How To Make Vanilla Sugar

Discover the simplicity and utter magnificence of homemade vanilla sugar and the many ways you can use it.

Have you ever come across a recipe that called for vanilla sugar? I have, and I had no idea what that was. That was long ago, and I used an equal amount of regular sugar and added a teaspoon of vanilla extract. The recipe worked, but I never knew whether it would have tasted the same as if I had used actual vanilla sugar. By the way, before we go any further, I want to let you know that yes, you can use this recipe with coconut sugar, as long as you first process the sugar to a finer consistency, as well as date sugar and maple sugar.

So, what is vanilla sugar? It is actually just as it sounds—vanilla bean-infused granulated sugar. If that sounds relatively easy to make, you’re right. It’s extremely simple. Best of all, it lasts for at least two years! Yes, you heard me right. How’s that for convenience and simplicity?

Let’s say you’re making a cake and you use a cup of vanilla sugar. All you have to do is add a cup of granulated sugar to your jar, give it a shake to mix it up, and let it sit again. The first time you make this recipe, let the vanilla beans sit in the sugar for two weeks to infuse. After that, the vanilla flavor will only continue to strengthen, so there’s no need to wait each time you add more sugar to your jar. Just give it a good shake to mix the old infused sugar with the new. Remember to keep your scraped pod in the jar to help enhance the flavor.

When making vanilla sugar, always choose plump, shiny vanilla beans. Those are the freshest types and will make the best-tasting vanilla sugar. Another option that some home cooks use is to place the vanilla bean seeds in a food processor with the sugar and give it a few pulses to help the seeds mix more thoroughly with the sugar. Personally, I think the only time this might be necessary is if you need the vanilla sugar within the first two weeks. Otherwise, just let time do its thing, and you will be rewarded with amazing vanilla flavor in your sugar.

How do you use vanilla sugar?

Other than in recipes that call for vanilla sugar, you can use it anywhere you usually use regular sugar, especially if you want to enhance the vanilla flavor. Forgo spending big bucks on that vanilla latte. Stir some vanilla sugar into your morning coffee, then pull out your handy-dandy frother and make a delicious and much less costly drink at home.

Vanilla sugar is also great when mixed with fresh berries, nectarines, or peaches for a delicious fruity dessert. You can add it to whipping cream, use it for crumble toppings, or flavor your plain Greek yogurt with a sprinkle or two. Oh, and if you like drinks such as martinis and daiquiris in sugar-rimmed glasses, imagine how great they’ll taste with vanilla-infused sugar.

How do I store leftovers?

Vanilla sugar should be stored in a glass jar, not a plastic one, for maximum freshness. You want a jar with a good, tight seal to help preserve its longevity. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place and shake it every few days during the initial 2-week infusion to distribute the flavor. The flavored sugar will stay well for at least 2 years.

Serving suggestions

It’s time to turn delicious recipes into extraordinary treats with vanilla sugar. Enhance the vanilla flavor in desserts like Lemon Cream Pie, Banana Cream Pie, and Leftover Rice Pudding. Use it to make Coconut Custard, Dairy-Free Crème Brûlée, and the most delicious Crème Brûlée Cheesecake you will ever eat. And, while it may not always be a hot summer afternoon, anytime is the right time for this Lemonade Recipe elevated with vanilla sugar.