In life, there are always opposites that seemingly determine who we are as people; night or day, rural or city, and, most importantly, chocolate or vanilla?
Though there are some chocolate lovers out there, vanilla gets a bad reputation for being “boring.” However, those who don’t like vanilla have never had the chance to try homemade vanilla bean recipes before!
If you’re unsure what to make with vanilla beans, keep reading to help you make this ingredient the focal point of decadent desserts.
Homemade Extract
If you’re trying to make delicious vanilla bean dishes, you’ll need a few staples. This includes extract! You may even find that some recipes that aren’t inherently “vanilla” flavored will call for a dash of extract, thanks to its strong and delicious flavor.
To make vanilla extract, you’ll only need two ingredients: vodka and the correct amount of vanilla beans. To make this, you’ll put the beans in a jar with vodka to let the alcohol pull the flavor from the spice.
Classic Ice Cream
One of the best ways to take advantage of a fresh vanilla bean is through ice cream! You can enjoy this refreshing treat by itself to relish in the full flavor or paired with add-ons like sprinkles and chocolate syrup.
To make ice cream, you’ll need a few ingredients to get you started. Vanilla extract, heavy cream, milk, and sugar, are the only ingredients you’ll need. However, you will need an ice cream machine and freezer!
Vanilla Cheesecake
If you’re tired of plain old cakes, a vanilla cheesecake is a great option to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal.
Cheesecake can be challenging to make due to its light and fluffy texture. This dessert is delicious even if the consistency isn’t right, so don’t let it scare you off.
This dessert does require a few more ingredients, with vanilla bean paste serving as the main focal point. Vanilla bean paste is made by combining the bean with agave and extract until it forms a thick consistency.
Delicious Donuts
Are you looking for something sweet you can enjoy with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning? Look no further than donuts!
Much like many other recipes, this requires vanilla beans in the form of extract. Though many prefer fried donuts, you can bake them to make them less unhealthy.
You can also add vanilla bean extract to the cake mixture and the frosting to increase the robustness of the flavor.
Enjoy the Very Best Vanilla Bean Recipes
If you were unsure how to use vanilla beans before reading this article, you might find yourself ready to head to your local baking supply store.
Remember, making vanilla bean extract is a great way to save money while enjoying a fresh and homemade flavor. You can also make a vanilla bean paste for a more intense and robust taste.
Did you find this guide to the best vanilla bean recipes inspiring? If so, check out the rest of our website for more great food and cooking content.
