Homemade Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is a common ingredient in European baking and dessert recipes. If you can’t find it in a store or want to skip the store-bought one, here’s a simple guide on how to make homemade vanilla sugar the easy way.

What is Vanilla Sugar?

Vanilla sugar is a fine sugar that is flavored with real vanilla. In the case of vanilla sugar, the vanilla flavor comes from the vanilla bean. It must be distinguished from vanillin sugar, which does not contain real vanilla, but the synthetic flavoring vanillin. Vanillin sugar can be used instead of vanilla sugar.

How to Use Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is used to add a hint of vanilla flavor to baked goods, desserts, and drinks.

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Ingredients

To make homemade vanilla sugar you will need 1 vanilla bean and 1 cup (200 g) of granulated or superfine sugar (superfine sugar works best). Raw cane sugar can also be used, but may not work in all recipes.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Sugar

The following two methods describe how to make homemade vanilla sugar the easy way.

• Method 1: Scrape out the vanilla bean seeds. Use the seeds for another recipe. Pour the sugar into a jar and submerge the empty vanilla bean pod into the sugar.
• Method 2: Scrape out the vanilla bean seeds. Mix the sugar and seeds with a whisk. Pour the vanilla sugar into a jar and submerge the empty vanilla bean pod into the sugar.

For both methods, the preparation is followed by 2 weeks in which the sugar must infuse. During this time, give it a shake every day.

Method 2 vanilla sugar is more intense than the one of method 1.

My recipe below includes both methods.

The following photos show method 2.

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Shelf Life & Storage

Store the vanilla sugar at room temperature. If stored airtight in a cool, dry place, it will keep for at least 2 years. Give it a shake every few weeks, because it can clump up. In case the vanilla sugar gets a little hard, shake the sealed jar or container vigorously several times or stir the vanilla sugar to loosen it up.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by giving it a star rating and leaving a comment below. Or snap a photo and tag @teatimeontheporch on Instagram so I can see it! I’d love to see your homemade vanilla sugar!

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Homemade Vanilla Sugar

By Christina

Yields: 1 cup (200 g)

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Vanilla sugar is a common ingredient in European baking and dessert recipes. If you can’t find it in a store or want to skip the store-bought one, here’s a simple guide on how to make homemade vanilla sugar the easy way.

Ingredients

• 1 vanilla bean, best quality (organic)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated or superfine sugar, or raw cane sugar

Instructions

• Using a sharp knife, slit the vanilla bean pod lengthwise (be careful not to cut all the way through the bean). Tip: Cut the vanilla bean pod in half first, this makes scraping out easier.
• Use a spoon or knife to gently scrape out the vanilla bean seeds in a downward motion. Use another spoon to scrape the seeds off the spoon or knife. Save the empty pod. Use the seeds for another recipe (in this case, continue on to step 4) or use them for the vanilla sugar.
• Mix the sugar and seeds in a bowl with a whisk.
• Pour the (vanilla) sugar into a jar or airtight container. Submerge the empty pod into the sugar (cut it as needed to fit). Seal the jar or container with an airtight lid.
• For optimal flavor, allow the sugar to infuse for at least 2 weeks before using. Give it a shake every day.
• Store the vanilla sugar at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Give it a shake every time you pass it.

Notes

Shelf Life & Storage: Store the vanilla sugar at room temperature. If stored airtight in a cool, dry place, it will keep for at least 2 years. Give it a shake every few weeks, because it can clump up. In case the vanilla sugar gets a little hard, shake the sealed jar or container vigorously several times or stir the vanilla sugar to loosen it up.

Did You Make This Recipe?

I’d love to know how it turned out! Please leave a comment below. Or snap a photo and tag @teatimeontheporch on Instagram so I can see it!