Homemade vanilla extract recipe

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make vanilla extract? Homemade Vanilla Extract is prized for its rich, complex flavor and incredibly smooth aroma. There simply is no substitute. Enhance your baking to a whole new level with this easy to follow homemade vanilla extract recipe that only needs a few simple ingredients.


Many people are often familiar with clear or imitation vanilla extract. The difference between pure vanilla and imitation vanilla is simple; pure vanilla extract is made from whole vanilla beans extracted using 35%+ alcohol (ABV) - that's it! Don't be fooled by extracts that claim to be pure, imitation and clear vanilla utilize artificial flavors. Pure vanilla extract should be dark brown; the color of Vanilla Beans used in the extraction process.

vanilla-beans
photos courtesy of mybakingaddiction.com

Making vanilla extract is fun and simple! Here's all that you'll need:

homemade-vanilla-extract-recipe

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Beanilla
Homemade Vanilla Extract is prized for its rich, complex flavor and incredibly smooth aroma. There simply is no substitute. Enhance your baking with this easy to follow homemade vanilla extract recipe that only needs 2 simple ingredients.
4.42 from 77 votes
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 180 d
Servings 8 oz. Vanilla Extract

Equipment

  • 1 Bottle or Jar (a little bigger than 8 oz. for this recipe. Use larger/smaller as needed.)

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz. Vodka (35%+ ABV)
  • 6-8 Vanilla Beans (1 oz. by weight is the goal. Actual number of beans may vary.)

Instructions
 

  • Slice each bean lengthwise and place in bottle. (If it helps to cut them into smaller, tootsie roll-sized pieces so they fit in the bottle better, go for it).
  • Pour one cup of vodka (or alcohol of your choice) into the bottle. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged. No cheating now - the whole cup needs to go into the bottle! Seal bottle with lid or cap.
  • Shake once or twice a week.
  • Wait at least 8 weeks, but 4-6 months is ideal. The longer brewing time allows the flavor to fully develop.
  • Presto, your alcohol has turned into delicious homemade vanilla extract! Store at room tempertaure and out of direct sunlight, and you can enjoy this puppy til' the last drop!

Notes

The ratio of beans to alcohol is calculated based on the weight of the vanilla beans. The standard for pure vanilla extract is 1 oz. of vanilla beans (by weight) per 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) of alcohol.
Vodka is most commonly used to make vanilla extract as it doesn't add additional flavor, but any 35%+ ABV/70+ PROOF liquor will work (you can experiment and find what you like - popular alternatives are bourbon or rum).
vanilla-extract-conversion-chart
When your extract is done brewing you can leave the beans in or you can remove them and strain the extract. If you remove the beans you can use the to make vanilla sugar!
Bottle of homemade extract

What makes homemade vanilla extract so much better than "store bought"? First, you have control over the quality and type of vanilla used in the extract. Using premium grade vanilla beans will provide significantly better flavor and aroma than commercially produced extracts. Did you know that you can make vanilla extract from different types of vanilla beans? Each different vanilla variety will create a unique flavor!

Do you prefer bold and smokey? If so, try Ugandan vanilla beans. Traditional, rich and creamy? Use Madagascar Vanilla Beans! Floral aroma with a unique cherry-chocolate flavor? Venture to the Tahitian vanilla beans. You can even blend various varieties together! The floral, fruity, cherry like notes of the Tahitian variety blend wonderfully with the nutty-chocolate character of the Bourbon varieties.

After 8 weeks the vast majority of the extraction process is complete. At this point, the vanilla is ready to use and the vanilla beans can be removed. If the vanilla beans are left in the bottle, the flavor will continue to evolve just like a fine wine (just be sure the beans are always submerged in alcohol).

In addition to premium vanilla beans, we also offer decorative glass bottles to display your creations along with free printable homemade vanilla extract labels to dress up your bottles.

Homemade Vanilla Extract Labels

Whether you are a seasoned baker, procrastinating about making vanilla extract, or looking for the perfect holiday gift this year— then look no further! Check out our Homemade Vanilla Extract Kit.

Vanilla Extract Kit

Making vanilla extract is a fun, easy way to bring a favorite recipe to the next level. Whether you decide to try out our infusion kit first hand or give it as a gift this holiday season, we are sure you will agree that there is no substitute. You found your secret ingredient.

From all of us at Beanilla, we sincerely hope you enjoy our favorite all-time recipe.

Happy Extracting!

Tres leches cake

As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, it's the perfect time to delve into Hispanic culture through the lens of delectable desserts. From the warm, comforting notes of vanilla and cinnamon to the sweet symphony of caramel and chocolate, Hispanic desserts offer a sensory feast that transcends borders. In this celebration of flavors and traditions, we'll explore a few delightful dessert recipes that harmonize with the essence of Hispanic heritage.

A Tapestry of Flavors: Vanilla and Cinnamon

One common thread that binds many Hispanic desserts is the exquisite use of vanilla and cinnamon. These two ingredients have been an integral part of Hispanic culinary heritage for centuries, dating back to the early influences of indigenous and colonial cultures. Vanilla, introduced to Europe by Spanish conquistadors after their journeys to the Americas, infuses each creation with warmth and depth. Cinnamon, a spice with roots in Asia, made its way to many countries through trade routes and quickly became a staple in Hispanic dishes, providing a gentle, spicy kick that elevates the overall experience. Whether it's a flan gently flavored with vanilla or churros dusted with a cinnamon-sugar embrace, these ingredients symbolize not only the essence of Hispanic culinary heritage but also the historic fusion of diverse cultures that has shaped it.

An Invitation to Explore

In the spirit of celebration, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey through Hispanic desserts. Try your hand at these recipes, each one telling a unique story of tradition and creativity. As you savor each bite, you'll not only enjoy a delicious treat but also gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures and customs that contribute to the beautiful mosaic of Hispanic heritage. So, let's come together and explore these delightful flavors as we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, one sweet bite at a time.

Tres Leches Cake

From: Isabel Eats

Enjoy a moist sponge cake soaked in a blend of three milks, offering a creamy and satisfying dessert experience.

Spanish Flan

From: Spanish Sabores

Relish a creamy caramel custard dessert, combining smooth custard with a rich caramel topping for a delectable treat.

Arroz con Leche

From: Muy Delish

Delight in a comforting rice pudding with a hint of cinnamon, offering a sweet and soothing dessert option.

shop vanilla

Churros

From: Mexico in My Kitchen

Satisfy your cravings with crispy fried dough sticks generously coated in cinnamon and sugar, a delightful and classic treat.

Dulce de Leche

From: Bigger Bolder Baking

Indulge in a velvety, caramel-like milk-based spread that's perfect for pairing with pastries or enjoying on its own.

Polvorones

From: Food Network

Enjoy simple, crumbly vanilla cookies with a touch of sweetness, perfect for a quick and satisfying snack.

shop cinnamon

Mexican Buñuelos 

From: Muy Bueno

Savor the crunch of fried dough fritters lightly sweetened for a delicious dessert.

Tarta de Santiago

From: Visit Southern Spain

Try an almond cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, offering a flavorful and delightful dessert.

Crema Catalana

From: Quiero Postre

Experience Spanish custard with a caramelized top, delivering a creamy and subtly sweet dessert with a hint of sophistication.

Vanilla jams in jars

Welcome to a jam-packed adventure through the delightful world of homemade jams! If you're a vanilla enthusiast, prepare to elevate your breakfast experience to new heights with our exquisite selection of vanilla-infused fruit jams. We've put together a collection of recipes that harnesses the enchanting power of vanilla to add a touch of magic to your mornings.

Vanilla, with its warm and comforting essence, possesses the incredible ability to elevate ordinary jams into something extraordinary. Whether generously spread on toast or paired with a buttery biscuit, these vanilla-infused creations will set your taste buds dancing with delight. From timeless classics like strawberry, blueberry, and peach to more adventurous options such as rhubarb-lemon, pear, and pineapple, you will find a diverse range of flavors that caters to all your cravings.

Indulge in these vanilla-infused jams for a breakfast experience that seamlessly blends scrumptiousness with sophistication. With every spoonful, you'll embark on a journey of taste that promises to enchant your senses and make your mornings truly special.

Cherry Vanilla Jam

From: The Flour Handprint

Vanilla Blackberry Jam

From: Tasting Table

Vanilla Peach Jam

From: Lord Byron’s Kitchen

shop vanilla

Pineapple Vanilla Jam

From: Lathi's Kitchen

Vanilla Bean Strawberry Jam

From: Nutmeg Nanny

Pear Vanilla Jam

From: Jen Around the World

Vanilla Blueberry Jam

From: Salt and Spoon

Rhubarb, Lemon & Vanilla Jam

From: Fab Food 4 All

Baked peaches with cinnamon


As the warm rays of the sun grace our days and flowers bloom in vibrant colors, it's the perfect time to savor the sweet delights of summer. This season brings with it an abundance of fresh and juicy fruits, and what better way to celebrate them than by adding a touch of cinnamon to create unforgettable summer treats.

