With just 2 ingredients, this vanilla sugar recipe is so simple and easy to make at home. Only 5 minutes needed! Tips shared for choosing the right vanilla bean for making incredible homemade vanilla sugar.
What is Vanilla Sugar Used For?
Vanilla sugar is incredibly versatile.
I keep a small jar in my baking cabinet (next to the spices) and use it for just about anything: sprinkled over juicy, ripe strawberries, stirred into oatmeal, and mixed into strong coffee and tea. It’s great on waffles, apple tarts and panettone, and it makes the best cinnamon toast on warm sourdough bread. Every time I open the jar, I’m hit with the most wonderful, sweet aroma…
But here’s the best part: vanilla sugar is practical enough for everyday use but equally as impressive to give as gifts. It’s easy, fast and incredibly satisfying to make.
Homemade Vanilla Sugar in 3 Easy Steps!
- Grab some vanilla beans
- Combine sugar and vanilla in a food processor (it can also be done by hand)
- Portion in cute little jars
So… How do I pick the right vanilla bean?
There are several types of vanilla beans to choose from, ranging in source of origin, flavor and cost.
Here are 3 common varieties:
- Tahitian: floral aroma with a rich, fruity flavor
- Madagascar Bourbon: sweet aroma and delicate flavor
- Mexican: full bodied, rich and smoky
My preference is Tahitian Vanilla Beans (Grade B). The flavor is versatile and it does not overpower.
Another important factor to consider is cost. Vanilla beans are pricey! To save a few bucks, Native Vanilla has some bulk price options (i.e. 10 vanilla beans for $12.99 with free shipping!). The quality is excellent.
What’s the difference between Grade A & Grade B vanilla?
Grade A vanilla beans are considered high quality or “gourmet” because they’re soft, plump, shiny and have a high moisture content. They’re also expensive.
Grade B vanilla beans can be stiff, crackly and dry.
Which one is best for vanilla sugar?
Grade B is typically best because of its low moisture content- the sugar won’t clump up when the mixture is combined. The vanilla beans still pack plenty of pure vanilla flavor, and as an added bonus, they cost less than Grade A beans.
How tO store vanilla Sugar & Vanilla Beans
Vanilla sugar will keep indefinitely when stored in an airtight jar. In fact, the longer it sits the better it will taste!
As for the vanilla beans, cover tightly in plastic or wax wrap. This is important so they don’t dry out.
TIP: As your vanilla sugar supply dwindles down, top it off with more sugar and deseeded vanilla pods as you collect them.
Where Can I Buy Those Cute Jars?!
This recipe fits perfectly into 4 oz (125 ml) latch top jars (pictured here).
Here a a few options to choose from, similar to mine. You can also purchase in bulk from a restarant supply store.
- Kilner Jar
- Mason Jam Jars {pack of 4}
- Bormioli Rocco Fido Preserving Jar
- Le Parfait Jars {pack of 4}
Recipes to Try with Vanilla sugar
- Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Waffles
- Jamie Oliver’s Panettone Pudding Tart
- Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Bread
- Easy Apple Tart with Puff Pastry
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Vanilla Sugar Recipe in 3 Easy Steps
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: One-Bowl
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Using only 2 ingredients, this vanilla sugar recipe is so simple and easy to make at home. All you need is 5 minutes! It’s perfect to spice up your everyday oatmeal, yet impressive enough to give as homemade gifts. For best flavor allow the sugar to infuse for up to 2 weeks or more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 vanilla beans
Notes
1.) For the vanilla beans, both Grade A and Grade B can be used with excellent results. I prefer Tahitian Vanilla Beans (Grade B) from Native Vanilla.
2.) I use a food processor to infuse the vanilla into the sugar- it’s the quickest way to infuse the flavor. Alternatively, it can be mixed by hand.
Instructions
- Slice the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds in a downward motion using the back of a small paring knife. Reserve the empty pods.
- Add the sugar to the bowl of a food processor. Add the vanilla seeds.
- Pulse until well incorporated. Pour into jars or a large airtight container. Submerge the reserved vanilla pods into the sugar (cut in half to fit, if necessary). For best flavor, allow the sugar to infuse for up to 2 weeks or more.
Comments
Carmel says
I am so excited to try. I am wondering if Ultrafine (baking sugar) can be used? Now l have to go and get grade B vanilla beans. I had grade A thinking ‘Ooo’ won’t that be good until…Thanks CTL
Fance says
Can Monk Fruit be substituted for sugar? Has anyone tried this before?
Ginny says
I’ve been making vanilla sugar as a gift for 3 years now. Also, I make sure I get the jars out to friends and family just after Thanksgiving so they have the 2 weeks to shake the jar everyday and just in time to make spitzbubens for Christmas. I also use my Nonesuch Mincemeat jars from Thanksgiving! I wish I could add a picture.
Jason R Morford says
I read somewhere that you can use extracted beans (that have been used for vanilla extract) let them dry and then put them in the sugar. Have you done that? If so what were the results.
Emilie Raffa says
Hi Jason, yes! I’ve done that before. In fact, I believe I mention using the dried pods here in the sugar as well. Adds extra flavor. Try it!
Jeannette Louise (loes) krane says
Oei, what dumb thing did I just do? I had about 11 long bean pods that turned out to be dried and crunchy, no smell!
My recipe called for 1 package of vanilla sugar and I did not have it. I thought those pods were old and not usable. I cut them in piece and put the 150 gram sugar for the recipe and let them sit an hour and then tried the sugar, hmm, they smelled good, tasted good, put them through a large strainer and used the sugar. the eggs and the sugar in the kitchen aid plus a teaspoon of pure vanilla liquid in it. ( only liquid in the whole recipe). The cookies are fine, but the cut beans, oops, I through away.
Sarah says
Hi, How much is 2 cups of sugar in grams? Thanks so much :-)
Sharlene says
Two cups of granulated sugar is approximately 400 grams
Kiyomi says
I like this. I use to use the vanilla sugar recipe using pure extract- but I prefer this one. Question though- have you any idea on the shelf life? Just wondering if it will spoil at some point.
Emilie says
Hi there,
Great question. In my experience, I’ve never had an issue with the sugar spoiling. In fact, I just keep on adding vanilla beans to the same jar as I go. You might consider starting a small jar to see how it goes.
Monica says
My sister in-law gave this to me as a gift last year in a mason jar with a cute label, and just loved it. Simple homemade gifts like this one always makes me feel like someone cares so it’s like two gifts in one! I just ran out of my sugar so I did a search to see how to make my own and I’m so glad because I found your site, and I just love it!
Emilie says
Hello Monica! Thank you so much! What a wonderful comment to receive :)
Kaity says
I’m with you, handmade wins hands down everytime! Mmmmm, can’t go wrong with vanilla sugar!
Emilie says
…and you make some gorgeous things my dear. Happy holidays to you! xo
justine fontinell says
Gah, your pictures are so beautiful! Just wanted to let you know that I linked to your post on my vanilla sugar post: http://fullbellysisters.blogspot.com/2014/12/simple-vanilla-sugar-holidayfood.html
Emilie says
Thank you Jus! Wait, can I call you Jus? My cousin’s name is Justine and I call her Jus all the time… ;)
I’m so excited you made this already- that was fast! I’m heading over to check out your post now. Thanks for the head’s up. xoxo
Pamela Green says
Such a simple and lovely homemade holiday gift! I will have to make some for myself as well!
Emilie says
Definitely! The cook deserves a little treat too! And vanilla sugar is the gift that keeps on giving :)
Donna Castellano says
So simple and such a great gift idea! Even easier than baking cookies! LOVE!
Emilie says
Hi Donna! I laughed when I read this comment because I just read your cookie recipe on the blog (got distracted and forgot to comment!). I totally get the woes of baking with kids. It never really goes according to plan…
Vanilla sugar is super, super easy. It’s completely mindless so you can do it even on the worst days! ;)
Nik@ABrownTable says
Your styling is impeccable in this post! I love, love, love this so much.
Emilie says
Hi Nik! So sweet of you to say. You are a huge inspiration :)
jura / recipesonthefly says
Great idea, easy to prepare, but very special … A beautiful blog!
Emilie says
Hello Jura! So kind of you to say :) Have fun poking around…
Jayme Henderson says
Hi Emilie! Like I said, I was searching for tips on making vanilla sugar just a moment ago. It sounds super easy. I am doing all handmade gifts for Christmas this year, so I will definitely add this to the collection. I totally died at your sommelier comment! You SO sounded like one. I actually almost snorted out some wine that I was evaluating for a piece! ;-) XO
Emilie says
Hi Jayme! This literally takes only a couple of moments to put together. It’s super easy!
Last year, I this grand idea of making tons of homemade gifts. I had it all planned out. And you know what happened? I made nothing. I got so caught up with how the gifts should look- the wrapping, the jars, the bows, that I completely overwhelmed myself and fell flat.
This year, I’m only making a couple of things. I bought all materials on sale in November. And I promised myself that I wouldn’t go crazy! This vanilla sugar is an example of thoughtful simplicity, for both the creator and the recipient. ;)
I hope you have fun playing around with the recipe, Jayme! I mention (below) that I’ve used Grade A & Grade B for sugar with excellent results. It’s up to you! xoxo
kristie {birch and wild} says
Vanilla sugar? Um, yes please. Do you think this would work with coconut sugar? I think I could give it a go. It might be the best of both worlds. P.s. your photos are out of this world stunning!
