How to Make Vanilla Paste (3-Ingredient Recipe + Storage Tips)
Vanilla paste is the perfect middle ground between extract and whole beans — it has the flavor strength of extract plus the visible vanilla specks you see in gourmet desserts, ice cream, and bakery-style frosting.
Store-bought vanilla paste is usually expensive and full of thickeners, corn syrup, and preservatives. But you can make your own in minutes with just 3 simple ingredients — and it tastes even better.
Below are two versions of the recipe:
✅ One using whole vanilla beans
✅ One using pure vanilla powder (faster + cheaper)
What Is Vanilla Paste?
Vanilla paste is a thick, spoonable form of vanilla made by blending vanilla beans (or powder) with a sweetener and a small amount of extract or liquid to help it bind.
It gives you:
✔ Strong vanilla flavor
✔ Real vanilla specks in every spoonful
✔ Easy measuring (1 tsp paste = 1 tsp extract)
Vanilla Extract vs Vanilla Paste vs Whole Beans
| Form | Texture | Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extract | Liquid | Strong | Baking, drinks, sauces |
| Paste | Thick, speckled | Strong | Frosting, ice cream, custards, coffee |
| Whole Beans | Solid pod | Very strong | Infusions, syrups, whipped cream |
Recipe #1 — Vanilla Paste Made with Whole Beans
Ingredients
6–8 whole vanilla beans (Grade A or B)
½ cup sugar, honey, or maple syrup
2–3 tbsp vanilla extract (or water if alcohol-free)
Instructions
Split the beans and scrape out the seeds.
Add seeds + pods + sweetener to a small saucepan.
Warm gently for 2–3 minutes (don’t boil).
Remove pods, transfer mixture to a blender.
Add vanilla extract, blend until smooth.
Pour into a clean glass jar and refrigerate.
Shelf life: 6–8 months refrigerated
Strength: 1 tsp paste = 1 tsp extract
Recipe #2 — Vanilla Paste Made with Ground Vanilla Powder
Ingredients
2 tbsp pure ground vanilla powder
½ cup sugar, honey, or maple syrup
1–2 tbsp vanilla extract (or water if alcohol-free)
Instructions
Mix vanilla powder + sweetener in a bowl or blender.
Add extract and stir/blend until thick and smooth.
Transfer to jar. No heating required.
Shelf life: 6+ months
No straining, no boiling, no waste
✅ This version is smoother
✅ No pods to remove
✅ Cheaper because powder is concentrated
How to Store Vanilla Paste
Store in a glass jar with a tight lid
Refrigeration is best
Label with the date
If it thickens over time, add 1 tsp warm water and stir
10 Ways to Use Vanilla Paste
-
Coffee or cold brew
-
Whipped cream
-
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting
-
French toast
-
Ice cream or gelato
-
Chia pudding
-
Cheesecake batter
-
Overnight oats
-
Caramel sauce
-
Yogurt + fruit bowls
Want the Fastest Option?
Skip the scraping and blending — use our Ecuador-grown pure vanilla powder or pre-packed vanilla beans:
✔ Ground vanilla powder (no additives)
✔ Grade A beans, sun-cured in Ecuador
✔ DIY extract + paste ready
FAQ:
Can I use brown sugar?
Yes, it gives a caramel note and darker color.
Does this replace extract?
Yes. 1 tsp paste = 1 tsp extract.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended. Refrigeration is ideal.
Will it crystallize?
If using sugar, yes slightly over time — just stir or warm.
Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes, swap extract for water or glycerin.