The marriage of fruits and cinnamon is a culinary symphony that strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and spice. This delightful pairing has a magical way of elevating the natural flavors of fruits, creating a chorus of taste sensations that dance on your palate. From the succulent juiciness of ripe peaches to the burst of tartness in blueberries, each fruit plays a different note, beautifully complemented by the warm and comforting tones of cinnamon.

Whether you're hosting a laid-back backyard gathering, cooling off by the poolside, or enjoying a picnic at the park, our collection of fruity cinnamon recipes will transport you to a tropical paradise, filling your senses with the essence of summer. So, let the warmth of cinnamon embrace the sweetness of summer, and embark on a culinary journey that captures the spirit of this beautiful season.

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

From: Let's Dish

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

From: Savor the Best

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

From: Broma

ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks

Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

From: Cambrea Bakes

Apple Cinnamon Galette

From: Joyous Apron

Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread

From: The Baker Mama

Cinnamon Sauteed Pears

From: Lively Table

Cinnamon Spiced Plum Jam

From: Oh Sweet Cultureshock

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Fruit Salad

From: Buns in my Oven

homemade ice cream in cones

Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a delightful scoop of homemade ice cream? We're thrilled to introduce our fantastic collection of cool, creamy creations that'll take your taste buds on a sunny vacation. From timeless classics to inventive treats, this lineup has something for every ice cream lover to indulge in.

strawberry ice cream recipe

Strawberry-Cacao Ice Cream Recipe

From: Beanilla

caramel no churn ice cream

6 Deliciously Easy No-Churn Ice Cream Recipes

From: Heather's Home Bakery

cookie-dough-ice-cream-sandwiches

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches

From: Beanilla/Heather's Home Bakery

chocolate-ice-cream-sandwich

Chocolate Crackle Ice Cream Sandwiches

From: Beanilla

Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream

From: Add a Pinch

French Vanilla Ice Cream

From: Handle the Heat

The Best (and Easiest) Ice Cream

From: Barefeet in the Kitchen

Granny's Ice Cream

From: Allrecipes

bowl of homemade ice cream

Few things are as satisfying as savoring a spoonful of creamy, homemade ice cream. Whether you're a seasoned ice cream enthusiast or a curious novice, making your own ice cream at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Coming off national ice cream day and this week being what we are deeming ‘ice cream week’, we wanted to share some insight into crafting delectable frozen treats right in your kitchen. In this comprehensive post, we'll answer some frequently asked questions and provide valuable insights into the world of homemade ice cream. So, dust off that ice cream maker and get ready to embark on a delightful journey of flavors and creativity!

1. Types of Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, and French Vanilla

Vanilla ice cream, despite its seemingly simple flavor, comes in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics. Let's uncover the differences among three popular variations: vanilla, vanilla bean, and French vanilla.

vanilla ice cream

Vanilla Ice Cream:

The timeless classic that needs no introduction. Vanilla ice cream is traditionally flavored with pure vanilla extract, delivering a delicate and familiar taste loved by many.

vanilla bean ice cream

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:

This variation takes the classic vanilla ice cream to the next level. Instead of relying solely on vanilla extract, vanilla bean ice cream incorporates real vanilla pods. The tiny dark flecks you see in this ice cream come from the seeds inside the vanilla pods. While these flecks do not significantly impact the flavor, they add an aesthetic charm, making each scoop a visual delight.

French vanilla ice cream

French Vanilla Ice Cream:

French vanilla ice cream is often misunderstood as a distinct type of vanilla. In reality, "French" in this context refers to a specific ice cream preparation method. French vanilla ice cream is made by infusing a custard base with egg yolks, resulting in a rich and velvety texture. The addition of egg yolks adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, creating a luxurious ice cream experience.

2. Churn vs. No-Churn Ice Cream

cream being poured into churn ice cream maker

When it comes to making homemade ice cream, you have two primary methods at your disposal: no-churn and churn ice cream.

Churn Ice Cream:

- Requires an ice cream maker, either electric or hand-cranked.

- The ice cream base is churned while it freezes, incorporating air and resulting in a smoother texture.

- Churning promotes the formation of small ice crystals, giving churned ice cream its classic creamy consistency.

- Best suited for those who are dedicated to making ice cream regularly and are willing to invest in an ice cream maker.

No-Churn Ice Cream:

- No-churn ice cream doesn't require an ice cream maker; a regular freezer is sufficient.

- The base is typically made by whipping cream and combining it with sweetened condensed milk, along with desired flavorings and mix-ins.

- The whipping process introduces air into the mixture, yielding a light and creamy texture.

- No-churn ice cream recipes are often simpler and quicker to prepare, making them accessible to beginners or those without specialized equipment.

- Yields a slightly different texture compared to churned ice cream, but still incredibly delicious.

Both methods have their advantages, and the choice between churn and no-churn ice cream depends on your preferences, available equipment, and the level of convenience you seek.

3. Custard: The Role of Eggs

uncracked eggs

The distinction between custard and non-custard ice cream lies in the inclusion of eggs in the base mixture.

Custard Ice Cream:

- Custard ice cream, also known as French-style ice cream, incorporates egg yolks into the base.

- The addition of egg yolks contributes to a luscious and velvety texture.

- The eggs act as natural emulsifiers, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Making custard ice cream involves cooking the mixture and carefully tempering the eggs to achieve the desired texture.

Non-Custard Ice Cream:

- Non-custard ice cream recipes skip the use of eggs in the base.

- The primary ingredients typically include cream, milk, sugar, and flavorings.

- Non-custard ice creams are simpler to prepare and generally have a lighter texture.

- While they may not possess the richness of custard ice cream, non-custard variations still offer delicious and refreshing frozen treats.

4. Thickening Agents: Achieving the Perfect Texture

scoop of ice cream

Thickening agents play a crucial role in ice cream making, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency. Here are some common options:

Egg Yolks: The most traditional thickening agent, egg yolks contain natural proteins and fats that contribute to a rich and luxurious texture in custard-based ice creams.

Cornstarch: Often used in non-custard ice creams, cornstarch mixed with milk helps thicken the base and create a smooth mouthfeel.

Gelatin: Adding a small amount of gelatin to the ice cream mixture improves texture by reducing ice crystal formation and creating a smoother consistency.

Tapioca Starch: Similar to cornstarch, tapioca starch can be used as a thickening agent to achieve a creamy texture in non-custard ice creams.

Junket Tablets: Junket tablets, made with rennet, can also serve as a thickening agent for certain ice cream recipes. They add a unique texture to the ice cream base and are particularly popular in traditional homemade ice cream preparations.

Experimenting with different thickening agents allows you to tailor the texture and consistency of your ice cream to your preference.


Embarking on the journey of homemade ice cream making opens up a world of flavors and creativity. Whether you're captivated by the nuances of different vanilla variations, exploring the convenience of no-churn recipes, or savoring the indulgence of custard-based ice creams, there's something for everyone. Adding thickening agents, such as egg yolks, cornstarch, gelatin, tapioca starch, or even Junket tablets, enhances the texture and elevates the overall ice cream experience.

Remember, making homemade ice cream is as much an art as it is a science. Allow your taste buds to guide you, experiment with flavors, and don't be afraid to put your spin on classic recipes. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on the delightful adventure of crafting your own frozen delights. Happy scooping and savor every creamy spoonful!

Vanilla Beans with a vanilla orchid flower

Vanilla beans are the ultimate flavor enhancer. Their aromatic, sweet, and complex flavors are unmatched, and they are used in a wide range of dishes and desserts. However, when it comes to using vanilla beans there's a lot more to consider than just their rich, sweet flavor. If you are unfamiliar with the world of vanilla, you may be surprised to learn there are actually two main grades of vanilla beans that are commonly used in culinary applications: grade A and grade B. While both types of beans have their own unique characteristics and uses, it can be confusing to know what the grades mean and when to use each bean. Let's take a closer look at what sets grade A and grade B vanilla beans apart, and how you can choose the best option for your needs.

Appearance and Moisture Content

The appearance and moisture content of vanilla beans are the primary factors that determine their grade. Grade A vanilla beans are longer, plumper, and have a higher moisture content than grade B vanilla beans. They also have a shiny, oily exterior, and are free of any blemishes or defects. Grade B vanilla beans, on the other hand, are shorter, thinner, and have a lower moisture content. They have a duller exterior and may have some blemishes or defects (like splits and cracks).

Vanilla beans with vanilla extract

When to Use Each Grade of Vanilla Bean

While moisture and appearance are key to determining the grade of each bean, your intended use of the vanilla beans is helpful in deciding which bean grade is best to use. Grade A vanilla beans are considered ‘gourmet-grade beans’, and they are primarily used in dishes where the flavor and appearance of the beans are the main focus. They are preferred by professional pastry chefs and bakers for use in high-end desserts, such as crème brûlée, panna cotta, and vanilla ice cream. Many vanilla connoisseurs also prefer them for their homemade vanilla products like vanilla extract and vanilla sugar.

