Vanilla Sugar Recipe (2024)

Published: · Updated: by Jacqui Wormington · This post may contain affiliate links. · Leave a Comment

Learn how to make vanilla sugar at home. This vanilla sugar recipe is vegan, cheaper than store-bought, and without weird additives. Believe me, it is super simple to make at home, so versatile to use, and gives baked goods and drinks an incredible flavor profile. Soon everyone will be wondering what your secret ingredient is.

Jump to:
  • 💡 The recipe in a nutshell
  • 💭 What is vanilla sugar?
  • 🤔 Is sugar vegan?
  • 🌱 What is the best vegan sugar to use for vanilla sugar?
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 How to make vanilla sugar
  • 🥣 How to store homemade vanilla sugar
  • 🍰 How to use vanilla sugar
  • 📋 Recipes that use vanilla sugar
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Reviews
Vanilla Sugar Recipe (1)

💡 The recipe in a nutshell

  • Vegan (no eggs & dairy free)
  • 2 Ingredients
  • Takes just a couple of minutes
  • Easy and simple

💭 What is vanilla sugar?

Vanilla sugar is a common ingredient used primarily in European regions and can be a bit tricky to find in the states. It is a simple ingredient that quickly accelerates the flavor of drinks and baked goods.

When I moved to the US from Germany I was very surprised not to find such a common staple in the stores. Thankfully it is easily made at home!

🤔 Is sugar vegan?

You may have heard that sugar is not always vegan, and that is definitely correct if you are living in the United States of America.

In the states most granulated sugars are processed with bone char, it is often referred to as 'natural carbon', to give sugar its white color. Read our vegan sugar guide with a brand list for more information.

🌱 What is the best vegan sugar to use for vanilla sugar?

My absolute favorite vegan sugar to use for homemade vanilla sugar is Zulka. It is fairly white in color and very fine, resembling white granulated sugar the best. In addition to the looks, it absorbs the vanilla aroma very nicely and quickly. For more vegan sugar brands read here.

👩🏽‍🍳 How to make vanilla sugar

Making vanilla sugar at home is super easy. All you need is (vegan) sugar and vanilla beans. Add both to an air-tight jar, let sit and enjoy!

Vanilla Sugar Recipe (2)

🥣 How to store homemade vanilla sugar

It should always be ensured for an optimal shelf life of the vanilla sugar that this is stored airtight at room temperature. This prevents the vanilla sugar from coming into contact with too much oxygen, which in turn can damage the vanilla sugar.

The vanilla sugar should also be stored in a dry place, because moisture causes the vanilla sugar to form small lumps and change its consistency.

In addition, care should be taken to store the vanilla sugar in a dark place so that it does not lose its flavor due to strong sunlight. Storage in the refrigerator is not recommended.

🍰 How to use vanilla sugar

Use as a flavored sweetener in your favorite baked goods. Use as a final touch sprinkled on the top of fresh pastries, loaves, cakes, pies, cookies, and more! Vanilla sugar is also a great addition to homemade frostings and whipped cream.

You can essentially use it in any recipe that calls for sugar. Use your homemade vanilla sugar as a 1:1 replacement for regular sugar in recipes where vanilla is the prominent flavor. For example, I wouldn’t use it 1:1 in a chocolate cake recipe, because the chocolate is too overpowering.

I recommend saving this special sugar for recipes that really benefit from it, or ask for it from the get go!

Vanilla Sugar Recipe (3)

📋 Recipes that use vanilla sugar

Looking for recipes that call for vanilla sugar? Try one of these:

  • German Sweet Soft Pretzels
  • Linzer Cookies
  • Vegan Tiramisu
  • Vegan Mascarpone
  • German Cinnamon Rolls - Franzbrötchen
  • German Apple Pancakes - Apfel Pfannkuchen
  • Berliner - German Jelly Doughnuts
  • German Cutout Christmas Cookies

📖 Recipe

Vanilla Sugar Recipe (4)

Vanilla Sugar Recipe

Vanilla Sugar Recipe (5)Jacqui Wormington

Learn how to make vanilla sugar at home. This vanilla sugar recipe is vegan, cheaper than store-bought, and without weird additives. Believe me, it is super simple to make at home, so versatile to use, and gives baked goods and drinks an incredible flavor profile. Soon everyone will be wondering what your secret ingredient is.

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Basics, Sweetener

Cuisine German, Vegan

Servings 1 lbs

Equipment

  • air-tight container or glass (eg mason jar)

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put the sugar in an air-tight container (eg mason jar), and add the vanilla beans to the sugar. Close the jar and leave it to infuse for at least 1 week. Use as wished.

