Let’s start off by briefly explaining what Vanilla Extract is. The FDA (Food and Drink Association) state that for vanilla extract to be labelled pure, it needs to contain 35% alcohol.
We manufacture several different strengths of Vanilla Extract, and like anything else, the better the vanilla, the higher the price. The process to grow and harvest vanilla is extremely labour-intensive. As the volume of vanilla used in manufacturing increases, so does the price.
We know that certain ingredients such as flour, sugar butter, eggs and vanilla in its various forms are essential for baking, but why? Vanilla extract is a key ingredient in baking, whether it’s the star flavour in a recipe such as vanilla ice cream or a supporting flavour in a delicious crumbly shortbread biscuit.
Bonilla Vanilla Extract
Almost every baker’s store cupboard has vanilla in it, which is an essential ingredient for many recipes – and if it doesn’t then it most definitely should. We can help with that 😊. if you need to stock up, our Bonilla Vanilla Intense Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste is available for next-day delivery from Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/3HfneBf. Recipes benefit from its deep, rich flavour, which is difficult to replace with any other product.
For example, Vanilla extract gives cookies a delicious flavour and makes them smell divine. Vanilla extract contains a compound called vanillin. Vanillin is the primary compound found in vanilla, which gives us the familiar taste and smell that we all associate with Vanilla. Our extracts have up to 3 x more Vanillin than competitor brands which means 3 x More flavour.
Vanilla extract and how important is it for the baking process
The primary purpose of vanilla extract is to add flavour to baked goods. Lacking it, baked goods tend to have a bland and boring taste. Vanilla extract can also contribute moisture to create a soft and fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract can be added at any time during the baking process, but it is typically added near the end. Adding vanilla extract at the end of the baking process can make the flavour of the vanilla more pronounced.
In some recipes, pure vanilla extract adds the subtle and delicious flavour of vanilla that is easy to taste. It also enhances the flavour of other ingredients in more complex recipes. In a chocolate cake, you don’t taste the vanilla but without it, the cake would not be as flavoursome, and it would lack depth.
Vanilla substitutions don’t work in our opinion – not that we’re biased 😊. Artificial vanilla flavours tend to have a chemical taste that is definitely not appropriate for high-quality, all-natural baking. It would be a shame to ruin all that hard if your bake doesn’t taste great when you eat it!!!
Vanilla is like salt in some ways, your baked goods can taste flat without it. Chocolate is especially enhanced by the addition of vanilla. Many chocolate producers add vanilla to their finished products, purely to give a more rounded feel on the palette.
There are many types of vanilla which are grown in different countries, and all have slightly different flavours. We use Madagascar vanilla which has a deep, rich flavour and is our favourite.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this, any questions please get in touch info@bonilla-vanilla.com.
If you are interested to learn more about our wholesale range of Vanilla products, check out our shop at Vanilla Etc.
Natalie
FAQs
The primary purpose of vanilla extract is to add flavour to baked goods. Lacking it, baked goods tend to have a bland and boring taste. Vanilla extract can also contribute moisture to create a soft and fluffy texture.
What purpose does vanilla extract serve in baking? ›
It is used in baked goods for: Flavor and aroma: provide a characteristic sweet flavor. Enhancer of other flavors.
What happens if you don't add vanilla extract to cake? ›
If you don't have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extract—or any form of vanilla—brings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first.
Is vanilla extract essential for cake? ›
Vanilla is an invisible essential in cake baking. It supports, balances, and gives depth to a recipe as an enhancer of great flavour. Vanilla essence and vanilla extract are often referred to as the same thing, but even though the bottles may look similar, what is inside is not.
How does vanilla extract enhance flavor? ›
In other words, our brains believe we are tasting something sweet because vanilla's characterizing aromatics are perceived by our brains as sweet. This is why vanilla is often used in reduced sugar and protein powder applications to not only enhance sweet taste, but disguise bitter ingredients and off-notes, too.
Does vanilla extract really make a difference? ›
Vanilla does offer more than just a bit of floral flavor. Sometimes it's a flavor enhancer and sometimes it's a flavor balancer. But to be honest, unless it's a vanilla cookie, it's not a true dealbreaker. Especially if you're making cookies that have lots of other flavors going on, like coconut or dark chocolate.
What happens if I run out of vanilla extract while baking? ›
If you are preparing a recipe that requires vanilla extract and you find that you've run out of vanilla in all its forms, some bakers use an equal measure of pure maple syrup in its place. Avoid imitation maple syrup, which is mostly just corn syrup.
Why is my vanilla cake always dry? ›
If you have too much flour in a recipe and not enough fat, like butter or oil, your cake is going to be dry and hard. For best results, I would encourage you to use a scale when baking, but if you don't have a scale, then just make sure you're using measuring cups correctly.
Why is my vanilla cake not fluffy? ›
Room Temperature Butter / Don't Over-Cream
Most cakes begin with creaming butter and sugar together. Butter is capable of holding air and the creaming process is when butter traps that air. While baking, that trapped air expands and produces a fluffy cake. No properly creamed butter = no air = no fluffiness.
Can I bake without vanilla extract? ›
My go-to substitute for vanilla extract is maple syrup. It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla's mellow flavor. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you'll barely notice the difference.
If you're baking, imitation vanilla extract is a great substitute for pure vanilla extract. However, if you're making icing, pudding, creams, or a no-bake dessert, artificial vanilla can sometimes have a bitter aftertaste, so experts recommend sticking to pure vanilla extract.
Does vanilla extract go bad? ›
What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening.
When should you add vanilla extract? ›
If you are making a recipe like this Chocolate Hot Cakes with Brown Rice you'll want to add the vanilla in while you are mixing the butter and sugar together along with the other wet ingredients. For desserts such as custard or this Horchata Ice Cream, add the extract towards the end of the cooking process.
What does vanilla extract do to your body? ›
Vanilla extract offers many health benefits. Vanillin is known to have both antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being neuroprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, boost antibiotics, and helpful for wound healing.
Can I use honey instead of vanilla extract? ›
Maple Syrup or Honey
Its rich and sweet flavor makes a decent vanilla bean substitute and a great vanilla extract substitute. Honey's floral and bright sweetness is delightful in recipes like blondies, muffins, quick breads, cakes, and cookies.
How do you use vanilla extract in the oven? ›
Same idea, different method: Put a couple teaspoons of vanilla in a mug and bake at 300 degrees for an hour. Of course, baking actual cookies would be a more delicious way to do the trick!
What to use instead of vanilla extract? ›
8 substitutes for vanilla extract
- Vanilla paste. Vanilla paste — also called vanilla bean paste — is a mix of vanilla extract, vanilla beans, and sugar. ...
- Vanilla powder. ...
- Vanilla sugar. ...
- Almond extract. ...
- Maple syrup. ...
- Honey. ...
- Bourbon, brandy, rum, or vanilla liqueur. ...
- Vanilla flavored plant-based milk.
