This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Introducing homemade vanilla sugar recipe! Just 2 ingredients and 5 minutes are required to prepare this aromatic sugar. Use it in cakes, cookies, ice cream, coffee, oatmeal, and more. It’s easy to prepare and makes such a great gift!
⭐️ Why You Should Try This Recipe
- It’s much cheaper than store-bought. Plus, it packs even more vanilla flavor, I am confident you will never buy vanilla sugar again!
- It’s incredibly versatile. You can use it to add a delicate flavor to cookies, or cupcakes, use it as a topping for oatmeal, or sweeten your morning coffee or tea!
- It’s insanely easy. Made with just 2 basic ingredients in 5 minutes. It cannot get easier than that.
📘 What is Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is simply sugar that is infused with vanilla beans. It’s a fantastic ingredient that takes baked goods and beverages to the next level.
🥣 How to Make Vanilla Sugar
Here is what you will need:
- Sugar – Basically, any sugar will work. Here, I went with granulated brown sugar, but you can also use white sugar. Be aware that the vanilla flavor won’t shine as much if using darker sugars like coconut sugar or dark brown sugar. I also recommend avoiding powdered sugar as it would clump due to the moisture contained in the vanilla beans.
- Vanilla beans – You can use Tahitian or Madagascar vanilla beans. I went with a ratio of 1 vanilla bean per 1 cup of sugar for a concentrated flavor. You can obviously play with that ratio and use 1 bean per 2 cups of sugar, it will be slightly less fragrant but still delicious! And if you are wondering what to do with the leftover vanilla beans, check out my Homemade Vanilla Extract recipe.
Here are the steps to make vanilla sugar:
- Add the sugar to a mixing bowl.
- Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape off the seeds using a thin knife.
- Transfer the vanilla seeds to the sugar and stir to combine. Be aware that the seeds tend to clump together, so feel free to use a small whisk to break them down.
- Cut the vanilla bean into 1-inch pieces and add it to the sugar as well. Make sure the vanilla bean pieces are submerged in the sugar.
- Transfer the sugar to a clean glass jar and let it infuse for at least one week.
📔 Tips
- If you are having trouble mixing the vanilla bean seeds evenly into the sugar, you can place the sugar and vanilla bean seeds in a food processor and give them a few pulses until it is fully combined.
- If you make a recipe that calls for vanilla bean seeds, do not trash the empty beans! Add them to your vanilla sugar for a deeper flavor!
🍮 Where to Use Vanilla Sugar
You can use vanilla sugar in most desserts instead of regular sugar to bring extra flavor and freshness. It works particularly well in chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies, ice cream, vegan creme caramel, and cakes.
You can also use it to sweeten hot beverages like coffee, tea, or lattes. Vanilla sugar also makes a great topping for oatmeal!
💬 FAQ
No, vanilla extract is liquid and would make the sugar clump together. You need to use vanilla beans or pure vanilla powder. If using vanilla powder, you want to use about 3/4 teaspoons for every cup of sugar.
You can keep this homemade vanilla sugar almost indefinitely stored in a glass jar at room temperature.
Yes! You can add 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon for vanilla cinnamon sugar!
I would not recommend omitting vanilla extract in sweet recipes, even if you use vanilla sugar. Try to think of vanilla sugar as a way to add an extra layer of flavor. For beverages like coffee, tea, or lattes, there is no need to use vanilla extract if using vanilla sugar.
I hope you are going to love this homemade vanilla sugar recipe! It’s a fantastic ingredient that is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for bakers!
🧂 More DIY Vegan Recipes
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe!
Easy Homemade Vanilla Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar white or light brown sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Place the sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Slice the vanilla bean in half using a sharp knife. Scrape out the seeds and place them into the mixing bowl containing the sugar.
- Mix the sugar with the vanilla seeds using a whisk or wooden spoon. Whisk until there are no more clumps of vanilla seeds.
- Transfer the vanilla sugar to a clean glass jar. Cut the empty vanilla bean pod into 1-inch pieces and submerge them into the sugar.
- Wait at least 1 week before using the vanilla sugar. It will keep for up to 1 year stored at room temperature.
Notes
- If you are having trouble mixing the vanilla bean seeds evenly into the sugar: you can place the sugar and vanilla bean seeds in a food processor and give them a few pulses until it is fully combined.
- If you make a recipe that calls for vanilla bean seeds, do not trash the empty beans! Add them to your vanilla sugar for a deeper flavor!
- Ratio: I went with 1 vanilla bean per 1 cup of sugar for a very deep flavor, but you can play with that ratio and use just 1 bean for every 2 cups of sugar.
Nutrition
About the Author
Thomas Pagot is the founder, photographer, and recipe developer behind Full of Plants. He created the blog in 2016 as a personal cookbook for vegan recipes. Through years of recipe development, Thomas has successfully grown Full of Plants into a trusted resource for plant-based recipes.
🧀 25 Mind-Blowing Vegan Cheese Recipes!
Sign up for the Full of Plants newsletter and you’ll get new recipes delivered by email weekly, PLUS your FREE 100-page printable eBook!
Vanilla Sugar is the recipe I looked for. Thank you!
Hope you will like it Tommy!