Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe – Homemade
When I was eight years old, my grandmother opened a tiny jar in her kitchen and let me smell it. It wasn't your regular store-bought vanilla extract—it was something richer, deeper, and warmer. “This,” she whispered, “is real vanilla.” She had made it herself with whole vanilla beans steeped in a sweet, sticky blend of natural ingredients. That was the first time I experienced homemade vanilla bean paste—and it changed the way I looked at baking forever.
Equipment
- Equipment Needed to Make Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
- To make your homemade vanilla bean paste smoothly, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Cutting board and sharp paring knife (for slicing the beans)
- Blender or food processor (to blend into smooth paste)
- Small saucepan (to lightly warm ingredients, optional)
- Glass jar with airtight lid (for storage—sterilized)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (if you prefer a smoother paste)
Ingredients
- Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe with Alternatives
- Here are the basic ingredients you'll need to make this rich and aromatic vanilla bean paste recipe at home. I’ve also included simple alternatives where possible:
- 4 –6 whole vanilla beans Grade A for best quality, or Grade B for budget-friendly option
- ¾ cup food-grade vegetable glycerin acts as a sweetener + natural preservative
- ¼ cup warm filtered water to adjust the consistency if needed
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup optional – adds a warm sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional for enhanced depth if you're short on beans
- Ingredient Alternatives:
- Instead of vegetable glycerin you can use light corn syrup for texture, but it’s less healthy.
- Instead of honey maple syrup or date syrup can be used.
- If you cannot find whole vanilla beans use vanilla bean powder (1 tablespoon per 2 beans, but less depth of flavor).
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions (Granular & Easy to Follow)
- Follow these simple, clear steps to make your own vanilla bean paste recipe with confidence:
- Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Beans
- Lay the vanilla beans flat on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp paring knife to split each bean lengthwise.
- Scrape out the tiny black seeds from inside using the back of the knife.
- Reserve both the seeds and the pods.
- Step 2: Blend Ingredients
- In a blender or food processor, add:
- The scraped vanilla seeds
- The vanilla bean pods
- Vegetable glycerin
- Optional: honey or maple syrup for added sweetness
- Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is thick and speckled.
- Add a few tablespoons of warm water if the consistency is too thick to blend.
- Step 3: Check and Adjust
- Open the lid and check the texture.
- If you prefer a smoother paste, you may strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Otherwise, leave it unstrained for that classic vanilla bean speckle in your desserts.
- Step 4: Store It
- Pour into a sterilized glass jar using a spatula to scrape out every drop.
- Seal the jar tightly.
- Store in a cool, dark cabinet for 48–72 hours before use for maximum flavor.