Grade B vanilla beans, on the other hand, are considered ‘extract-grade beans’, and they are primarily used in making vanilla extract. They are also used in baking and cooking, but they are not recommended for high-end desserts or dishes where the vanilla flavor and appearance are the main focus. However, some chefs and bakers prefer grade B vanilla beans for use in desserts where the flavor of the vanilla is not the star, such as in chocolate desserts or savory dishes.

Whether you choose grade A or grade B vanilla beans, you can be confident that you are getting an excellent ingredient that will add depth and complexity to your culinary creations. While there are some differences between the two grades in terms of appearance, moisture content, and intended use, both types of beans are versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes and desserts. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, experimenting with different grades of vanilla beans can help you discover new flavors and elevate your cooking to the next level. So go ahead and try both grades of vanilla beans and see which one works best for you!

Three Thanksgiving pies

With more than 60 pie recipes to choose from, this Thanksgiving pie collection has more than enough options to make sure dessert will be a success. Whether you want a traditional pumpkin, apple, or pecan pie, or you want to try something new (like salted caramel dark chocolate pie or bourbon drizzled apple pie), there is a recipe for you! Choose a pie category below or browse the full list to see all the delicious options.

Jump to a category: Pumpkin Pies | Sweet Potato Pies | Apple Pies | Pecan Pies | Fruit Pies | Vanilla Pies | Chocolate Pies

Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Pie Recipes

Sweet potato pie

Sweet Potato Pie Recipes

Apple Pie Recipes

Pecan pie

Pecan Pie Recipes

Strawberry pie

Fruit Pie Recipes

Vanilla custard pie

Vanilla Pie Recipes

chocolate pie

Chocolate Pie Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin spice isn't just for lattes anymore! With the weather finally starting to cool off, we're excited to fully embrace our favorite time of year. No, not fall; we're talking about baking season! Few things are better than spending time around a warm oven, whipping up some cookies, cakes, and other delectable desserts to share with your family and friends. Of course, another thing that's on everyone's mind this time of year is pumpkin spice. This simple blend of spices was originally intended to be used in making pumpkin pies, but we find that it makes the perfect addition to all manner of tasty treats. To help share the love, we've gathered recipes for some festive pumpkin spice desserts from around the web.

Pumpkin Dessert Recipes:

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

From: Amanda's Cookin'

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

From: Averie Cooks

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

From: Live Well Bake Often

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn

From: Eat at Our Table

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

From: Plating Pixels

Pumpkin Spice Fudge

From: Shugary Sweets

Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake

From: Southern Bite

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

From: Crazy for Crust

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti

From: The Olive Blogger

Shop pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Pie Truffles

From: Le Petit Eats

Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

From: Six Sisters' Stuff

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

From: Butternut Bakery

Pumpkin Muffins

From: Celebrating Sweets

Plate of homemade cookie dough ice cream sandwiches

Everyone loves an ice cream sandwich! Whoever decided to take our favorite frozen treat and make it portable was a genius, and there is an undeniable nostalgic comfort that comes with unwrapping one of those little slices of heaven. But if we’re being honest, a lot of ice cream sandwiches are pretty light on flavor. We know we’ve eaten our share of bland vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two rectangular “cookies” that taste more like cardboard than anything we’d want to eat intentionally. So what if we told you there was a better way? That you could easily make the best darn ice cream sandwiches you’ve ever had in the comfort of your own home, without any special equipment. 

If you weren’t already sold, it needs to be mentioned that these are no ordinary ice cream sandwiches! The cookie dough used is no-bake and the homemade ice cream is no-churn, which adds up to a no-fuss treat for your family! This recipe was shared with us by Heather Templeton, the baker, author, photographer, traveler, and creator behind Heather’s Home Bakery. She recently published a book called Easy No-Churn Ice Cream, and was kind enough to give us exclusive access to this preview recipe from that book. So what are you waiting for? Ditch that box of boring that’s been sitting in your freezer, whip up this Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich recipe, and thank us (and Heather) later!

cookie-dough-ice-cream-sandwiches

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches

From 'Easy No-Churn Ice Cream' by Heather Templeton
No ratings yet
Servings 12 ice cream cookie sandwiches

Ingredients
  

For the edible cookie dough:

  • ½ cup salted butter softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 2 tbsp. heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • cups all purpose flour*
  • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips semi sweet used in this recipe

For the ice cream:

  • 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ cup half and half
  • cups heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • In a small to medium sized bowl, begin to make the cookie dough by creaming the butter and both sugars together with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add in the heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, and salt. Blend the mixture until everything is incorporated.
  • Add in the flour and mix well, finally folding the mini chocolate chips into the batter. Roll the edible cookie dough out between two sheets of parchment paper. You will want the cookie dough to be about 1/2 inch thick. Using a square or round cookie cutter, cut the cookie dough shapes out and place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer for an hour to allow the cookie dough to harden.
  • In a medium size bowl, make the ice cream by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla extract, and half-and-half until the mixture is smooth. Set this aside. With a standing or hand mixture, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, 60 to 90 seconds. Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk mixture into the cream that has been whipped. You will want this to be a smooth and lump-free as possible. Prepare 2 8-inch round or square pans by lining with parchment paper. Ensure that the parchment has a bit of overhang so that you can remove the ice cream as a whole unit once it is fully frozen. Separate the ice cream into your two parchment lined pans. Using a spatula, spread the ice cream evenly throughout the pans. You will want the ice cream to be between 1/2 and 3/4 inch thick for an optimum ratio when sandwiched between the cookies. Freeze the ice cream uncovered for 3 to 5 hours or overnight, until firm.
  • It is best to work in batches so that both ice cream and the cookies remain fully frozen. Remove six cookies and one pan of ice cream at a time. Use the same cookie dough cutter that you used to cut out the cookie dough. Cut squares or circles of the ice cream and each ice cream square or circle between two frozen cookie dough pieces. Gently press down and refreeze the cookie sandwiches until you’re ready to consume them. Repeat this process with the second pan of ice cream and the remaining six cookies. You may want to refreeze the ice cream for a short period of time if you find that it is becoming soft as you assemble the cookies.
  • Roll the cookie dough ice cream sandwiches in your sprinkles of choice, and refreeze until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Notes

*It has been said that there is a small risk of E. coli when consuming raw flour. If this concerns you, microwave your flower for 1 minute 15 seconds or until 160°F temperature is reached. Allow the flour to cool completely and proceed with the recipe.

*This recipe was shared as part of a joint collaboration between Heather's Home Bakery & Beanilla. This recipe is an exclusive sneak peak to the cookbook 'Easy No Churn Ice Cream' by Heather Templeton.

About Heather's Home Bakery:

Heather’s Home Bakery is a culinary brand that emerged from the combined passions – baking, recipe development, and photography - of owner Heather Templeton. What started as a simple venture into cake-making has now expanded into dozens of original recipes as well as a cookbook featuring 50 exclusive no-churn ice cream recipes! You can find all of the delicious recipes (each accompanied by eye-popping photography) and more at heathershomebakery.com.

No-churn ice cream
All ice cream recipes & images are courtesy of Heather's Home Bakery.

Have you ever wanted to make your own ice cream, only to be put off by how daunting it seems? We have a sweet solution for you! No-churn ice cream is the easy way to get the customization and quality of homemade ice cream without the hassle. And when we say easy, we mean it! If you have never tried no-churn ice cream for yourself, you'll be surprised at how simple (and simply delicious) it is.

What's that you say, you don't have an ice cream maker? That's ok, you don't need one (we told you it was easy). And if you do have an ice cream maker, don't bother getting it out. In the amount of time it takes you to lug the machine from your pantry and set it up, you can have these delicious, decadent ice cream recipes whipped up and ready to freeze. These no-churn recipes are also no-cook, making them perfect for hot summer days - or any day.

All you need to get started is your favorite mixer (hand or stand), a couple of bowls, and a freezer safe container. From there you whip together a few simple ingredients and before you know it, your ice cream will be ready. Previously, we have mentioned our love of 'low effort, high reward' recipes, and no-churn ice cream might be the pinnacle of that category. So clear out some freezer space and find your favorite no-churn ice cream recipe!

No-Churn Ice Cream Recipes:

Biscoff Caramel Cold Brew Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

Snickers Ice Cream with a Caramel Ripple

Caramel Toffee Ice Cream

vegan-chocolate-ice-cream

Vegan Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

no-churn-cookies-and-cream-ice-cream

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

*This article was written as part of a joint collaboration between Heather's Home Bakery & Beanilla.

About Heather's Home Bakery:

Heather’s Home Bakery is a culinary brand that emerged from the combined passions – baking, recipe development, and photography - of owner Heather Templeton. What started as a simple venture into cake-making has now expanded into dozens of original recipes as well as a cookbook featuring 50 exclusive no-churn ice cream recipes! You can find all of the delicious recipes (each accompanied by eye-popping photography) and more at heathershomebakery.com.

