Description

This Easy Vanilla Paste Recipe is a simple and cost-effective way to elevate your cooking and baking. Made with just a few ingredients, including fresh vanilla beans and food-grade glycerin, this homemade paste offers a rich, concentrated vanilla flavor that’s far superior to store-bought alternatives. Perfect for desserts, beverages, and savory dishes, this recipe allows you to customize the intensity and enjoy a gourmet-quality ingredient in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

3 oz of Grade A or Grade B vanilla beans (Grade A for juiciness, Grade B for stronger flavor)
1/4 cup white rum (acts as a preservative and enhances flavor)
1 cup sweetener (agave syrup or honey, adjust to taste)
Food-grade glycerin (as needed, for texture and preservation)

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Beans :
- Use 10 whole vanilla beans. Cut each bean lengthwise to expose the seeds.
- Chop the beans into 2–3 inch pieces for easier blending.
Blend the Ingredients :
- In a food processor, combine the chopped vanilla beans, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of corn syrup to prevent crystallization.
- Blend at high speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and paste-like.
Store the Paste :
- Transfer the paste to an airtight container.
- Let it sit for at least two weeks to allow the flavors to meld.
Usage :
- Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste for every teaspoon of vanilla extract in recipes.

Notes

Storage : Store the vanilla paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 6 months if stored properly.
Customization : Adjust the sweetness or intensity by modifying the amount of sweetener or vanilla beans.
Sustainability : Use leftover vanilla pods to make the paste, reducing waste and maximizing flavor.