If you love the rich, aromatic flavor of real vanilla, you’re going to adore this quick and easy vanilla bean paste recipe. Unlike store-bought versions, making your own version allows you to use fresh vanilla beans to create a strong vanilla flavor that elevates your recipes.
Making it a versatile ingredient for any recipe that calls for pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste.
We have a chart near the bottom of the blog post on how to use this gourmet paste.
Using Your Vanilla Bean Paste
This paste is perfect in different ways:
- Stir into simple syrup for cocktails or coffee.
- Mix into desserts or various recipes for a versatile ingredient that makes a difference.
Here’s a quick and simple recipe for making your own using whole beans and just a few ingredients.
How to Make Easy Vanilla Bean Paste in 5 Minutes
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces Whole Vanilla Bean Grade A preferred, 4-6 average size beans
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2/3 Cup Vodka plain vodka 80 proof
- 3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Water
Instructions
- Cut the vanilla beans into pieces that are about 2-3″ in length and add to the blender cup. This helps them blend in the mixture easier.2 Ounces Whole Vanilla Bean
- Add the sugar, vodka, corn syrup, and water in the cup of a high-speed blender. Note. For better blending, if you only have a pitcher for your blender, you will want to double all of the ingredients.1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 2/3 Cup Vodka, 3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup, 2 Tablespoons Water
- Blend on the highest speed for about 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or airtight container. Keep in a cool place or dark place. The flavors develop even more over a couple of months and up to a year.
Notes
How Many Vanilla Beans in 2 Ounces?
When a recipe calls for 2 ounces of whole vanilla bean, that’s referring to weight, not length. Here’s a practical breakdown:- 2 ounces (by weight) of whole vanilla beans is roughly 4–6 average-sized vanilla beans, depending on the size and moisture content.
- Standard vanilla beans usually weigh 0.3–0.5 ounces each.
- So if your beans are thin and small, you may need closer to 6 beans; if they’re plump and large, 4 beans might be enough.
Nutrition
Storage Tip
Shake container occasionally for the next week or so. Just in case any sugar at the bottom of the container. Use in place of vanilla extract in all your favorite desserts.
Why Make Vanilla Bean Paste?
While pure vanilla extract is wonderful, sometimes you need the real vanilla seeds from whole vanilla bean pods. This paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in place of vanilla extract or even imitation vanilla extract.
It’s also a great gift for fellow bakers since it keeps for a long time in an airtight container.
And the best part? You can whip up a batch in just a few minutes with a high-powered blender or food processor.
Vanilla Bean Conversion Cheat Sheet
| What the Recipe Calls For | Use Instead | Notes / Tips |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste | Paste is slightly more concentrated; contains real vanilla seeds, so you’ll see the specks in your recipe. |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | 1/2 – 1 teaspoon whole vanilla bean seeds | Scrape the seeds from 1 whole bean. Use 1/2 tsp for subtle flavor, full tsp for strong flavor. Save the pod for vanilla sugar or infusing syrups. |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste | 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | Will work fine, but paste adds seeds and slightly thicker texture; may change appearance slightly in light-colored desserts. |
| 1 whole vanilla bean (scraped) | 1 – 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste | Matches flavor intensity. Ideal for custards, crème brûlée, or frostings. |
| 1 whole vanilla bean (scraped) | 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | Slightly less visual impact (no seeds), flavor is close. Good for cakes, muffins, or recipes where appearance doesn’t matter. |
Extra Tips:
- For strong vanilla flavor, use Grade A whole beans or Madagascar vanilla bean when making your own paste.
- In recipes like crème brûlée or chocolate desserts, the vanilla seeds add a gourmet look.
- If using vanilla bean paste in place of extract, stir directly into wet ingredients; no need to heat.
Easy Vanilla Bean Recipe at Home
Making vanilla bean paste at home is a good way to elevate your baking without taking the long way to flavor. With just 5 minutes and a high-powered blender, you’ll have a pantry staple that rivals anything from the store and you’ll know exactly what’s inside.
Works great in all sorts of recipes from bakery to drinks.