Pistachio Flavoring

We're nuts about pistachios! Roasted and eaten right out of the shell, chopped and used to top ice cream or fill baklava, ground into delicious pistachio butter, there are countless ways to savor these sensational seeds. While whole pistachios are incredibly versatile, their flavor tends to be pretty mild and doesn't always shine through when used in baking or other recipes. That's where our Pistachio Flavoring comes in! It's the perfect way to add a potent pistachio punch to your ice cream, cakes, cookies, coffee, and more. We've rounded up some of our favorite pistachio flavoring recipes to help get you started!

Ultimate Pistachio Lover's Gelato

From: Love & Olive Oil

Creamy, decadent, and absolutely bursting with pistachio flavor, this gelato recipe will keep you cool--and your taste buds happy--all summer long.

View Recipe >>

Homemade Pistachio Nougat

From: The Spruce Eats

Candy-making can be intimidating, but this straightforward recipe is a great way to ease into it. The most difficult part might be not eating the results before you can share them!

View Recipe >>

Four-Ingredient Pistachio Gelato Fudge

From: A Spicy Perspective

Sweet treats don't get any easier to make than this simple, delicious pistachio fudge. A great way to indulge your cravings any time!

View Recipe >>

Shop pistachio flavoring

Pistachio Pound Cake

From: Leite's Culinaria

This nutty take on the classic pound cake is dense, moist, and perfect for sharing. Substitute Pistachio Flavoring for the almond extract to really take things to the next level.

View Recipe >>

Pistachio Drop Cookies

From: Sally's Baking Recipes

With only six ingredients, these simple-yet-scrumptious cookies can be mixed in a single bowl, making them a great last-minute or weeknight treat!

View Recipe >>

Pistachio Iced Mocha

From: Beanilla

Of course we had to include our own recipe! Forget waiting in line and paying high prices; it's easy to make this gourmet coffee drink in the comfort of your own home!

View Recipe >>

Vanilla Barbecue Sauce

Here at Beanilla, we love all the classic uses for vanilla: baking delicious cakes and cookies, making ice cream, and whipping up all sorts of sweet treats. But we also like to highlight applications that might not immediately spring to mind. Case in point, our recent post about Refreshing Summer Drinks, several of which include vanilla. With summer grilling season still going strong, we thought it would be fun to take things to an even more savory extreme by rounding up a selection of vanilla-infused barbecue sauce recipes to help you take your next cookout to the next level.

Cherry Vanilla Bourbon Barbecue Ribs

From: The Urban Cowgirl

This recipe is for ribs, but you can use this sweet, tangy sauce on just about anything!

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The Award Losing Maple Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

From: The Art of Doing Stuff

Bourbon adds a little bite and a little sweetness to the mix. If you're not used to cooking with alcohol, don't worry; most of it will burn off as it simmers, leaving only the flavor behind.

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Liquid Gold Mustard Sauce

From: Food Network

This Carolina-style mustard sauce is the perfect way to shake things up at your next cookout. Try it on chicken, pork, or anything else you want to taste awesome!

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Chocolate Chile BBQ Sauce

From: Meathead's Amazingribs.com

This sauce has a classic flavor profile at its heart, but chocolate and chipotle chile powder add a rich, complex depth.

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Vanilla Barbecue Sauce

From: Food.com

Vanilla extract adds a touch of sophistication to this simple, versatile barbecue sauce recipe.

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Blueberry Whiskey Barbecue Sauce

From: Boulder Locavore

Sweet, spicy, and fresh. Whisky and fresh blueberries sweeten this sauce, while jalapeños and hot paprika give it a little bite.

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Maple-Vanilla Rum Barbecue Sauce

From: Maple From Canada

This sauce is a little tangy, but puts an emphasis on the sweetness. Add some hot sauce or your favorite chile pepper to spice it up a bit!

View Recipe >>

Summer is finally here! We love a good day at the beach or backyard cookout, but sometimes it can be hard to cool off after too much fun in the sun. That's where a nice cold beverage can be indispensable. While there are endless options ranging from pre-made drinks to age-old recipes for lemonade and other classic concoctions, you know we have to take things up a notch. That's why we have compiled a list of some of our favorite resplendent refreshments from our blog. There's something for everyone: cocktails, soft drinks, and even iced coffee in case you need help staying awake to enjoy the long days while they last. Whatever your proverbial poison, you're sure to enjoy these summer drink recipes!

Vanilla Bean Lemonade
This recipe for vanilla bean lemonade combines the bright, citrusy flavors of lemon with the fragrant sweetness of vanilla bean, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful summer drink
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Vanilla Lemonade
Raspberry Vanilla Limeade
If you think there's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a tall glass of lemonade, that's only because you haven't tried this amazing raspberry limeade recipe, infused with just the right amount of vanilla.
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Homemade Soda
It's easier than you probably thought to make delicious, all-natural soft drinks in your own home. In this recipe, we offer three different refreshing options.
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Homemade Soda
Vanilla Bean Iced Coffee
We all need a little pick-me-up once in a while, and this delicious vanilla-infused ice coffee recipe is a refreshing way to get a cup of Joe even when the temperatures soar.
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Green Vanilla Smoothie
Indulge in the vibrant goodness of a Green Vanilla Smoothie, blending together nutritious greens, a touch of sweetness from vanilla, and a creamy texture for a refreshing and healthy beverage that will leave you feeling revitalized.
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green vanilla smoothie
Vanilla Moscow Mule
Tahitian vanilla adds a sweet, exotic floral note to a tried-and true classic cocktail.
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Vanilla Moscow Mule
Almond-Raspberry Italian Soda
Savor the delightful combination of nutty almond and tangy raspberry in an Almond-Raspberry Italian Soda, creating a fizzy and flavorful beverage that is both refreshing and satisfying.
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italian soda
Strawberry Mint Julep
This sweet spin on the Derby-day classic will keep you cool all summer long!
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Strawberry Mint Julep
Vanilla Peach Bellini Martini
James bond prefers his martinis on the simple side, but that's only because he hasn't tried our sweet, sophisticated take on the formula.
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Peach Bellini Martini

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From tarts and parfaits to scones and pudding, the addition of fruit is the perfect way to add fresh flavor to many desserts and recipes, especially during the summer. Now, we know that fruit is more than capable of standing on its own in a recipe - and when you're craving a fruity treat, you want the delicious fruit flavor to be the star of the show - but what kind of vanilla enthusiasts would we be if we didn't try to incorporate our favorite flavor into just about everything? As such, we went to work to discover recipes that combine fresh fruit and vanilla (in any of its forms) in the perfect, complementary way.

Check out the following recipes to add some fruity-vanilla freshness to your day.

Fruity Recipes:

No Bake Patriotic Cheesecake Parfaits

From: Beanilla

Creamy vanilla cheesecake layered with blueberries and raspberries makes for the perfect patriotic treat.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Bean Paste

View Recipe >>

Vanilla Bean Eton Mess

From: Beanilla

A simple yet elegant dessert combining fresh raspberries and meringues with homemade vanilla bean whipped cream.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Beans

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Fresh Fruit with Vanilla Bean Syrup

From: Beanilla

Use a medley of whatever fruit you like to make this delicious, fruity treat. Drizzle it with vanilla bean syrup for extra flavor and sweetness.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Beans

View Recipe >>

Vanilla Bean Rhubarb-Ginger Scones

From: Brown Eyed Baker

Flaky, tender scones infused with vanilla bean seeds and loaded with rhubarb. A perfect balance of tart & sweetness.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Beans

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Shop a variety of vanilla products

Vanilla Bean and Blueberry Chia Pudding

From: The Healthy Family & Home

This recipe couldn't be easier - add the 5 ingredients together and shake them up. Makes a great healthy breakfast or snack.

Vanilla Ingr: Ground Vanilla Bean Powder or Extract

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Vanilla Bean Pickled Cherries

From: Garlic & Zest

A vanilla bean helps to round out the flavor of these spicy & tart cherries. Keep these on hand to add to cheese boards, salads, or to serve with meat.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Beans

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Baked Peaches

From: Waves in the Kitchen

Fresh peaches baked with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla... it's hard to top the simplicity and flavor of this sweet summer treat.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Beans

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Strawberry Rhubarb Vanilla Jam w/ Cardamom

From: Recipe Runner

Vanilla and cardamom add warmth to this fruity summer jam. Just cook down the fruit and pour it into a jar and you will be ready to enjoy this flavorful homemade jam.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Paste or Extract

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Mini Strawberry Scones w/ Vanilla Bean Glaze

From: Jen Around the World

These bite-sized strawberry scones are the prefect treat for a party, get together, or at home snack. With chunks of strawberry and a sweet vanilla glaze, these are sure to be a favorite.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Beans & Extract

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Raw Blueberry and Kiwi Tart

From: Blissful Basil

This fruity vegan tart uses an almond-date crust filled with delicious cream and is finished off with a mesmerizing fruit layer.

