How to Make Vanilla Sugar, and Easy Recipe
Vanilla sugar is one of those pantry staples that instantly elevates desserts, drinks, and even fruit salads. Commonly used in European and Caribbean kitchens, it’s fragrant, versatile, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you use it in baked goods, coffee, or a refreshing tropical recipe like my Tropical Pineapple Boat with Exotic Fruits, vanilla sugar adds a subtle sweetness with a hint of floral aroma.
What is Vanilla Sugar?
Vanilla sugar is simply granulated sugar infused with the flavor of vanilla. It can be made using whole vanilla beans or vanilla extract, depending on what you have available. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes.
Why I Love This Recipe
Vanilla sugar reminds me of both Caribbean desserts and European baking traditions I grew up with. It’s elegant but easy, and makes everyday recipes feel extra special.
Types of Sugar You Can Use for Vanilla Sugar
While granulated white sugar is the most common base for vanilla sugar, you can experiment with other sugars depending on the flavor and look you want:
- Granulated White Sugar (Classic):
Neutral flavor that allows the vanilla to shine. Best for coffee, tea, and most baked goods. - Cane Sugar:
Slightly more golden and less processed, adds a light caramel note that pairs well with tropical fruit salads. - Caster Sugar (Superfine Sugar):
Dissolves quickly, making it ideal for delicate desserts, whipped cream, or sprinkling over pancakes and French toast. - Brown Sugar:
Rich and molasses-like, great if you want a deeper, almost butterscotch-like vanilla flavor. Works beautifully in cookies and spiced cakes. - Coconut Sugar:
A natural, less refined sugar with caramel undertones. Perfect for a healthier twist, though it will darken the final look of your vanilla sugar.
Tip: If you’re using a darker sugar (like brown or coconut), the vanilla flavor will still infuse, but the color and aroma will be richer — great for hearty baked goods, but less ideal if you want a clean white sugar for topping pastries.
Where to Buy Vanilla Pods
Vanilla pods (also called vanilla beans) are the key to making rich, fragrant vanilla sugar. While they can be a little pricey, a single pod can infuse multiple batches of sugar, making it a worthwhile pantry investment.
Here are some reliable places to find them:
- Grocery Stores: Many large supermarkets carry vanilla beans in the baking aisle, often packaged in glass tubes or sealed packs.
- Specialty Food Stores: Gourmet shops and spice markets may have high-quality, fresher pods.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Spice House, or Beanilla offer a wide selection of Madagascar, Tahitian, or Mexican vanilla beans.
- Caribbean & Latin Markets: Some regional markets stock vanilla pods (especially Mexican vanilla).
- Health Food Stores: Natural food shops often sell organic vanilla pods in small packs.
Tip: Look for pods that are plump, flexible, and glossy — they should bend without breaking. Avoid beans that are dry, brittle, or shriveled, as they’ve likely lost their oils and flavor.
Vanilla Pod Buying Guide: Types of Vanilla Beans
Not all vanilla pods are the same — each origin has its own unique aroma and flavor profile. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right type for your vanilla sugar and other recipes:
- Madagascar Vanilla (Bourbon Vanilla):
The most popular and widely available. Flavor is rich, creamy, and sweet with warm undertones. Perfect for everyday use in baking, coffee, and desserts. - Tahitian Vanilla:
Floral, fruity, and slightly lighter in flavor. Works beautifully in fruit salads, custards, whipped cream, and recipes where you want the vanilla to feel more delicate. - Mexican Vanilla:
Bolder and spicier, with a hint of clove or nutmeg. Excellent for chocolate desserts, rich sauces, and spiced cakes. - Ugandan Vanilla:
Deep, earthy, and chocolatey. A wonderful choice if you want a more robust flavor for warm drinks or decadent baked goods.
Tip: For your Tropical Pineapple Boat with Exotic Fruits, Tahitian vanilla beans are ideal — their floral notes complement mango, kiwi, and cherries perfectly. For cakes and cookies, stick with Madagascar beans for a classic, sweet flavor.
Notes & Tips
- For a stronger flavor, use 2 vanilla beans per cup of sugar.
- Top up the jar with more sugar as you use it — the vanilla bean will continue to infuse.
- Works beautifully in cakes, cookies, pancakes, French toast, tea, coffee, and fruit salads.
Conclusion
Making your own vanilla sugar is simple, cost-effective, and endlessly versatile. Keep a jar in your pantry and you’ll always have a touch of sweetness and aroma ready for your favorite recipes.
How to Make Vanilla Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Method 1 – With a Vanilla Bean (Best Flavor):
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
- Mix the seeds with sugar and bury the pod in the sugar jar.
- Seal in an airtight jar and let sit for at least 1 week. Shake occasionally to distribute flavor.
Method 2 – With Vanilla Extract (Quick Version):
- Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract to 1 cup sugar.
- Stir until combined, then spread on a baking sheet to dry for a few hours.
- Store in a sealed jar at room temperature.
Notes
Tips
- For a stronger flavor, use 2 vanilla beans per cup of sugar.
- Top up the jar with more sugar as you use it — the vanilla bean will continue to infuse.
- Works beautifully in cakes, cookies, pancakes, French toast, tea, coffee, and fruit salads.
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
