It pairs well with a range of flavors commonly used in baking, including brown sugar, pecans, mint, and many fruits, such as apples and peaches. Due to hints of caramel and vanilla in it, bourbon can create an effect similar to the one created by vanilla extract.īourbon is used in baking not only for the hints of warm flavors it adds but also because it improves the moisture of the sponge. Bourbonīourbon is one of the most popular alcohols used in baking. Otherwise, it will make the dessert too sweet. Similar to honey, maple syrup should be used in moderation. But it will add warmth to your baked goods as vanilla extract does.

Maple syrup is one of the more accessible vanilla extract substitutes.

It is also added into toppings and cake or cupcake fillings for an added nutty aroma.Īlmond extract can be quite intense. It may have the same price point, but the flavor it adds to baked goods is very similar to that of vanilla.Īlmond extract can be used in baking cakes and other desserts. Almond ExtractĪlmond extract is a great substitute for vanilla extract, especially for those allergic to vanilla. Thus, you will need to reduce the amount of sugar indicated in the recipe. One thing to keep in mind when using honey is that it is very sweet. While the flavor profiles of vanilla and honey are different, the latter adds nice floral hints to baked goods. Being used for a variety of cooking tasks, honey is also a good substitute for vanilla extract. Honey is one of those ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen. So long as it doesn’t play the primary role in the recipe, you can skip on it for the moment. If you somehow don’t have any of the options below, don’t postpone baking your cake or cookies. There are quite a few vanilla extract substitutes, and you can find at least one of them in your pantry or fridge. But it is not the end of the world if you don’t at the moment. Vanilla extract is one of the best ingredients you can use in baking.

These are the best substitutes for vanilla extract: While you cannot replicate the exact flavor of vanilla extract with other ingredients, you can achieve a similar result. What can you use instead of vanilla extract? There are many substitutes for vanilla extract. How many times have you decided not to bake something only because the recipe called for vanilla extract and you didn’t have it home? But you could do it, and the result would be just as good.

Vanilla extract substitute brownies