Vanilla Ingr: Vanilla Beans

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Ice cream with chocolate extract hot fudge sauce

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Everyone loves a good chocolate dessert! Whether eating it as an at-home snack or providing dessert for a crowd, you can't go wrong with a rich, chocolatey treat. But what if your chocolate desserts could be even better? We know what you're thinking, how can you make chocolate better than it already is? The answer is simple - by adding more of it, but in a different form than what you might be used to. Chocolate in extract form that is.

Using Chocolate Extract

Like vanilla extract, that is made by extracting flavor directly from vanilla beans, chocolate extract is made by extracting flavor directly from cocoa beans. The result of the extraction process is a bottle of rich, highly concentrated, natural chocolate flavor.

Chocolate extract is most often used by adding a small amount to recipes that have a chocolate base. You will find that when used in recipes alongside cocoa powder or melted chocolate, chocolate extract highlights the chocolate flavor and adds irresistible depth.

If you want to see how others have incorporated chocolate extract into their treats and desserts, take a look at the following collection of amazing chocolate recipes.

Chocolate Recipes:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 

From: BruCrew Life

Chocolate extract adds another level of chocolatiness to this perfect summer ice cream.

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Blackberry Lavender Brownie Pie

From: Live to Sweet

"There's chocolate extract in both the crust and the filling to really amp up the chocolate flavor."

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Chocolate Cherry Cake

From: Baking Beauty

This simple cake recipe has no shortage of chocolate - chocolate cherry cake topped with chocolate buttercream frosting!

View Recipe >>

Double Chocolate Chip Banana Bread 

From: What's Gaby Cooking

One bowl is all you need to whip up this chocolatey banana bread. This recipe makes for a perfect snack any time of day.

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Chocolate Cream Pie

From: Broma

Just a teaspoon of chocolate extract is used to accentuate the rich chocolate flavor in this classic cream pie.

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Best Quick Hot Fudge Sauce 

From: Pastry Chef Online

Chocolate extract is one of the "secret ingredients" used to make this 5 minute hot fudge taste more sophisticated than it is.

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Gluten Free Cookies and Cream Donuts

From: What the Fork

Baked chocolate donuts topped with a cream cheese icing & crushed chocolate cookies. These look as good as they taste.

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Gooey, Fudgy S'mores Brownies

From: A Cookie Named Desire

This recipe screams summer! Fudgy brownies on a graham cracker crust, topped with gooey marshmallows.

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Chocolate Pudding

From: The Pioneer Woman

A simple, from scratch chocolate pudding. Eat it on its own for a tasty snack or use it to build a pudding parfait!

View Recipe >>

Rice pudding with vanilla

Jump to Recipes

Behind the beans here at Beanilla we are regular people just like you. And like you, we love finding great recipes, especially ones that contain all of our favorite ingredient - vanilla! When it comes to finding new recipes to try, we don't pass on those that are less popular, as there are many talented chefs behind many of those recipes and you can often find new favorites among them. While we love 'hunting' for these lesser known recipes, we can't deny the draw of a highly rated and reviewed recipe. Why not check out a recipe that many others have already tried and given their praise for?

Due to an insatiable appetite for all things vanilla (the reason we exist), we recently set out to discover what types of vanilla recipes are the highest rated and reviewed. We found several and wanted to share them with you. For this blog post we decided to group together several highly rated vanilla dessert recipes found on allrecipes.com (no, there is no affiliation or sponsorship from them for this - they just share a lot of good recipes).

To make this list, a dessert recipe had to use vanilla extract and be rated 4+ stars from at least 1,000 ratings. So you could say there's a good chance they are all pretty good! Check them out and maybe you will find a favorite new way to use your vanilla!

*Recipes from allrecipes.com. Ratings and reviews noted are as of the original publish date of this post.

Best Ever Blueberry Cobbler

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (1,103)

Spanish Flan

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (1,161)

Creamy Rice Pudding

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (5,829)

Caramel Popcorn

Rated: 5 ★★★★★ (2,334)

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Tres Leches (Milk Cake)

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (1,730)

Easy Sugar Cookies

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (7,805)

Best Brownies

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (13,080)

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (17,410)

Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (1,533)

Carrot Cake III

Rated: 4.5 ★★★★★ (7,111)

St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes decorated with shamrocks

We jump on any opportunity to make food fun & festive and there is no better reason to do so than celebrating St. Patrick's Day! The addition of green treats & desserts on St. Patrick's Day is one of the easiest & best ways to add another level of fun to the day. To help you find the perfect green treats to add to your table, we compiled some of the best recipes that you are sure to love. And let's be honest, it wouldn't be fair to make a green treat that isn't mint flavored - so enjoy these minty-green dessert recipes.

Chocolate Mint Dream Bars

From: 365 Days of Baking & More

Oreo cookie crust, peppermint, pudding, whipped topping - there's a reason they are called Dream Bars.

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Fudgy Grasshopper Cake

From: Creations By Kara

A festive marbled mint cake with a layer of fudge and creamy mint topping. This fun cake might become your new favorite.

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Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

From: Bake. Eat. Repeat

Soft, chewy, and green! The minty green twist on these traditional cookies makes them perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

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Keto Mint Chocolate Bars

From: All Day I Dream About Food

You can still have fun desserts while sticking to your diet. No baking & no sugar in these delicious mint chocolate bars.

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The Best Mint Buttercream Frosting

From: Two Sisters

While especially good on chocolate cake and cupcakes, you can make any treat festive with this mint infused green frosting.

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Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

From: Mom On Timeout

These little green snowball cookies are perfect for St. Patrick's Day. They are easy to make and easier to eat. 😉

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Mint Chocolate Chip Dip

From: Homemade Hooplah

A creamy green mint & chocolate chip cheesecake dip served with Oreos for dipping. Yes, you read that correctly!

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Mint Chocolate Chip No Bake Cheesecake

From: Miss In The Kitchen

Delicious, quick to make, and looks amazing. This recipe will take your celebratory desserts to the next level.

View Recipe >>

Whether they are standing alone as a side or snack or adding a sweet touch to desserts, salads, and drinks, there are few foods as versatile as strawberries. Their flavor dominance spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and everything in-between) and we wouldn’t have it any other way! While there is no direct replacement for fresh strawberries, especially as a garnish, natural strawberry extract allows you to add authentic strawberry flavor to any recipe. Strawberry extract can be used to flavor cakes, cookies, ice cream, beverages, breads, and more. We rounded up some great strawberry recipes to help demonstrate how you too can use strawberry extract in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Recipes:

These strawberry recipes are great any time of year but make for extra special Valentine's Day treats!

Strawberry Cupcakes

From: Cake Whiz

A simple, pink, from-scratch cupcake recipe that is full of strawberry flavor.

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Strawberry Lemon Sugar Cookie Cups

From: Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Sugar cookie cups topped with a strawberry lemon curd. These look as good as they taste.

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Strawberry Glazed Valentine Donuts

From: Baked by Rachel

Homemade heart shaped donuts topped with strawberry icing... now that's sweet.

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Strawberry Chocolate Chip Biscotti

From: Created by Diane

The classic combo of strawberries & chocolate team up to make a delicious biscotti finished with a smooth strawberry icing.

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The Best Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

From: Mom Loves Baking

Fresh strawberry puree & strawberry extract are used to get the perfect strawberry flavor in this delicious icing.

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Secret Heart Strawberry Vanilla Pound Cake

From: Gretas Day

There's heart at the center of this recipe... literally. Check out this pound cake with a fun & sweet surprise baked in.

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Soft Baked Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

From: Noble Pig

Just like it sounds - all the goodness of strawberry shortcake baked into snackable cookie sized desserts. These 'cookies' make a great addition for any occasion.

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Strawberry Banana Bread

From: Crazy for Crust

The addition of strawberries to this ONE BOWL banana bread might make banana bread even more perfect than it already is.

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Strawberry Limoncello Snow Cone

From: Beanilla

Are you ever too old for a snow cone? Drizzle some strawberry extract over this refreshing treat and you will know the answer to that question is, no!

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coconut sugar

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Coconut sugar is one of those ingredients that seems to have just popped up overnight. While this is true in the Western world, where its popularity has skyrocketed (along with a host of other alternative sweeteners) in recent years, coconut sugar has been a staple in Asian kitchens for generations. But what exactly is coconut sugar, and why does it deserve a place in your pantry? Keep reading to learn all about this sweet sensation.

What is Coconut Sugar?

While the name might have you picturing the familiar white-fleshed fruit of the coconut tree, coconut sugar is actually made from the tree's sap. In a process similar to making maple syrup, the coconut sap is reduced by heating it so that the water evaporates. This eventually results in a thick syrup, some of which is used in a liquid form, and some of which is further reduced into a crystalline sugar.

One of the reasons coconut sugar has gained so much attention in recent years is that it has a number of potential health benefits compared to traditional white sugar. Many people appreciate that it is unrefined, and therefore a more natural product than plain sugar. Minimal processing also means that coconut sugar retains several nutrients and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. It also has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, meaning it is less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar.

