snacks
Tasty Tofu Brownie Snacks from the Recidemia collection
Tembleque
Tembleque from the Recidemia collection
Tembleque II
Puerto Rican-style coconut pudding. This is one of the recipes that remind me of my childhood. This pudding is a very common Puerto Rican dessert. To describe it I would say that is a creamy coconut pudding, topped with cinnamon and delicious.
Teresa's pavlova
Teresa's pavlova from the Recidemia collection
Thick & Chewy Double-Chocolate Cookies
Makes about 42 cookies This recipe and the others from my week o' cookies (Gingered Sugar Cookies, Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cookies) are all from Baking Illustrated.
Tiakri
This is an Cameroonian snack similar to rice pudding.
Tiger Lilly Rice Pudding
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Toffee-topped Cheesecake Bars
Toffee-topped Cheesecake Bars from the Recidemia collection
Tofu Banana Bread
.
Tofu Cheesecake
Tofu Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Torta de Jojoto
8 Servings
Total Chocolate Eclipse Cake
.

Traditional Pavlova
Pavolva dressed with cream and strawberries. In 1935, the chef of the Hotel Esplanade in Perth, Western Australia, Herbert Sachse, created the pavlova to celebrate the visit of the great Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake is a popular Latin American dessert using 3 types of milk. This simple recipe was found in a recipe book unfortunately the author is now unknown.
Trinidad Sweet Bread
*
Triple-chocolate Biscotti
Italian cookie good with coffee or vanilla ice cream.
Triple-chocolate Fudge
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of t
Triple-layer Cheesecake
Triple-layer Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Tropcial Rice Pudding
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Tropical Tofu-Rice Pudding
Makes 10 servings.
Turron de Vino
300px| Turron de Vino Wine meringue This recipe is for 8 to 10 serving
Turtle Cookies
Purchased from Betik Estate in Waxahachie, Texas in 1998. Dated 1922. Indicates this was a $25,000 winner in the Pillsbury Cookoff in 1953.
Tutti-Fruitti Rice Custard
Makes 8 servings.
Ultimate Brownies
Makes about 36 brownies.
Ultra-Rich Chocolate Cake
.
Valentine Meringue Hearts
Valentine Meringue Hearts from the Recidemia collection
Vanilla Crescents (Vanilkove rohlicky)
Vanilla Crescents (Vanilkove rohlicky) from the Recidemia collection
Vanilla Custard Cups
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re
Vanilla Fudge
The delicious treat from heaven made easy for you to make at home.
Vanilla Pecan Ice Cream
This is a recipe I obtained from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.
Vanilla Rice Custard Freeze
Makes 8 servings.
Vegan Brownies
Vegan Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Vegan Chocolate Cake
Try With Vegan Chocolate Frosting or even better Vegan Peanut Butter Frosting
Vegetarian Cake
Vegetarian Cake from the Recidemia collection
Velvet Rice Pudding with Strawberry Sauce
Makes 8 servings.
Venus Bananas Foster
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Very Berry Meringues
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe : 6
Wacky cake
Wacky cake from the Recidemia collection
Warming Quinoa Porridge
This is a great (gluten-free) alternative to oatmeal — you’ll get an extra kick of protein from the quinoa!