How to Make Vanilla Sugar
The tradition of using vanilla sugar continues today in Europe and it is common in Vienna, Holland, Poland, Germany, and Hungary. In Europe, vanilla sugar is frequently made at home, and is also purchased in small sachets at the market. Whether homemade or purchased, vanilla sugar continues to be a great way to get the most from vanilla—and it's easy to make & use.
Dating back to the spice trades of the 1500s and after, the vanilla bean found its way to Europe where it was considered a treat for the European aristocracy when available. It wasn't long before they discovered that you can 'bloom' the essence of the vanilla bean in sugar. Infusing the vanilla flavor in the sugar helped to stretch its natural essence and made it last longer. From this tradition, vanilla sugar was created.
How to Use Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is delicious used as sprinkles, rimming sugar, sweetening hot and cold drinks, and when used as sugar in your baked goods. Below is a list of some ways you can use your homemade vanilla sugar.
Sprinkled on
- Cream puffs
- Whipped cream
- Oatmeal & morning cereal
- Granola
- Fruits
- Pies
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Creme brûlée
- Christmas cookies
- Holiday treats
- Churros, doughnuts & fried dough
- Waffles & pancakes
- Yogurt
- Shakes
- Iced tea & iced coffee
- Egg Nog
As Rimming Sugar for Cocktails & Drinks
- Coffee, lattes, expresso
- Shots
- Martini
- Mixed drinks
- Hot chocolate
- Egg Nog
Sweeten Hot & Cold Drinks
- Coffee, lattes, expresso
- Hot Chocolate
- Add to hold and cold drinks
- Egg Creams
Baked Goods & Desserts
- Cakes
- Traditional & Cream cheese frosting
- Cookies
- Christmas cookies
- Pies
- Puddings
- Holiday baking
- Brownies
- Butter cookies & shortbread
Making Your Own Vanilla Sugar
If you shop online, you'll find vanilla sugar costs anywhere from $6.50 – $22 per pound. So, why not make your own? There is no hard and fast rule about the recipe for making vanilla sugar. Below is a great recipe to get you started.
RECIPE
- 3 or 4 vanilla beans (whole, or seeded)
- 2 cups of white sugar
Add 2 cups of sugar to a new, clean jar—a Mason jar is perfect. A large Mason jar fills about half the way and allows for easily shaking the jar.
Dry out the vanilla a bit until they snap like a twig. You can put them in the oven at 130 degrees for 2 hours. Take out of the oven and let sit at room temperature until they cool. Then roughly, slice, cut, or chop the vanilla pod. A spice grinder won't work well, but you can use it just to break up the vanilla a bit. Then put the vanilla pieces in the sugar. Every once in a while, daily if you think of it, just give the mixture a shake. Store in the cupboard at room temperature.
Variations
You can change the type of sugar you use. Here are some options.
- Fine
- Regular
- Powdered