Emilie says
Hi Kristie! Absolutely. Coconut sugar is a great idea. I haven’t done it myself, but I don’t see why not? If you experiment (you could always do a small batch) I’d love to hear how it turns out. I have some coconut sugar in my cabinet as we speak ;)
Stacy says
I love this gift idea because it’s not over the top but is a simple yet thoughtful way to show someone you appreciate them. I really appreciate this post as I’m raking my brain trying to come up with clever gift ideas. Also, where do you buy those cute little jars? Looking forward to making this.
Emilie says
Hello Stacy, I love the name of your blog ;)
The jars were a gift- however I’ve seen similar ones online and in stores.
Search for: small glass canning jars with gaskets (the orange rubber ring).
Check: Amazon, Sur La Table & Target (online & in store) etc.
I got the brown craft tags and string from Michael’s, $1 bin.
I hope this helps!
Kara says
This is such a sweet gift idea :) thank you so much for sharing! Your recipes and photography are beautiful!!!
Emilie says
Hello Kara! You are quite welcome! This makes a fabulous gift idea that’s both easy and can be made in advance. Enjoy! :)
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Lovely, lovely photography, Emilie. The light is so soft and the styling is just perfect, just like your fabulous idea of giving vanilla sugar as a gift! There’s nothing like the aroma of opening a jar of sugar with a few vanilla beans inside. I keep them in my sugar jars indefinitely and they continue to produce the most tasty and fragrant vanilla sugar. Vanilla is worthy of our knowing about it.. and the flavors and how beans are graded has deepened my understanding of this widely sought ingredient. Thank you, Emilie!
Emilie says
Thank you so much, Traci! I am flattered by your sweet words :)
I didn’t really know that much about vanilla beans until I did extensive research last year. I’ve worked with both Grade A and Grade B and it is fascinating to see the difference. At first, I was convinced Grade A was better but really, it’s all about what you’re going to do with them. The flavor is not necessarily in the appearance. And like you said, it’s important to know and understand your ingredients. I feel this way about meat, dairy, olive oil, honey etc.
Now, if only I had a piece of your cranberry streusel bread to have with my morning coffee… xo
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love this, such a great gift idea! Vanilla sugar is the best :).
Emilie says
Hi Laura! I think so too! But I don’t have to tell you that… ;)
Elizabeth says
Love this simple, thoughtful gift idea! Thanks for sharing the advice on vanilla beans –– I never knew there were different grades.
Emilie says
Welcome Elizabeth! I love the idea of a simple, homemade gift. This vanilla sugar is quick to put together and can be made months on advance. You can package it in cute jars or clear treat bags- make it your own! :)
celia says
Gorgeous photos! And I didn’t know about the different grades of vanilla – thank you! Homemade gifts really are the best, aren’t they? :) xxx
Emilie says
Hi Celia! Thank you! It’s good information to have so you don’t get ripped off. That drives me nuts! Quality beans are so important :)
Adri says
Beautifull! This should entice everyone to make their own vanilla sugar. As you know, I love vanilla sugar too!
Emilie says
Thank you darling! It is so incredibly easy to make. Just how I like it! The smell of vanilla sugar is out of this world too.
Anne says
Completely agree about handmade gifts. Interesting facts about vanilla. Certainly I know that the mean little pods available in tiny jars in the supermarket are nothing like the plump ones that I buy online.
Emilie says
That’s my preference too. I love knowing that someone took the time to make something special for me :)
The world of vanilla is quite interesting, isn’t it? I only found out about the different grades when researching vanilla beans to buy online. I kept reading… and reading… and I was surprised with how much I learned. Supermarket vanilla beans are most likely Grade B or C, but you never know. The plump ones are fantastic!
Christine // my natural kitchen says
I love homemade gifts like this! And vanilla sugar is so delightful – I love the waft of amazing sweet vanilla you get when you take the lid off the container. Vanilla sugar is so perfect in strawberry balsamic jam too! Your photos are gorgeous here :)
Emilie says
Aren’t homemade gifts the best? What a great idea with strawberry balsamic jam! I will have to try that.
I just made a batch of blueberry vanilla jam to give away as holiday gifts and it came out awful. I don’t know what happened, but I got distracted (shocking) and overcooked the berries. It was like tar. Oh well.
Thanks, Christine and have a great weekend! xx
Erika says
This is a great idea! Your blog is lovely with beautiful photography.
Emilie says
Hello Erika! Thank you so much! Glad you like it ;)
rakhee@boxofspice says
Handcrafted all the way Emilie! Lovely pictures and a great idea. I need to get out of my bed to post some cool stuff too!!! argh… :)
Emilie says
Right? I agree! Someone once asked if I’d rather a new Louis bag or vanilla beans as a gift… they looked at me like an alien when I responded ;) Oh, and stay in bed… life’s too short not to sleep in, Rakhee! xoxo