12 Delicious Vanilla Recipes

The moment I opened the bottle of Malagasy vanilla extract that my husband gave me, the aroma was full of emotions. This wasn’t just any vanilla but it was something special that deserved to be the star of all vanilla recipes I will make. I immediately started thinking about the best vanilla recipes to show this flavor to my family, without being drowned by other ingredients. A classic custard seemed like the perfect place to start, where the creaminess would increase the charm of the vanilla.

As I explored more ideas, I knew that my simple spring desserts could become more enjoyable with just a simple touch of this extract. The crisp edges of a lemon glaze pound cake will give another taste each bite has the essence of pure vanilla. Or a homemade vanilla bean ice cream, on a sunny day to enjoy the season. And then there were more cakes, vanilla in its purest, most glorious form. A moist vanilla cake that feels like biting into a cloud, paired with a vanilla whipped cream frosting that melts on the tongue.

The possibilities are endless, each one a new opportunity to try this luxurious gift of Malagasy vanilla. Now, the only question left was: where to begin? below you will find the response to this question, I rounded up some easy and simple vanilla recipes to discover the best taste, including cakes, frostings, drinks, and desserts.

12. Easy Vanilla Cake

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
4. Mix in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add flour mixture, alternating with milk, until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
7. Cool before frosting.

11. Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Directions

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well.
3. Stir in vanilla and heavy cream, beating until smooth.
4. Use immediately or store in the fridge.

10. Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Whisk together cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until sugar dissolves.
2. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Freeze until firm and enjoy.

9. Vanilla Recipes: Vanilla Jello Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

8. Vanilla Recipes: Vanilla & Lemon Glaze Pound Cake

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in vanilla and lemon juice.
5. Alternately add flour mixture and milk.
6. Pour into the pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
7. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze and pour over the cooled cake.

7. Vanilla Recipes: French Vanilla Latte

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Heat milk until hot but not boiling.
2. Froth the milk using a frother or whisk.
3. Pour brewed coffee into a cup, add vanilla syrup, and top with frothed milk.
4. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.

6. Vanilla Recipes: Vanilla Wafer Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix in crushed vanilla wafers and milk.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and nuts.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
6. Let cool before serving.

5. Vanilla Recipes: Vanilla Velvet Cake

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

4. Vanilla Recipes: 2-Ingredient Vanilla Mug Cake

Ingredients

• ½ cup vanilla ice cream, melted
• 6 tbsp self-rising flour

Directions

1. Mix melted ice cream and flour in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Microwave on high for 90 seconds.
3. Let cool slightly and enjoy!

3. Vanilla Recipes: Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups ice
• 3 tbsp vanilla bean ice cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Blend milk, ice, ice cream, and vanilla syrup until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream.
3. Serve immediately.

2. Vanilla Recipes: Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Overnight Oats

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup cold brew coffee
• ½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a jar.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Stir before serving and enjoy chilled.

1. Vanilla Recipes: Greek Vanilla Yogurt Coffee Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt or loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
4. Stir in Greek yogurt and dry ingredients.
5. Fold in walnuts if using.
6. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
7. Let cool before serving.

FAQs

What is the best vanilla extract for baking?

Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor, but vanilla bean paste is a great alternative for intense vanilla notes.

Can I substitute vanilla extract with vanilla essence?

Yes, but vanilla essence is synthetic and has a weaker flavor compared to pure vanilla extract.

How do I store homemade vanilla extract?

Store it in a glass bottle in a cool, dark place. It gets better with age!

What’s the secret to a moist vanilla cake?

Use room-temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, and do not overbake.

How can I make a dairy-free vanilla cake?

Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk.

What’s the difference between vanilla bean and vanilla extract?

Vanilla beans offer a stronger, richer flavor, while vanilla extract is a more convenient liquid form.

Conclusion

Vanilla is a timeless and versatile ingredient that enhances a wide range of desserts and drinks. From classic cakes to refreshing lattes, these vanilla recipes will bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion.