
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)
Low-fat Apricot Rice Pudding
Makes 4 servings.
Low-fat Cherry Cookies
Low-fat Cherry Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Eggnog
Low-fat Eggnog from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Sugar-free Raisin Bars
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re
Lucky Mint Cheesecake
Give this yummy mint-and-chocolate cheesecake a St. Patrick's day touch by piping melted chocolate into a shamrock shape on each piece.
Macadamia Nut Fudge
Family and friends look forward to this creamy fudge every holiday season. The macadamia nuts make it extra special. -Kristine Sokowski, Tremont, Illinois SERVINGS 44 CATEGORY Dessert METHOD Other stovetop PREP 15 min. COOK 15 min. TOTAL 30 min.
Macedonian Halvah
Macedonian Halvah from the Recidemia collection
Maharajah's Ginger Ice Cream
Maharajah's Ginger Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection
Make Ahead French Toast Soufflé
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Prep Time 20 min.
Mamey with Rum Zabaglione Topping
Mamey with Rum Zabaglione Topping from the Recidemia collection
Mango Crumb Bars
This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Family Collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.
Mango Orange Bread Pudding
Mango Orange Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Maple Hot Chocolate
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.
Maple Walnut Biscotti
Purchased from the Wagner Estate in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1990. This one was marked “Joy’s favorite cookie”. Recipe obtained from Vivian at church bake sale in 1977. Actual date unknown.
Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake
Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Marshmallow
This recipe describes how to make home-made Marshmallows. They can be used in any recipe that calls for marshmallows.
Marshmallows dipped in Caramel and Nuts
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mrs. Willi
Martian Cookies
Red Cookies from Mars! The red Martian Cookies are a prized possession or recipe, at least on Mars. You can learn how to make them, too. It not require an extreme amount of work to make, and a great project to do with your kids.
Meringues
are crunchy confections made from whipped egg whites and sugar. In Germany and Austria (but not in France) they are called Baiser (from French kiss). Served with whipped cream, they are a traditional dessert in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.
Meringue-topped Pineapple Rice Pudding
Makes 8 servings.
Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Cocoa
Mexican Cocoa from the Recidemia collection
Microwave Chocolate Cake
A quick and easy chocolate cake recipe made in the microwave.
Microwave Hot Cocoa
Cook Time: 2 minutes Serves: 1
Midget Fruit Cakes
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.
Milk Jam
Milk Jam from the Recidemia collection
Milk n' Cereal Breakfast Shake
Milk n' Cereal Breakfast Shake from the Recidemia collection
Milk Pie
Milk Pie from the Recidemia collection
Mini Fruit Tarts
Makes 12 mini tarts.
Minty Chocolate Pudding
Minty Chocolate Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Mixed Berry Bread Pudding
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
Mixed-Berry Coffee Cake
Mixed-Berry Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mixed Rootcrops Dessert
Mixed Rootcrops Dessert from the Recidemia collection
Mocha Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 18
Mocha Dream Bars
easy, and no bake. If you don't have any espresso, regular instant coffee granule can be used.
Mocha Meringue Pudding
Makes 6 servings
Moist and Delicious Cake
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Williams Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1994.
Mom's Fruitcake
Mom's Fruitcake from the Recidemia collection
Mom's southern pecan pie
Mom's southern pecan pie from the Recidemia collection
Montezuma's Hot Chocolate Sheet Cake
Montezuma's Hot Chocolate Sheet Cake from the Recidemia collection
Moo-Less Chocolate Pie
Moo-Less Chocolate Pie from the Recidemia collection
Moroccan Date Pudding
This versatile Moroccan dessert can be served hot or cold and is suitable for vegetarians.
Mouhalabieh
Pudding right|Mouhalabieh
Mrs. Haller's Cheese Torte
Not quite a cheesecake and not quite a true torte, this is a very old recipe from my grandmother. This is a wonderfully creamy dessert, best served with a nice cup of coffee.
Mud Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Mud Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches from the Recidemia collection
Muscadine Pudding Tarts
Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Mymu's White Rice Cake
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
New Zealand Kiwi Cheesecake
1 hour preparation.
Nilla Nana Puddin
Contributed by Kellie Head at ParentingHumor.com. In addition to rai
No Bake Chocolate Cake
This is a simple to make cake and delicious too!