If you make desserts often, you know that vanilla extract is one of the most useful kitchen staples. Its deeply aromatic, distinctly floral flavor compliments nearly all types of cookies, cakes, pies, and other baked goods. But even if you find out that you’ve run out of vanilla extract at the last minute, don’t despair. There are a few ingredients you can use as vanilla extract substitutes.
Maple Syrup
Some bakers use an equal measure of pure maple syrup instead of vanilla extract. Note that it could change the calorie content of a dish, and avoid imitation maple syrup, which is mostly just corn syrup.
Alcoholic Spirits
Spirits such as brandy, rum, whiskey, or bourbon can also be used as vanilla extract substitutes. Bourbon is the closest in flavor to vanilla because it picks up some of the flavors from the oak barrels in which it is aged. Oak is rich in compounds known as villains, which are also found in…vanilla.
Flavor Extracts
If you have another flavoring extract on hand, you can swap the vanilla extract for it. Almond imparts a nice flavor to baked goods, however, it is much stronger than vanilla so you need to add half as much. Other extracts, such as lemon or peppermint, impart their own distinct flavors, so keep that in mind when you use them.