How to Use Coconut Sugar

We know what you're thinking: it's nice that this stuff is natural and potentially healthier, but what does it taste like? And how do I use it? To answer the first question, it's delicious, of course! Since coconut sugar is unrefined, its flavor profile has a lot in common with brown sugar. Sweet, but with some darker notes of caramel or toffee. This makes it a great substitute for brown sugar in recipes, but its lower moisture content means it can sub in for white sugar as well. And it's easy to make the switch since coconut sugar can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for either white or brown sugar. If you're ready to try it yourself, we've gathered just a few of our favorite coconut sugar recipes below.

Rum-Kissed Coconut Granola

From: The Bojon Gourmet

Looking for a snack that's healthy, delicious, and most importantly easy to make? Look no further!

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Coconut Sugar Cookies

From: Dessert for Two

This cookie recipe puts the complex flavor of coconut sugar front and center! One bite, and you'll never want to go back to plain white sugar again.

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Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

From: The Simple Veganista

Coconut sugar stands in perfectly for brown sugar in this vegan take on an all-time classic.

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Gluten-free Apple Pie

From: Healthy Nibbles

This recipe uses coconut sugar to create a not-too-sweet version of this classic, delicious dessert.

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Coconut Sugar Banana Sheet Cake

From: Shauna Sever

Pairing bananas with coconut sugar creates the perfect combo. Check out this tasty recipe & get a few bonus tips for baking with coconut sugar.

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Gluten Free Coconut Sugar Brownies

From: Off The Wheaten Path

Deep flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. A great dessert to satisfy your chocolate craving.

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Coconut Sugar Peanut Brittle

From: Unconventional Baker

A "delicious dark and handsome" snack. With just 4 ingredients (and a candy thermometer) it doesn't get much simpler than this!

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Easy Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

From: Fork Knife Swoon

Fluffy, moist, packed full of flavor, and only one bowl needed (no mixer either). These muffins may be your new favorite breakfast.

View Recipe >>

baking ingredients

As the year comes to a close we look back at our most popular recipes of the year. This year's list contains traditional favorites as well as some new takes on familiar recipes. Whether its sugar, soda, cookies, or salt, one thing is consistent throughout our most popular recipes - vanilla makes everything better!

vanilla extract homemade

Vanilla Extract

Prized for its rich, complex flavor and incredibly smooth aroma. There simply is no substitute for homemade extract!

Kahlua

Homemade Kahlua

Homemade Kahlua is very easy to make. A few simple ingredients is all it takes and you'll have a Kahlua that will rival any store brand.

vanilla lime vodka

Vanilla Vodka

Add this vanilla infused vodka to your home bar. This versatile flavored spirit can be added to almost any cocktail!

vanilla sugar

Vanilla Sugar

Sugar infused with the rich, aromatic flavor of vanilla. We have 4 recipes to help you find your perfect method.

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Coffee Ganache

A simple mixture of hot cream and good quality chocolate, enhanced with coffee flavor.

vanilla vodka cream soda

(Adult) Cream Soda

Use your vanilla infused vodka for this delicious drink that mimics the sweet creamy vanilla taste of cream soda.

flavored simple syrups

Flavored Simple Syrup

Flavored syrups are very simple to make. They are a combination of sugar, water and high quality extracts and flavorings.

Vanilla Salt

Vanilla salt is very versatile and the sweet + savory flavor profile is the perfect addition to just about any dessert.

banket

Banket Dutch Pastry

A puff pastry-like dough filled with an almond paste mixture. A delicious Dutch treat to share with friends and loved ones.

Orange Cardamom cookies

Orange Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies

A sweet, tangy, spicy, & delicious twist to your traditional cookie recipe.

amaretti cookies

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What is Amaretto

Amaretto is a sweet and slightly bitter almond-flavored Italian liqueur. Amaretto is most commonly made from the seeds or pits of drupes (stone fruits) such as almonds, apricots and peaches. All three of these are suitable flavorants as they contain the organic compound benzaldehyde, which is the source of the almond, nutty flavor of amaretto.

Amaretto Uses & Recipes

Amaretto is often enjoyed as a cocktail mixer and coffee additive but also stands strong for its culinary capabilities. Naturally, amaretto’s almond flavor makes it a versatile ingredient around the kitchen and incorporating it into recipes is a great way to enhance desserts and other baked goods. You can use your favorite liqueur brand in your recipes or check out our natural Amaretto Flavoring to keep on hand (it probably fits better in your spice cabinet). When substituting Amaretto Flavoring for liqueur, use 1/4 teaspoon of flavoring for every tablespoon of liqueur.

If you want to incorporate amaretto into your kitchen, here are some great recipes for you to try.

Amaretto Cream Pie From: Saving Room for Dessert

Amaretto Cream Pie

From: Saving Room for Dessert

This cream pie is an almond lovers delight! A shortbread-almond pie crust with a sweet amaretto filling topped with whipped cream garnished with almonds.

View Recipe >>

chewy amaretti cookies from Mangia Bedda

Chewy Amaretti (Italian Almond Cookies)

From: Mangia Bedda

Amaretti cookies is a classic recipe that uses Amaretto. Check out this step by step recipe to make these crisp but chewy traditional Italian Cookies.

View Recipe >>

Creme Brûlée French Toast

Creme Brûlée French Toast

From: The Bell House

Breakfast will never be the same after you add this to the menu. A small tweak to a traditional family recipe brings the addition of amaretto to this dish, making mornings even more delightful.

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Raspberry-Amaretto-cheesecake

Raspberry Amaretto Cheesecake Tarts

From: Beanilla

A lighter, less sweet dessert that allows the flavors of the amaretto flavoring and natural raspberry extracts to shine through.

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Amaretto Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

From: Call Me PMC

Amaretto flavored cake with a ribbon of cream cheese and topped with a sweet streusel. This perfect combination can and will be enjoyed anytime!

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Nutella and Hazelnut Rolled Biscotti

From: Marisa's Italian Kitchen

These crumbly Italian cookies combine orange zest and amaretto to create an incredibly flavored biscotti. And it just gets better as they are rolled with a Nutella filling and finished with some sugar on top.

View Recipe >>

The Best Tiramisu Cheesecake

From: Tatyana's Everyday Food

Yes, you read that right. Tiramisu meets cheesecake in this masterfully combined dessert. Amaretto, coffee, and mascarpone cheese make for iconic Italian flavor in this fluffy cheesecake.

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Amaretto Snowballs

From: Pure Ella

These snowballs are simply delicious. How simple you might ask? They only require 4 ingredients and no baking. Also, they're vegan & gluten-free, so there is no excuse not to make them.

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Sensational Strawberry Jam

From: The Southern Whisk

We all know there's not much better than strawberry jam. But what we might not know is it can be even better. Infuse your jam with some amaretto to further enhance its goodness!

View Recipe >>

flavored amaretto syrup

Flavored Simple Syrup Recipe

From: Beanilla

A very simple syrup recipe. Add to your coffee or drizzle over fruits and oatmeal for a sweet amaretto flavor.

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Chocoholic Heaven

From: Burn Boot Camp

A sweet & chocolaty but healthy treat… yes please! This Chocolate Amaretto Mousse is full of flavor but wont mess up your healthy eating regimen.

View Recipe >>

*images used with permission from the recipe owners

vanilla sugar

JUMP TO RECIPES

Vanilla sugar is as amazing as it sounds! Take the rich, aromatic flavor of vanilla and combine it with sugar and you have your new favorite ingredient. Vanilla sugar is super versatile, which is perfect because you will want to add it to everything. Substitute it into any recipe that calls for granulated sugar, use it to enhance your morning coffee, or garnish your baked goods. Vanilla sugar is a great way to reuse your vanilla beans from making extract and it makes a gourmet gift for any occasion.

The second best part (second only to the flavor), vanilla sugar is easy to make and keep on hand!

How Do You Make Vanilla Sugar?

Like any recipe, there are several ways to make vanilla sugar and we encourage you to experiment and find the style and flavor balance you prefer. You might find you like to use one style for drinks and another for baking. Regardless of the method you decide to use, all recipes start with two simple ingredients: whole vanilla beans or vanilla powder & sugar. To help you find your favorite sugar we developed several vanilla sugar recipes, each with a little different approach.

Check out the following vanilla sugar recipes to find your favorite:


infused vanilla sugar

Infused Vanilla Sugar

A traditional vanilla sugar recipe. Whole vanilla beans (or cut pieces) are placed into sugar, infusing it with incredible flavor as it sits. Some prefer this recipe, especially in drinks, as the sugar doesn't contain ground bits of the vanilla bean/vanilla caviar.
4.73 from 11 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Infusing Time 14 d
Total Time 14 d 5 mins

Equipment

  • Jar or Container (for storing)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1-2 Vanilla Beans (fresh or repurposed beans - any variety will work.)

