Buy Now → Vanilla Bean Paste
Make your own vanilla bean paste with whole vanilla beans for bold, rich flavor and beautiful vanilla flecks. It's easy to make, stores for years, and elevates everything from cakes to custards.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
2 ounces Vanilla Beans, About 24 whole vanilla beans
3 ounces water, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water (3 ounces)
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup vodka
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
Prepare the Vanilla Beans
•Rinse and pat the vanilla beans dry if needed
•Cut off the ends
•Coarsely chop the beans into small pieces using a sharp knife
Blend the Base Mixture
•Place the chopped vanilla beans into a high-powered blender
•Add the water, sugar, vodka, and light corn syrup
•Secure the lid tightly
•Blend on high speed for about 2 minutes
Check the Texture
•Stop the blender and inspect the mixture
•Vanilla bean pieces should be about the size of coarse black pepper
•If pieces are larger, blend again in short bursts until the proper texture is reached
Thicken the Paste
•Reduce blender speed to medium
•Slowly sprinkle in the xanthan gum while blending
•Continue blending for about 30 seconds until fully incorporated
•The mixture will thicken further as it cools and rests
Cool and Store
•Allow the paste to cool completely at room temperature
•Transfer to clean, airtight containers
•Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature
Notes
Substitutions
•Vodka may be replaced with food-grade vegetable glycerin for an alcohol-free version
•Light corn syrup may be substituted with honey or light agave syrup, though texture and sweetness may vary
•Granulated sugar may be replaced with superfine sugar for easier dissolving
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
•Use in cakes, cookies, custards, ice cream, and pastry creams
•Stir into whipped cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or coffee drinks
•Add to homemade syrups, glazes, and frostings for concentrated vanilla flavor
Storage
•Store in airtight containers at room temperature in a cool, dark location
•Shelf life is up to 3 years when properly stored
•Refrigeration is not required but may extend freshness in very warm climates
Freezing
•Vanilla bean paste may be frozen in small portions
•Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 years
•Thaw in the refrigerator before use and stir well
Flavor Development
•The paste may be used immediately
•Best flavor develops after resting for about 1 month as the vanilla continues to infuse
Find it online: https://jennifercooks.com/vanilla-bean-paste/