There’s something magical about the way vanilla transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable. One of the easiest (and most versatile) ways to capture that magic is by making vanilla sugar. Whether you’re sprinkling it on your morning coffee, baking cookies, or adding it to fresh fruit, vanilla sugar brings depth and aroma that plain sugar just can’t match.
At Dadora, we love sharing ways to enjoy every part of the vanilla bean—because nothing should go to waste when it comes to such a precious ingredient. Vanilla sugar is a perfect example of how a few minutes in your kitchen can give you a gourmet touch for weeks.
👉 We even filmed a quick video of the process! You can watch it on our Instagram page.
What You’ll Need
-1–2 Dadora Vanilla Beans (plump, fragrant, and sun-cured in Ecuador)
-2 cups of sugar (white granulated works best, but raw cane sugar adds a rich twist)
-An airtight jar or container
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla
Take your vanilla beans and, using a sharp knife, slice them lengthwise to expose the tiny seeds inside. Then cut the beans into smaller pieces (about 1–2 inches long). This gives you more surface area, which helps the flavor infuse faster and more evenly.
Step 2: Combine with Sugar
Add your sugar to the jar and drop in the vanilla bean pieces. If you’ve scraped out the seeds, mix those directly into the sugar before adding the pod pieces. Seal the jar and give it a gentle shake.
Step 3: Let It Infuse
Store your jar in a cool, dry spot and let the vanilla infuse for at least one week. The longer you wait, the more aromatic and flavorful your vanilla sugar becomes.
Step 4: Use and Enjoy
Once ready, use your vanilla sugar in place of regular sugar wherever you want a little something extra:
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Stir into coffee or tea
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Sprinkle over oatmeal or yogurt
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Dust on cookies, muffins, or fruit
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Whip into cream for desserts
Pro tip: Keep topping off your jar with more sugar as you use it. The vanilla bean pieces will continue to release flavor for months.
Recipes That Shine with Vanilla Sugar ✨
If you want to go beyond sprinkling and stirring, here are a few simple recipes that show off your homemade vanilla sugar:
Vanilla Sugar Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vanilla sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Cream together butter and vanilla sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour and salt until a dough forms. Roll into a log, chill for an hour, slice, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Dust with a little extra vanilla sugar while warm for a delicate crunch.
Vanilla Sugar Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup vanilla sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice and lemon slices
Stir vanilla sugar into lemon juice until dissolved. Add water and ice, then serve chilled. A refreshing twist that makes people ask what your secret is.
Vanilla Sugar Dust for Pancakes or Crepes
Pulse vanilla sugar in a food processor until extra fine, then dust generously over warm crepes, pancakes, or waffles.
Vanilla Sugar Latte Syrup
Simmer 1 cup vanilla sugar with 1 cup water until dissolved. Store in the fridge in a jar. A splash in coffee, chai, or iced tea instantly upgrades your drink.
Why Dadora Vanilla Makes It Better
Our vanilla beans are grown in the tropical lowlands of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, then cured by hand in the Highlands of Quito. This unique process creates beans with floral notes, caramel undertones, and a depth of flavor that elevates your vanilla sugar into something truly gourmet.
With just two ingredients, you can bring a little luxury into your everyday kitchen routine—and it all starts with a real vanilla bean.
✨ Shop Dadora Vanilla Beans to start your own jar of vanilla sugar today.
