Three-Ingredient Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
This super simple vanilla bean paste recipe is just as good as the storebought stuff but costs way less! Use it to add delicious vanilla flavor to cakes, cookies, puddings, and more.
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 immersion blender or a spice grinder or food proecssor
- 1 skinny spatula
- 1 kitchen scale optional
Ingredients
- .5 oz vanilla beans 3-5 beans
- 4 oz light agave nectar
- 1 TBS vanilla extract
Instructions
- Weigh out 0.5 oz of vanilla beans or add approximately 5 whole beans to a bowl. Cut them into small pieces for easy blending.
- Cover the beans with 4 oz (half a cup) of agave nectar and vanilla extract. If dry, allow the beans to soak overnight. Otherwise, blend immediately.
- Position the immersion blender into the small bowl and blend the mixture until smooth.
- Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge. Stir before using as the flecks will rise to the top.
Notes
The vanilla extract is technically optional, but after making this homemade vanilla bean paste several times, I prefer the texture and scent you get when you add it. The extract has a strong vanilla aroma that makes this paste work more like the paste you buy from the store.
Yield: This recipe makes approximately 4 fluid ounces. The nutritional facts are based on a 1 teaspoon serving.
Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Use as a 1:1 replacement for vanilla extract (1 tsp extract = 1 tsp paste).
Switch up syrups - This recipe is flexible and it's easy to use a different syrup. Try corn syrup, maple syrup, or even a light-colored honey.
Stir before using - Most vanilla bean paste recipes include thickeners like xanthan gum to keep the vanilla bean flecks suspended in the syrup. Since this recipe does not include a thickener, you may need to stir it before using.
Try the food processor - If you don't have an immersion blender, the food processor, spice grinder, or regular blender should work. Just keep them running until the whole beans break down all the way.
Use leftover extract beans - If you make your own vanilla extract, take advantage of those softened beans and turn them into vanilla bean paste!
Nutrition
Serving: 2tsp | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 0.5mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 0.2mg | Iron: 0.01mg
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 35kcal
Cost: 6