Some would credit the Great British Bakeoff for making vanilla paste popular, but we know there are plenty of good reasons that vanilla paste has gained significant popularity in recent years. It’s a luxurious and versatile ingredient that adds depth, complexity, and intense flavor to a wide array of dishes, both savory and sweet – even cocktails. If you’re looking to elevate your baking, vanilla paste is a great product to try.
Unlike pure vanilla extract, which is made by extracting vanilla beans in alcohol and water, vanilla paste has a thicker consistency and contains both vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds. It offers a potent burst of vanilla flavor with the added visual appeal of vanilla seeds (often called flecks or seeds). Additionally, vanilla paste can sometimes be a more cost-effective alternative to pure vanilla extract because it includes sugar, which enhances the overall flavor and makes it ideal for simpler recipes like whipped cream.
The Unique Characteristics of Vanilla Paste
Vanilla paste is similar to honey in consistency and has a dark amber color. It’s sweet, smooth, and rich in vanilla flavor, making it perfect for whipped cream, frostings, cookies, cakes, and more. While some vanilla pastes on the market have a jam-like or liquid consistency, most use additional thickening agents like sugar and gum tragacanth, a natural thickener. Homemade versions typically use cornstarch or glycerin. Different brands of vanilla paste vary in color and consistency. This variety allows you to select the best option for your specific needs.
Applications of Vanilla Bean Paste
Baking
Vanilla paste enhances baked goods such as cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries with a rich vanilla flavor and the speckled appearance of vanilla beans.
Desserts
Commonly used in custards, puddings, ice creams, and other desserts, vanilla paste adds a strong vanilla flavor and visual appeal. It’s ideal for lighter-colored desserts like vanilla bean buttercream frosting or vanilla cake.
Frostings and Icings
Vanilla paste enriches the flavor in frostings and icings, providing a richer taste and the appealing appearance of vanilla flecks. It’s perfect for vanilla whipped cream frosting or cream cheese frosting.
Sauces
Add vanilla paste to both sweet and savory sauces, such as fruit sauces, caramel sauces, and even vanilla aioli, to infuse them with a unique flavor.
Beverages
Stir vanilla paste into hot beverages like coffee, tea, lattes, or hot chocolate for a richer flavor, or add it to cold beverages like milkshakes, smoothies, and even cocktails like a Vanilla Old Fashioned.
Cost of Vanilla bean paste
Vanilla paste is reasonably priced and a cost-effective substitute for vanilla extract (1 teaspoon of vanilla extract equals 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste and equals 1 vanilla bean).
Adding vanilla paste to your recipes can offer both great flavor and beautiful results. Whether you’re creating a delectable dessert, trying out a savory recipe, or crafting a perfect cocktail, this ingredient stands ready to elevate your experiences. Therefore, seize the versatility of this pourable delight by acquiring our Rodelle Vanilla Paste today!
