Homemade Vanilla Sugar (4 Ways)

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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
• Vanilla Bean Sugar
• Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar
• Simple 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.

4.67 from 12 votes

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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

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

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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

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

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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

• Can be made using our vanilla bean sugar recipe as well. 
• No cinnamon sticks, no worries! Use pre-ground cinnamon instead. 

 

Check out our wide variety of vanilla beans and cinnamon. 

Keyword 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

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Prep Time 5 mins

Equipment

• Jar or Container (for storing)

Ingredients

  

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

Instructions

 

• Add sugar & vanilla powder to storage container, mix, and enjoy!

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.