Tag Archives: vanilla

Vanilla Bean Sugar Cubes

Dessert, Fun Stuff, Vanilla Bean Sugar Cubes April 18, 2026 Comments: 2
Bowl of vanilla bean sugar cubes with wooden scoop, vanilla pods, and jar of vanilla bean sugar on wooden table
A bowl filled with vanilla bean sugar cubes on a wooden table beside vanilla pods and a jar of vanilla bean sugar

Homemade vanilla bean sugar cubes embody a charming rustic appeal that combines simplicity with elegance. Crafted with care, these sugar cubes are infused with the rich, aromatic essence of vanilla beans, offering a natural and authentic flavor profile. Their rustic charm lies in their handcrafted appearance, often featuring uneven edges and a slightly textured surface, which highlights their artisanal quality. These vanilla bean sugar cubes are versatile and ideal for sweetening hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They add a gentle vanilla aroma that enhances flavor. These cubes also make thoughtful gifts when paired with homemade vanilla extract or vanilla syrup, offering a simple way to enjoy or share a delightful vanilla flavor.

Ingredients

  • 4 Madagascar vanilla beans
  • 3 cups of white sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure Madagascar vanilla extract

Process

Preheat the oven to 275° F.

  1. To prepare the vanilla beans, cut four beans into small pieces about half an inch long. Then, place them in a food processor and blend into a coarse powder.
  2. In a bowl, stir together the sugar, vanilla bean powder, and vanilla extract until well mixed. When the extract is fully blended in, the mixture will resemble dough.
  3. Empty the sugar mixture into an 8-by-8-inch pan and spread it out evenly to a 1/2-inch thickness.
  4. Use a knife to cut the dough into small cubes, 1/2 inch on each side. To do this, run the knife along the length of the pan every 1/2 inch, then turn the pan and cut across its width every 1/2 inch. This will help you create evenly sized cubes.
  5. Bake for 1½ hours, or until cubes are firm to the touch and slightly dry. Once cooled, carefully flip the pan over onto a large cookie sheet to remove the sugar.
  6. Allow to cool completely, and then gently break into cubes along the scored lines.
  7. For smoother, rounded edges, lightly shake the cubes in a covered pot, then empty them into a colander to remove loose sugar.
  8. Store sugar cubes in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. The shelf life is 2+ years if stored properly.

Vanilla Bean Extract

Vanilla Bean Sugar

Vanilla Bean Syrup

Vanilla Extract – Homemade

Dessert, Fun Stuff, Homemade Vanilla Extract April 17, 2026 Comments: 2
Glass jar of homemade vanilla extract with cork stopper and decorative label
A charming homemade vanilla extract jar tied with a rustic bow, perfect for gifting.

Ever wondered why bother making your own vanilla extract when store-bought options are so easy? Well, here’s the scoop: store prices for vanilla are all over the place, making homemade a smart, budget-friendly choice. Plus, you get to tweak the flavor strength to your liking—no more settling for weak, artificial vanilla. Many commercial brands skimp on real vanilla, opting for imitation or synthetic ingredients, or they just add less vanilla to save costs. When you craft your own, you’re paying for rich, authentic flavor, not just convenience. Homemade vanilla is a game-changer for bakers craving depth and quality in every drop!

Ingredients

  • 8 grade A vanilla beans (see note below for types of vanilla beans)
  • 8 ounces of vodka (or other liquor – see note below)

Process

  1. Begin by slicing the vanilla bean down the center to release the seeds.
  2. The rule of thumb is one vanilla bean to one ounce of liquor. I prefer unflavored vodka because it provides a clean, neutral base that lets the true flavor of the vanilla beans shine.
  3. In an 8-ounce glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine 8 sliced vanilla beans with the liquor of your choice.
  4. Store the infused vanilla out of direct sunlight and give it a shake once per week.
  5. Vanilla will be ready to use in 2 months.
  6. Vanilla sediment is normal, edible, and adds another depth of flavor. The sediment consists of tiny vanilla seeds and bean particles released during extraction. Filtering the sediment is optional. Some people prefer to leave the specks because they indicate real vanilla. If you want a clearer appearance for gifts, you can pour the vanilla through a coffee filter. After filtering, you can put the beans back into the vanilla, so they continue to release flavor when given as a gift.
  7. Long Shelf Life: The high alcohol content in unflavored vodka acts as a preservative, allowing the vanilla extract to last for years when stored properly in a cool, dark place. This longevity makes it a practical choice for making large batches of vanilla extract at home.

Note: Use 80-proof alcohol, such as vodka, bourbon, brandy, or rum. You don’t need expensive alcohol; cheaper options are fine. The vanilla flavor comes from vanilla beans, so buy good-quality beans. Avoid flavored vodka because it often contains artificial flavors that are not suitable for making pure vanilla extract.

Types of grade A vanilla beans:

  • Madagascar Vanilla – very common and has a creamy and rich flavor
  • Mexican Vanilla – has a darker, almost smoky flavor
  • Tahitian Vanilla – also very common and has a rich floral flavor

Vanilla Bean Syrup

Vanilla Bean Sugar

Vanilla Bean Sugar Cubes