Vanilla Sugar Recipe (strong like store-bought)

5 from 6 votes

Vanilla Sugar Recipe (strong like store-bought)

Learn how to make vanilla sugar using real vanilla beans and elevate all your dessert recipes and baked goods with pure vanilla flavor. 1 tablespoon of this homemade vanilla bean sugar is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Total Time15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: tablespoons

Calories: 46kcal

Author: Makos

Equipment

1 food processor (a blender will also work)

Ingredients

1 ½ cups white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
8 vanilla beans grade A, at least 6 inches /15 cm in length.

Instructions

Split the vanilla beans lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds with the tip of the knife (you can also scrape them with a dessert spoon).
Be thorough in order to scrape as much seeds as possible.
Transfer the sugar, the cornstarch and the vanilla seeds to the bowl of a food processor, and process just until the seeds are evenly dispersed throughout the sugar.
Transfer the vanilla sugar to a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture.
You can use it right away but it will be much better if you let it infuse for at least one month.

Video

Notes

If you do a lot of baking I suggest doubling or tripling this recipe.
Grade B vanilla beans will also work, but you'll have to use more to get the same strength.
If the vanilla beans have a lot of moisture, the sugar may get clumpy over time. The clumps will dissolve easily once mixed in a cake batter or cookie dough. It can also darken in color after some months. This is perfectly fine.

What to do with the leftover vanilla pods:

I suggest using them for homemade vanilla extract (recipe by sallysbakingaddiction.com), but use all 8 pods for 1 cup of vodka and store it for at least 8 months. You can also freeze them and add them to custards during the cooking stage.

Bonus recipe: Homemade vanilla syrup

Instead of buying it from the store, make your own vanilla simple syrup in just a few minutes and use it in your coffee or hot chocolate, brush it over over cakes or add it to cocktails and other drinks. You'll need:

½ cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla sugar

In a small saucepan, whisk together the water the granulated sugar and the vanilla sugar. Heat over high heat, bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. When cool, store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition