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Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste

A gold spoon lifts speckled homemade vanilla bean paste above a glass jar styled with linen and vanilla pods.
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Homemade vanilla bean paste delivers rich, concentrated vanilla flavor and beautiful flecks in every spoonful, with an easy method and long pantry life.

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

Equipment

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/