Homemade Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla Sugar is a common baking ingredient all around Europe. It usually gets used instead of vanilla extract. Unfortunately it is not available in every country. Vanilla sugar is a great way to add flavor to your bakes, coffee or tea and an absolute must have during the holidays!
Equipment
- Food processor (optional)
- Jar
Ingredients
- 400 g granulated sugar
- 1-2 Vanilla beans
Instructions
There are 2 different ways to make vanilla sugar at home. You can use the food processor method or if you do not have one use a whisk.
Food processor/mixer method:
- Place your sugar in a food processor or a bowl.
- Next cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Scrape out the vanilla seeds using the back of a small paring knife. Reserve the empty vanilla pods.
- Add the seeds to the sugar.
- Then pulse the mixture on low until the seeds are broken up and well incorporated with the sugar. Be careful to not pulse the mixture to long, else you will have powdered sugar.
- Add everything to a jar or container with a good seal.
- Now you can cut the vanilla pots in half and submerge them in the sugar mixture. This is not a must. However, I highly recommend it as it intensifies the flavor over time and we do not want to throw away the expensive vanilla pod.
- Close the jar and give it a quick shake.
- You can instantly use the vanilla sugar. The longer you let it sit the better the flavor will be. A wait time of about 2 weeks will give you the best result. Keep the sugar in a dark cool spot.
Whisk method:
- Put your sugar into a bowl.
- Next cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Scrape out the vanilla seeds using the back of a small paring knife. Reserve the empty vanilla pods.
- Add the seeds to the sugar.
- With a whisk whisk the mixture until the seeds are well incorporated with the sugar.
- Add everything to a jar or container with a good seal.
- Now you can cut the vanilla pots in half and submerge them in the sugar mixture. This is not a must. However, I highly recommend it as it intensifies the flavor over time and we do not want to throw away the expensive vanilla pod.
- Close the jar and give it a quick shake.
- You can instantly use the vanilla sugar. The longer you let it sit the better the flavor will be. A wait time of about 2 weeks will give you the best result. Keep the sugar in a dark cool spot.
Notes
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is typically used and also brings out the vanilla flavor the most. You can try different kinds of sugar. If you choose a coarser sugar such as coconut sugar, then make sure you process it so it is much finer as smaller granules do absorb more vanilla flavor. I have only tested granulated and coconut sugar. If you try any others I would love to hear how it went. However, I do not recommend using brown sugar as it does have a very strong taste of its own.
- Storage and shelf life: Vanilla sugar can be kept indefinitely when stored in an airtight container or jar. in fact, the vanilla flavor will get stronger the longer you let the mixture sit just like it does with vanilla extract. For the best flavor, allow the sugar to infuse for at least 2 weeks.
- Reusing: The good thing about homemade vanilla sugar is that you can keep filling it up. As your supply diminishes you can top the jar off with new sugar and mix. Whenever you have new vanilla beans add them to the jar and submerge them in the sugar.
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Your Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 1572kcalCarbohydrates: 402gFat: 2gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 8mgSugar: 399gCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
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