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Homemade vanilla sugar in glass storage jar on kitchen counter with vanilla beans and spoon

Vanilla Sugar

Easy homemade vanilla sugar made with whole vanilla beans and regular sugar. Perfect for baking, drinks, desserts, and gifting.
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Course: Ingredient
Cuisine: American
Keyword: DIY Vanilla Sugar, Flavored Sugar Recipe, Homemade Vanilla Sugar, How to Make Vanilla Sugar, Vanilla Bean Sugar Recipe, Vanilla Sugar Gift Idea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Aging Time: 7 days
Total Time: 7 days 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Author: Jennifer Locklin

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Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Bean

  • Place the vanilla bean on a cutting board.
    1 whole vanilla bean
  • Using a sharp knife, split the bean lengthwise.
  • Open the bean to expose the seeds.
  • Scrape the seeds from both halves using the back of the knife.

Combine Sugar and Vanilla

  • Add the granulated sugar to a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid.
    2 cups granulated sugar
  • Add the scraped vanilla seeds to the sugar.
  • Place the empty vanilla pod halves into the jar with the sugar.
  • Seal the jar tightly.

Infuse the Sugar

  • Shake the jar well to distribute the vanilla seeds evenly.
  • Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
  • Shake the jar every few days during the first week.
  • Allow the sugar to infuse for at least 7 days before using.
  • For stronger flavor, let the sugar infuse for 2 to 4 weeks.

Use and Maintain

  • Keep the vanilla pod in the jar for ongoing infusion.
  • When sugar runs low, refill with more granulated sugar and continue infusing.

Notes

Substitutions
•Replace granulated sugar with superfine sugar for quicker infusion.
•Use organic cane sugar for a slightly deeper flavor with caramel notes.
•Substitute one tablespoon vanilla bean paste if whole beans are unavailable (flavor will be milder and color darker).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
•Stir into coffee, tea, or lattes.
•Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt, or fruit.
•Use in baking recipes that call for granulated sugar.
•Mix into whipped cream or buttercream frosting.
•Use to rim cocktail glasses.
•Sprinkle over baked goods before baking for light caramelization.
Storage
•Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
•Keep away from heat and moisture.
•Properly stored, vanilla sugar keeps for up to 2 years.
Freezing
•Freezing is not recommended.
•Sugar may absorb moisture when thawed, affecting texture.
•Room-temperature storage is best for long-term quality.

*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.