
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)
Washington's Cherry Pie
1 serving (⅛ of pie) = 1 fruit, 1 fat, plus pie shell exchange calories = 88 plus pie shell calorie
Weathers Family Vanilla Custard Peach Ice Cream
Weathers Family Vanilla Custard Peach Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection
White Christmas (New Zealand style)
For those non-NZers, Kremelta is the equivalent of the Australian "Copha" which is a white coconut based fat. Memories of primary school cooking classes...
White Fudge with Pecans and Cherries
From my Aunt Maggie's collection. This one has been around for as long as I can remember. She made this for me when I was very young, so I know it's been around at least since the early 60s. Tried and True.
White Hot Chocolate
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Whole Wheat Carob Brownies
Whole Wheat Carob Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Whole Wheat French Toast
Whole Wheat French Toast from the Recidemia collection
Wine Biscotti
Purchased from Bowers Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1994. Dated 1957. I made this one thinking it would be really good. I wasn’t impressed but my sister and my bowling team loved it.
Witch Fingers!
This recipe was generously provided by Ricardo magazine.
Wonder Cake
Because of conventional meal times in Israel (main meal between 12:00 and 2:00 pm; supper at 7:00 pm), many Israelis have coffee or tea with cake between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
Woodstock Brownies
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
World Recipe Banana Fritters
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
World Recipe Cake
World Recipe Cake from the Recidemia collection

Yema
A filipino custard candy made from egg yolk and milk.
Yummy Chocolate Pudding
Yummy Chocolate Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Yummy Milkshake
Yummy Milkshake from the Recidemia collection
Yummy Vegan Chocolate Pudding
Yummy Vegan Chocolate Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini bread
Zucchini bread is a sweet fluffy bread that has zucchini in it. It is delicious. There are many different ways of making it. Here is one.