
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)
Doukissa
Chocolate flavoured biscuit cake
Dried Fruit Cookies
Purchased from the Van Sickle Estate in Mabank, Texas in 1990. Notation on card indicates this was Mimi's favorite cookie. Dated 1959.
Duckunoo
Duckunoo from the Recidemia collection
Dulce de Leche Rice Pudding
Makes 6 servings.
Easy Orange Smoothie
Easy Orange Smoothie from the Recidemia collection
Eggless Nog
Eggless Nog from the Recidemia collection
Eggnog
Eggnog from the Recidemia collection
Eggnoggin Plus
Eggnoggin Plus from the Recidemia collection
Elegant Nut Cream Crêpes with Blueberry Amaretto Sauce
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Barger Estate in Mckinney, Texas in 1997.
English Banana Caramel Dessert
This "jolly good" dessert was originally created in an old London bakery. At one point in time it was very popular throughout all of England.
English Trifle II
English Trifle II from the Recidemia collection
Fairy Almond Coconut Muffins
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Fancy Vanilla Fudge
If you think vanilla fudge is good, wait until you try the fancy vanilla fudge.
Fat-free Fudge
Recipe by : Linda Gordon
Fat-free Fudge Sauce
Drizzle over fat-free frozen yogurt, angel food cake slices or berries.
Ff pumpkin-spice ring
Ff pumpkin-spice ring from the Recidemia collection
Fibber Mcgee's Cookies
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Figgy Rice Pudding
Figgy Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Finale’s Double-chocolate Cookies
Finale’s Double-chocolate Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Flan de Queso
By Brenda Ortiz
Florida Sunshine Shake
Florida Sunshine Shake from the Recidemia collection
French-American Brownie Salad
These gloriously dense, fudge-like brownies make a perfect dessert for large, informal gatherings. They are cut into bars rather than the more familiar squares.
French Egg in a Hole
The "Egg in a Hole" is a great comfort food. It's fried, it's simple to make and it tastes somewhat delicious. It's not entirely healthy, but it's not entirely terrible for you.
French Fudge
French Fudge from the Recidemia collection
French Toast with Mangos
French Toast with Mangos from the Recidemia collection
Fresh Strawberries in Vanilla Cream
Fresh Strawberries in Vanilla Cream from the Recidemia collection
Friendship Fudge
Friendship Fudge
Frosted Fudge Brownies
Frosted Fudge Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Frozen Chocolate Fudge Tart
A crisp chocolate crust, rich chocolate filling and billowy cream topping make this dessert too sinful to pass up—but because it is so rich, a small slice is still satisfying.
Frozen Raspberry Tofu
Frozen Raspberry Tofu from the Recidemia collection
Fruit-Filled Puffs
Fruit-Filled Puffs from the Recidemia collection
Fudge Frosting
This is a rich non-greasy frosting that goes on hot and stiffens as it cools.
Fudgey brownies
These are the fudgiest, most heart-stoppingly bad for you brownies that you will ever taste. And the best thing about them is that they're really basic and easily modifiable. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, frosting...
Fudgey Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Pie
Fudgey Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Pie from the Recidemia collection

Gingered Sugar Cookies
Makes about 24 cookies This recipe and the others from my week o' cookies (Thick & Chewy Double-Chocolate Cookies, Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cookies) are all from Baking Illustrated.
Ginger Pancakes
American cuisine Breakfast Cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Bread
Ginger Pudding
Contributed by Indiancuisineandculture Y-Gro
Ginny's Toll House Cookies
Ginny's Toll House Cookies - Traditional chewy chocolate chip cookies with oatmeal added to provide a bit of extra body to the cookie.
Glazed Lavender Tea Cake
.

Gluten-Free Cacao Cookies
Gluten-Free Cacao Cookies
Graham Crackers
Yield: varies depending on size of the cut crackers Graham Crackers
Grand Slam Peach Pudding
Makes 6 servings
Granola Bars
Granola bars are a very tasty and easy food to make. They can be sold at the market in small bars, such as the size of a candy bar. However, by following these commonly used steps you can create your own tasty granola bars right at home.
Green Tea Custard
Green Tea Custard from the Recidemia collection
Griddle Cakes
From my Grandmother’s Estate. Notation on card says this was one of several griddlecake recipes served at church breakfast fundraisers for years. Dated 1928.
Guamanian Pudding Dessert
You may use homemade or storebought slices of pound cake for the base of this dessert, whichever you prefer. Plan ahead when preparing this, as it requires time to chill the pudding before you can assemble the dessert. 10-15 servings.
Guinness Cake
Guinness Cake is very popular during St. Patrick's Day. It's also quick and easy to make. Guinness Cake is best eaten after a week of it being sealed in an airtight container.
Guyanese Corn Pone
Guyanese Corn Pone from the Recidemia collection
Halloween Cookies on a Stick
Halloween Cookies on a Stick from the Recidemia collection
Hawaiian Macadamia-Coconut Squares
Instant coffee powder adds intrigue to these rich, chewy bars.