What is vanilla sugar? Does it have alcohol?

Vanilla sugar is simply sugar that's been infused with a touch of sweet vanilla flavor - typically from whole or ground vanilla beans, vanilla paste, or vanilla extract. Some vanilla pastes or extracts contain trace amounts of alcohol, but it’s so small that it’s practically negligible. If the sugar is heated when used in a recipe (for example, by being baked in the oven), this miniature amount of alcohol should evaporate in the process.

What is the best vanilla sugar substitute?

The easiest (and most straightforward) substitute for vanilla sugar is to just use granulated sugar and the vanilla flavoring of your choice (e.g. vanilla extract, beans, or paste).

Is vanilla sugar the same as icing sugar?

No, not quite. Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar, is a sweetener made from granulated sugar and starch (typically corn starch) that’s been processed until fine and powdery. You can make powdered vanilla sugar if you'd like — the instructions are in the “optional variations” above. Then, feel free to use it as you would regular powdered sugar, but with a boost of delicious vanilla flavor!

Can I substitute vanilla sugar for vanilla extract?

While vanilla sugar will impart flavor into your recipes like vanilla extract does, I find that it tends to be a bit more subtle. That said, if you have a recipe that calls for both granulated sugar and vanilla extract and all you have is vanilla sugar, I would definitely recommend using it!

Does vanilla sugar go bad?

Sugar doesn’t expire, so it’s highly unlikely that your homemade vanilla sugar will go bad. In fact, sugar is a preservative ! To help ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible, consider storing your vanilla sugar without the vanilla pod, since vanilla beans do expire.

Vanilla Sugar Recipe (4 Easy Ways!)

Homemade Vanilla Sugar

Four different variations of vanilla sugar in jars, made with vanilla extract, vanilla beans, or vanilla paste.

Print Recipe

Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn how to make vanilla sugar at home with any form of vanilla you have on hand. My easy vanilla sugar DIY recipe includes 4 different methods using your choice of vanilla beans, vanilla extract, or vanilla paste. Plus, download and print a set of my free custom labels to make your jars of vanilla sugar look like they came from a specialty store!

Author: Alexandra Azary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Category: how to
Method: food processor

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (397 grams) granulated sugar

Vanilla (use one of the following):

2 fresh vanilla beans
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Food Processor Method Using Whole Vanilla Beans:

In a food processor fitted with the steel blade attachment, combine granulated sugar with seeds from the two vanilla beans. Process until the vanilla is fully and evenly incorporated into the sugar.
Transfer vanilla sugar to an airtight container, adding the pods (cut in half if needed) before covering with a lid. For the best flavor, store for at least 2 weeks before using.

Food Processor Method Using Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract:

In a food processor fitted with the steel blade attachment, combine granulated sugar with vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract. Process until the vanilla is fully and evenly incorporated into the sugar. The sugar will get a bit clumpy - this is normal.
Spread sugar out on in a thin, even layer on a large baking sheet. Let dry for several hours or overnight; the sugar will harden once dry.
Use a flat spatula to break the dried sugar into pieces and transfer it back to the food processor. Process until all clumps are gone and the mixture has returned to the texture of standard granulated sugar. Store in an airtight container. Feel free to use immediately.

Equipment-Free Method Using Vanilla Bean Powder:

Combine sugar with ground vanilla beans in a container, mixing with a spoon until the powder is evenly dispersed. For the best flavor, store in an airtight container for at least 2 weeks before using.

Equipment-Free Method Using Vanilla Bean Pods:

Add whole, fresh vanilla beans or the (dry) spent pods of two vanilla beans that were used for another purpose directly to granulated sugar in an airtight container.
Let the sugar sit for at least two weeks before using to allow time for the vanilla to infuse the sugar.
Replenish the container with fresh sugar as you use it.

Notes

Ingredient Notes:

This recipe can also be made with unrefined sugar, such as coconut sugar, or raw cane sugar, or a sugar-free alternative such as monk fruit or erythritol.
Grade A vanilla beans are best for this recipe. Feel free to experiment with the variety of vanilla used (Madagascar, Tahitian, etc.).

Storage and Shelf Life Notes:

Vanilla sugar will keep well stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for at least 2 years.
Vanilla sugar made using the equipment-free method with vanilla bean pods can be replenished with fresh sugar for up to 1 year before the pods should be replaced. Don't throw them out! You can still use them in a recipe.
To prevent clumping during storage, allow vanilla bean pods to dry out before adding to your sugar. You can also add a packet of silica to the jar if desired.

Find it online: https://www.brighteyedbaker.com/vanilla-sugar-recipe/