Instructions
 

  • Place sugar into desired storage container.
  • Add beans to container, covering with sugar.
  • Cover container and allow to sit for at least 2 weeks.

Notes

  • If you are reusing beans from a wet application (ex. extract), allow to air dry before adding to sugar. 
  • Flavor will continue to build as the sugar sits. 2 weeks is the earliest we recommend, but some prefer to let it age for months or years. 
  • Add more sugar to the container to replenish as you use it. The flavor will be infused into the new sugar. Add or replace beans as needed.
  • 1-2 beans per 2 cups of sugar is usually sufficient to achieve flavor, but you can experiment with the number of beans to find the flavor strength you desire.
 
Need vanilla beans? Shop our gourmet selection.
Keyword vanilla sugar

vanilla bean sugar

Vanilla Bean Sugar

Flavorful & aromatic sugar infused by mixing ground vanilla beans or vanilla caviar into the sugar. The flecks of vanilla throughout the sugar add a strong visual identity, allowing you to 'taste it with your eyes'. The beautiful appearance of this vanilla sugar makes it great for gifting!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 mins

Equipment

  • Knife or Spice Grinder (coffee grinder or blender works)
  • Jar or Container (for storing)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1-2 Ground Vanilla Beans or Caviar from Beans (any variety will work)

Instructions
 

  • Place sugar into desired container.
  • If using ground vanilla beans: Place whole beans into spice grinder and grind to desired consistency.
    If using vanilla caviar: split beans lengthwise with knife and scrape out seeds with a knife or spoon.
  • Add ground vanilla beans or caviar to sugar.
  • Shake/whisk/mix sugar and vanilla together to evenly combine.
  • Optional: if using vanilla caviar, add used bean pods to container for extra flavor.
  • Cover container and store. Vanilla sugar can be used immediately but the flavor will continue to grow as it sits - we recommend waiting at least two weeks.

Notes

Depending on how course/fine you grind your beans there may be small bits of the bean pod detectable in food or drinks. Some enjoy these small remnants while others may find them unpleasant. You may want to sift sugar when using if undesired. 
 
Need vanilla beans? Shop our gourmet selection.
Keyword vanilla sugar

vanilla cinnamon sugar

Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar

Sugar + cinnamon has long been known as a perfect pairing, but sugar + cinnamon + vanilla... pass a spoon! Use in your baked goods, sprinkle it on toast & snacks, or pair it with a jar of vanilla bean sugar to make a gourmet gift set.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 mins
Infusing Time 14 d

Equipment

  • Spice Grinder
  • Jar or Container (for storing)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Vanilla Bean (any variety)
  • 1-3 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon Sticks (can add more or less if desired)

Instructions
 

  • Place cinnamon sticks into spice grinder and grind into a fine powder.
  • Add sugar and ground cinnamon to desired container. Shake or stir to combine.
  • Add whole vanilla bean to cinnamon-sugar mix so it is covered.
  • Let the mix sit for at least 2 weeks so the vanilla bean can infuse the mix with flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

 
Check out our wide variety of vanilla beans and cinnamon
Keyword vanilla sugar

simple vanilla sugar

Simple Vanilla Sugar

Want vanilla sugar but don't want to wait for the vanilla flavor to infuse? This recipe is for you. Two simple ingredients, mix, and this vanilla sugar is ready immediately! Like any vanilla sugar, this recipe is great for baking and to add to hot drinks but also works well when you want to avoid the discoloration of vanilla beans or vanilla extract (white frostings, cakes, garnishes, etc.).
4.29 from 7 votes
Prep Time 5 mins

Equipment

  • Jar or Container (for storing)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2-4 Tbsp Vanilla Powder

Instructions
 

Notes

  • Add vanilla powder 1 tablespoon at a time until desired flavor is reached. 
 
Recommended product: Beanilla Vanilla Powder
Keyword vanilla sugar

If you want to skip the recipe making altogether, check out our already infused & blended Vanilla Bean Sugar.

Orange Cardamom cookies

We love chocolate chip cookies as much as the next person. Let's face it, though: after the hundredth time you bake them, that tried-and-true classic can start to feel a little, well, stale. The good news is that it only takes a few extra ingredients to add a bright, citrusy kick to the formula. Our Orange Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will show you how to bake up the perfect dessert for your summer get-together!

Cardamom has a potent flavor, with notes of ginger, citrus, and even mint. It is one of the oldest known spices in the world, though for much of its history, it has been primarily used for its perceived medicinal properties. There are records of ancient Egyptians using cardamom to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. Greeks and Romans believed it aided digestion, and also prized its pungent aroma for use in oils and perfumes. In more recent times, cardamom has become known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In the culinary world, cardamom is widely used in its native India and throughout the Middle East. Interestingly, it is also quite popular in Nordic countries. It's believed to have been brought back by the Vikings from what is now Turkey. It's now a star player in a number of Scandinavian pastries and breads. Of course, it is also an essential ingredient in Glögg, which is a type of mulled wine.

Because of its citrus notes, cardamom pairs quite nicely with other citrus flavors, particularly orange. For our Orange Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies, we complement ground cardamom with a generous amount of our own orange extract. Toss in some chocolate chips, and top with just a sprinkle of sea salt. The resulting cookies are sweet, a little tangy, a little spicy, and entirely delicious. Oh, and we have a feeling they're also not likely to last very long!

Orange Cardamom cookies

Orange Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookies

This bright, citrusy take on a classic is perfect for summer entertaining.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Resting Time 1 d
Course Dessert
Servings 16 cookies

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom ground
  • 1 Tbsp orange extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/2 sticks salted butter
  • 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp Tahitian Vanilla Extract Single-Fold
  • 20 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, sift together flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
  • Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugars for about 5 minutes, or until very light.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add in the orange and vanilla extracts.
  • Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Add chocolate chips and mix to combine.
  • Cover dough with plastic wrap, pressing wrap down to surface of dough. Refrigerate for 24-36 hours.
  • After dough has had enough time to rest, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
  • Scoop six 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough onto baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over each cookie. Bake until golden brown but still soft, about 18-20 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer cookies to wire cooling rack.
Keyword cardamom, chocolate chips, cookies
Samoan vanilla initiative

It's no secret that we love vanilla. Since our company's founding over 15 years ago, those sweet, creamy, floral beans have been the cornerstone of our business. We're always on the lookout for opportunities to bring new vanilla products to our customers and work more closely with vanilla farmers around the world. That's why we are excited and proud to announce Beanilla’s Samoan Vanilla Initiative!

A Personal Connection

Spearheading our new Initiative is our COO, Tila’afe Merrick. Tila'afe was born in California but moved to Samoa with his parents when he was an infant. They moved back to the USA when Tila'afe reached school age. He spent his formative years here and built a strong background in the online retail industry. In 2013, Tila'afe visited Samoa for the first time since he was a child. His goal was to reconnect with his cultural roots and then get back to his office job in the States. However, life had different plans for him.

Tila'afe and his wife fell in love with Samoa and decided to upend their lives and move their family there. What started as a search for a deeper cultural identity soon became an opportunity to help the people of Samoa. They started a YouTube channel, JAMily TV, to document their adventures. They began to hear from an increasing number of people like Tila'afe, who had left the country to seek better job prospects, but who longed to reconnect with their native land. Tila'afe realized he had the chance to not only forge a deeper connection with the people of Samoa, but to help the local economy by driving tourism. This desire to help Samoa is a large part of what brought Tila'afe to Beanilla.

Our Samoan Vanilla Initiative

Thanks to Tila'afe, we discovered the beauty of Samoan vanilla. Samoan vanilla beans tend to be lighter, sweeter, and less earthy than vanilla from other origins. They also have a fig-like fruitiness. It was love at first sight (or should we say smell) for us!

Like most fledgling relationships, our newfound love presents us with some challenges, but also some amazing opportunities. While vanilla orchids can be found growing all across Samoa, the infrastructure to properly harvest, cure, and export the beans they produce is severely lacking. Our goal is to be able to step in and help correct this.

We plan to work directly with the government and people of Samoa to establish a thriving vanilla trade. Drawing on our years of expertise in the industry, we will provide resources and education to help Samoa become a major exporter of vanilla beans. By working directly with the farmers, we can ensure work is done under fair conditions and that they receive a fair price for their product. More money will also go directly to the people doing the work, rather than to a large network of exporters, importers, suppliers, resellers, etc., which most goods are subject to.

Our Initiative is certainly ambitious, and will be an ongoing effort over the next several years. As we work to help build up the country's vanilla infrastructure, we will also partner with the only currently-operating commercial vanilla farm in Samoa to help introduce their beautiful beans to a wider audience. More on that below.

Our First Partner: Vaoala Vanilla

Our first partner under our new Initiative is Vaoala Vanilla. Vaoala is the name of the village where the farm is located, but it also has a deeper meaning for proprietor Shelley Burich. The name Vaoala comes from Samoan words meaning “forest” and “awaken.” Shelley feels Vaoala symbolizes the way vanilla has awakened her passion for working in harmony with nature.

