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vanilla extract

vanilla extract

CondimentsYear-round. Vanilla extract is a shelf-stable processed product derived from cured, dried beans; availability is consistent throughout the year regardless of vanilla bean harvest seasons.

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)

RCI-BR.006.0371.001

Washington's Cherry Pie

1 serving (⅛ of pie) = 1 fruit, 1 fat, plus pie shell exchange calories = 88 plus pie shell calorie

RCI-DS.002.0205.001

Weathers Family Vanilla Custard Peach Ice Cream

Weathers Family Vanilla Custard Peach Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0319.001

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...

RCI-DS.003.0320.001

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.

RCI-BV.008.0081.001

White Hot Chocolate

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.005.0658.001

Whole Wheat Carob Brownies

Whole Wheat Carob Brownies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0080.001

Whole Wheat French Toast

Whole Wheat French Toast from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0659.001

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.

RCI-BR.005.0660.001

Witch Fingers!

This recipe was generously provided by Ricardo magazine.

RCI-BR.004.0558.001

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.

RCI-BR.005.0661.001

Woodstock Brownies

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-SN.002.0307.001

World Recipe Banana Fritters

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-BR.004.0559.001

World Recipe Cake

World Recipe Cake from the Recidemia collection

Yema
RCI-DS.003.0322.001

Yema

A filipino custard candy made from egg yolk and milk.

RCI-DS.001.0602.001

Yummy Chocolate Pudding

Yummy Chocolate Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.002.0096.001

Yummy Milkshake

Yummy Milkshake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0603.001

Yummy Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Yummy Vegan Chocolate Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0443.001

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.