Out of Vanilla Extract? Try These Simple Alternatives

What happens when you’re baking, and you run out of vanilla extract? What else can you use? Here are 16 substitutes you can use in its place. Of course, being substitutes, there may be a change in flavor, but all of these will work in a pinch when you’re desperate and in the middle of baking.

Whether you have a different extract on hand, some pantry staples, or even a touch of another spice, there are several options available. Plus, we give you ways to use them to their fullest potential in your recipes. Consider trying your hand at making homemade vanilla extract; you’ll never be out of extract!

A slice of classic steamed Victorian pudding drizzled with vanilla hard sauce. — Steamed Pumpkin Pudding with Vanilla Hard Sauce.

Why vanilla extract is necessary

We use vanilla extract in recipes for a couple of reasons:

flavor, oftentimes vanilla is used to enhance the flavor of baked goods
moisture, it helps give baked goods their soft, fluffy texture.
enhancement, vanilla extract enhances the flavor of other ingredients and adds depth of flavor, skip it, and the overall taste of your baked goods will suffer.

Don’t Have Vanilla Extract? Use one of these subs!

Having the exact ingredients a recipe calls for is ideal, but sometimes, you run out mid-recipe. In my case, I always run out of ingredients in the middle of the coldest, windiest days in the winter.

Vanilla Beans: Use the soft inside of a vanilla bean in place of vanilla extract. Slice the bean lengthwise and scrape out the soft interior with a spoon. In a light-colored batter, you’ll notice tiny black flecks. One vanilla bean pod replaces 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Vanilla beans are best in puddings and custards.
Vanilla Essence: Vanilla essence has a milder flavor compared to vanilla extract, because of this, 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence replace 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. It works best when making recipes where vanilla isn’t the primary flavor, such as oatmeal cookies or chocolate cake.
Vanilla Powder: Vanilla powder comes from ground, dehydrated vanilla beans. It’s a dry, alcohol-free option and can be swapped in equal amounts for vanilla extract. The recipe may be dry because you are not adding liquid.
Vanilla Almond milk: Vanilla almond milk can replace the vanilla flavor in your recipe. The flavor will be more subtle, so for every teaspoon of vanilla the recipe calls for, use 2 teaspoons of vanilla almond milk.
Vanilla Sugar: Vanilla sugar is one of the most common substitutions. To use this substitution, swap it out for an equal amount of white sugar. For best flavor use three times more vanilla sugar than the amount of vanilla extracts the recipe calls for.
Vanilla Liquor: The alcohol in vanilla liquor will cook off while baking, just like when using vanilla extract. It can be used as a one-to-one replacement for vanilla extract.
Vanilla Syrup: Vanilla-flavored syrup is best for cocktails, iced tea and baked goods. It can be used as a one-for-one replacement for vanilla extract. Too much syrup can make your baked goods turn out too sweet. It can also make baked goods stickier and thicker because it doesn’t dissolve as quickly as vanilla extract. Your baked goods may turn out denser and harder to chew.
Almond Extract: This is a popular extract in baking recipes so you can use this as one of the best substitutions. Don’t use as much almond extract in your recipes, shoot for half as much, as this is a strong flavored extract that can easily overpower other flavors.
Other Flavored Extracts: Other extracts will also change the overall flavor of whatever you’re making. Orange, peppermint or coffee extract work well in chocolate cake and other baked goods, use these sparingly so as not to overpower your recipe.
Citrus Zest: Citrus zest doesn’t taste like vanilla, but it adds depth to baked goods. Start with half a teaspoon of lemon, orange, lime or grapefruit zest in place of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add more, half a teaspoon at a time, until the flavor is to your liking.
Pure Maple Syrup: Maple syrup has a sweet flavor and aroma similar to vanilla extract. It is best in pancakes, oatmeal cookies and blondies. It can be used as a one-for-one replacement for vanilla extract. If you have Birch Syrup on hand you can try that as well!
Honey: Honey is a common pantry staple that most people have on hand. It adds a bright floral sweetness to desserts and can enhance the texture of baked goods. Honey may alter the taste slightly, and your baked goods may turn out denser and stickier. It browns faster than vanilla extract, so keep a close eye on your baked goods. Honey can be used as a one-for-one vanilla extract substitute.
Coffee: Brewed coffee, espresso powder or instant coffee works best as a substitute for vanilla extract when making chocolate desserts. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and makes it taste richer and more chocolatey.
“Instead of vanilla, whenever I bake anything chocolate, I use room-temperature espresso or strong brewed coffee. It makes the chocolate taste richer and deeper, and it’s a quick and easy swap.”— Michelle, Honest and Truly
Bourbon: Bourbon and vanilla are both a combination of vanillin and alcohol, so you will get the same sweetness and flavor enhancement with bourbon as when using vanilla. However, when the alcohol evaporates, bourbon has more caramel-like notes. Bourbon can be used as a one-for-one replacement for vanilla extract.
Brandy: Brandy is sweeter than bourbon and vanilla but can also be used as a substitute. It is best in recipes that contain banana or pumpkin. Brandy can be used as a one-for-one vanilla extract substitute.
Rum: Vanilla rum works best, but any dark rum will do. Dark rum is smoky, sweet, spicy and works well with rich flavors such as pineapple and coconut. Rum can be used as a one-for-one replacement for vanilla extract.
Cinnamon and other warm spices: If you don’t have ANY of the above substitution you can add cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, clove, allspice and so on. These won’t replace the vanilla BUT they will give your baked goods a punch of flavor.

Ingredients for Best Homemade Orange Rolls with Cranberries Recipe.

When using a vanilla extract substitute, it’s important to remember that the recipe may not turn out exactly like the original. Although the flavor and texture may be slightly different, these substitutes work well if you follow the directions carefully. Happy baking!