The only commercial vanilla farm currently operating in Samoa, Vaoala is a small, indigenous family-owned business. They use traditional, natural farming and processing techniques to produce only the finest organic vanilla beans. Shelley also sees Vaoala as a way to help give back to her community. She has begun working with other small farmers, training and assisting them with vanilla cultivation, as well as providing employment opportunities.

For these reasons and so many more, we are excited to be able to share Samoan Vanilla Beans from Vaoala with you. Stay tuned for more updates on our Samoan Vanilla Initiative!

Vanilla Affogato with Mint

The affogato: is it a dessert? Is it a beverage? What the heck is an affogato in the first place? Whether you've never heard of an affogato, or you're looking for a fresh take on the formula, you came to the right place. We’ll spill all the details about this modern Italian after-dinner classic (and offer our unique spin on it) in our Vanilla Mint Affogato recipe.

The Italian word affogato literally translates as “drowned” in English. The name is appropriate for a simple concoction made by pouring hot espresso over a scoop of ice cream or gelato. Interestingly, nobody is quite sure where or when the affogato originated. We do know that it's a relatively recent creation, gaining popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. The word was only added to English dictionaries in 1992. Affogatos have become trendy in recent years, with coffee shops across American offering affogato-inspired drinks.

In Italy, affogatos are generally enjoyed after dinner, and serve as a sort of coffee/dessert hybrid. Italian affogato is usually made with gelato, specifically fior di latte. This translates as “flower of milk,” and is a simple gelato comprised of just milk, cream, sugar, and a starch. The lack of additional flavors means a very high-quality milk is required, to allow the dairy to shine through.

While we certainly appreciate tradition, a dessert without vanilla is simply not our style, so we developed our own Vanilla Mint Affogato. Our vanilla paste helps balance the potent espresso, while fresh mint cuts through the richness of the other ingredients to brighten up the whole affair. While you can certainly use any ice cream or gelato you like, we are just a little biased towards vanilla. Whichever version you serve, offering your guests an affogato at the end of a meal will ensure everyone has a bella notte, or beautiful night!

Vanilla Affogato with Mint Recipe

Vanilla Mint Affogato

A delicious spin on the Italian after-dinner classic.
No ratings yet
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 shots espresso
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint crushed
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Instructions
 

  • In a small cup or bowl, add espresso and vanilla bean paste. Stir to combine.
  • Add mint leaves to espresso mixture, and steep 3-4 minutes.
  • Divide ice cream among four cups or small bowls.
  • Evenly pour espresso over ice cream. Serve with a spoon, and enjoy!
Keyword espresso, mint, vanilla
Homemade vanilla bean yogurt

You've probably never even thought of making your own yogurt. Surely, it must be some labor-intensive process involving mysterious ingredients and specialized equipment. What if we told you that not only is it super simple, but that you may already have everything you need? Our Homemade Vanilla Bean Yogurt recipe will show you just how easy it can be to whip up this dairy delight in your own home!

While we know yogurt is ancient, it's hard to trace its exact origins. It's likely that it was discovered by accident. Prehistoric humans often stored liquids in bags made of animal skin or stomachs. Bacteria remaining in one of these skins likely promoted fermentation in milk being kept in it, and thus yogurt was born. One legend says yogurt was first discovered by a shepherd, who accidentally left his milk in a goatskin for too long. Upon remembering his mistake, he found the milk had turned into creamy, delicious yogurt.

We're going to assume you won't be using a sheep stomach for your homemade yogurt (but we won't judge you if you do). This means to promote fermentation, you'll have to use a little store-bought yogurt as a starter. The live probiotic cultures in pre-made yogurt are essential to the process of creating yogurt. The good news is that once your first batch is complete, you can use a small amount of your homemade yogurt as a starter next time.

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is what type of milk to use. The higher the fat content in your milk, the creamier and thicker your yogurt will be. We prefer whole milk for this reason, but you can also use 2% or even skim, if you're trying to keep things lighter. Customization is one of the best parts of making your own yogurt. Speaking of which, you can feel free to stir in berries, extracts, or other delicious ingredients either after the yogurt has initially cooled or when you're ready to serve it. Whatever route you go, one thing is for sure: once you have made your own homemade vanilla bean yogurt, you'll never want to bother with store-bought again!


Homemade vanilla yogurt recipe

Homemade Vanilla Bean Yogurt

You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make your own creamy, delicious yogurt at home!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Resting time 12 hrs
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American, Greek, Turkish

Equipment

  • Canning Jars and lids (2 quart size and 1 pint size)

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 gallon milk
  • 1 Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean (split and scraped)
  • 3 tbsp pre-made yogurt with live cultures

Instructions
 

  • Heat milk and vanilla bean scrapings in a stainless steelpan over medium heat until it reaches 180 degrees.
  • Pour warm milk into clean canning jars and cool to 115 degrees. This can be done either by leaving on the counter, or placing in a cool water bath.
  • Add pre-made yogurt and stir until just incoporated into milk.
  • Place the jars into the oven, and turn on the oven light (but don't turn on the oven itself!). Let sit for 12-24 hours.
  • Remove jars from oven, and refrigerate until yogurt is set.
  • Once set, pour off liquid from the top. You can optionally strain through cheesecloth for a thicker consistency. Yogurt will keep in fridge for up to 7 days.
Keyword vanilla, yogurt
Olive Cake with Tangerines

We know what you're thinking: olive oil in a cake? We have to admit that it does sound a little weird at first. Hear us out, though: most cakes require at least one type of fat, typically butter and/or oil. Among other things, fat helps keep your cake rich and moist. While vegetable oil can accomplish these goals, it doesn't bring much to the party in terms of flavor. Our Tangerine Olive Oil Cake recipe will show you how a simple substitution can make things infinitely more interesting.

Olive oil is usually associated with savory applications. It's great for sautéing vegetables, drizzling over pasta, or even just dipping bread in. But its rich, fruity, slightly peppery flavor also works surprisingly well in a variety of baked goods. If used properly, it won't overwhelm the other ingredients, but will add just a bit of complexity and sophistication to your dessert. As an added bonus, extra virgin olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat. This is a "good" type of fat that can help moderate your cholesterol. Does that mean cakes baked with olive oil count as health food? We'll leave that up to you to decide.

For this recipe, we combine the richness of olive oil with the sweet tanginess of tangerines (you can substitute clementines or mandarin oranges if you'd like). The citrus helps cut through the richness of the fat. The slightly peppery bite of the olive oil adds a little spice to contrast the sweetness of the tangerines and sugar. It's a match made in heaven. Of course, it wouldn't be a Beanilla dessert without the addition of a real Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean to take things to the next level of gourmet decadence. Our Tangerine Olive Oil Cake is the perfect dessert for spring, or anytime you want something bright, fruity, and delicious!


Olive Cake with Tangerines

Tangerine Olive Oil Cake

A deliciously fruity cake, made with rich, decadent olive oil.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Oven
  • 9-inch Cake Round

Ingredients
  

For Cake

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean sliced and scraped
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp tangerine zest finely grated
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting pan
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

For Candied Tangerine Slices

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tangerine thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake round.
  • In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the eggs,vanilla bean scrapings and granulated sugar. Beat until pale and light in texture.
  • With mixer on low speed, add the olive oil, whole milk, and tangerine zest. Beat until wellincorporated.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the mixer bowl, beating on low speed until incorporated. Pour batter into cake pan.
  • In a medium sauce pan, heat 2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Stir over medium-high heat until sugar has dissolved.
  • Place tangerine slices into the simple syrup mixture, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Neatly arrange tangerine slices on top of cake batter. Bake 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
  • Drizzle with tangerine symple syrup, let cool to room temperature, and enjoy!
Keyword cake, olive oil, tangerine

Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding

We recently explored the British take on pudding (sticky toffee pudding), so it seemed only fair to spend some time with its American counterpart. While in the UK, the word “pudding” can be used to describe any dessert, here in America, it specifically refers to a smooth, creamy concoction which far too often comes from a boxed mix or a plastic cup. We’re here to change that with our Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding recipe, which will show you how delicious this classic pudding dessert recipe can be when made with a little love.

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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Is there anything better on a cold winter morning than a hot cup of coffee and a nice warm cinnamon roll? Sure, you could head to a coffee shop or bakery, but why would you want to leave the comfort of home when you could make a far tastier pastry in your own kitchen? Our Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Buttermilk Glaze recipe is all you need to get your day off to a sweet start.

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding. The name may sound a little funny, but this dessert is seriously beloved in England. While the word pudding may make most Americans picture the goopy chocolate stuff that comes out of a can, in the UK, pudding is often used as a generic word for any dessert, and more specifically to refer to a category of rich, dense cakes that are often steamed. Exactly the kind of hearty comfort food we like to indulge in on a cold winter night. And since temperatures have regularly been below freezing lately, we thought it was the perfect time to take comfort in a Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe of our own.

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