The provided nutritional information is an estimate. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

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PS: Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment on your experience - this helps improve my recipes and serves you with the best instructions, tips, and substitution ideas. Plus, I love hearing about your takes on my recipes! Tag me on Instagram @thesimplesprinkle to show me your pictures.

Vanilla Sugar Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is vanilla sugar made of? ›

Vanilla sugar is a simple recipe of granulated sugar infused with vanilla beans. There is nothing quite as simple or versatile as homemade vanilla sugar. Vanilla sugar in baking can be utilized in a variety of desserts; from apple pies, snickerdoodles and crème brûlée to light and airy pavlova's.

What can I use to substitute vanilla sugar? ›

Substitute vanilla extract for vanilla in a 1:1 ratio for the vanilla flavor however add some extra sugar. To mimic the flavor and texture of vanilla sugar, mix ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract with one tablespoon of granulated sugar and substitute it for one tablespoon of vanilla sugar.

How much vanilla sugar for vanilla extract? ›

If you have commercially produced vanilla sugar, use only 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar per teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using Vanilla Extract Instead of Vanilla Sugar: One teaspoon of vanilla extract is the equivalent of 1 1/2 teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar, or 1 teaspoon of commercially made vanilla sugar.

Why use vanilla sugar in baking? ›

What's all the fuss about this sugar? Well, it's a simple ingredient that quickly accelerates the flavor of drinks and baked goods. It's just regular sugar that's flavored with vanilla beans, so you can essentially use it in any recipe that calls for sugar.

Does vanilla sugar go bad? ›

Vanilla sugar is actually a pretty simple one, in that it should theoretically never go “bad.” Neither sugar nor vanilla contains any ingredients that will go rancid or bad, in a traditional sense, so if nothing else creeps into your storage container then you should be safe to eat vanilla sugar forever!

What is the difference between vanilla sugar and vanillin sugar? ›

While vanilla sugar is made of sucrose (household sugar) and crushed vanilla beans and/or vanilla extract, vanillin sugar is a mixture of sucrose and vanillin [3]. The latter is considerably more favorably priced and can be found as a standard baking ingredient in almost every supermarket.

Is vanilla powder the same as vanilla sugar? ›

The purest form of vanilla powder comes from vanilla beans. The beans are dehydrated and finely ground. But you'll also find another type of vanilla powder on the market, where sugar is added. This type, called vanilla sugar, is popular in France and Mexico and used as a substitute for regular sugar in some recipes.

What is a packet of vanilla sugar? ›

About 1.5 teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar equals a packet, which is typically what is called for in German recipes. You can easily round up to 2 teaspoons, if you want a sweeter, stronger taste. Technically, 1.5 teaspoons is 0.25 ounces and 2 teaspoons is 0.33 ounces. Most packets contain 0.28 to 0.32 ounces.

Does Aldi have vanilla sugar? ›

The Pantry Vanilla Flavoured Sugar 150g | ALDI.

Can you reuse vanilla beans after making extract? ›

Conclusion: Our belief is that the first extract is the best opportunity for the sweetest outcome, so you want to make sure that you do that first extract carefully, methodically and perfectly if possible. Then, have fun with the used vanilla beans. Try a second round of extract if you would like. Start a mother jar.

Can I use vanilla sugar instead of icing sugar? ›

Sure you can, but it may not always be practical or the best idea. For instance, most vanilla sugar that I'm familiar with is very coarse. That coarse sugar is meant to be sprinkled on top of things rather than to be baked into things.

Is vanilla sugar good in coffee? ›

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.

Are vanilla sugar and vanilla powder the same? ›

The purest form of vanilla powder comes from vanilla beans. The beans are dehydrated and finely ground. But you'll also find another type of vanilla powder on the market, where sugar is added. This type, called vanilla sugar, is popular in France and Mexico and used as a substitute for regular sugar in some recipes.

Is vanilla sugar the same as brown sugar? ›

While not compensating for that classic vanilla flavor, brown sugar spices up our baked goods with a tempting caramel scent. I sometimes even sprinkle it on pancakes, and my kids really enjoy it. This alternative delivers the same sweetness as vanilla sugar, so swap it at a 1:1 ratio.

Is vanilla extract a sugar alcohol? ›

Grain alcohol is the most commonly used alcohol in vanilla, but sugarcane alcohol is also used. Sugar or corn syrup are often used to mask the harsh notes of alcohol or to make the extract smell and taste better if the quality of the beans used were not good quality.

References

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