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reamy homemade vanilla paste in a glass jar with vanilla beans and star anise on a linen napkin

vanilla paste recipe

taketorecipes
Homemade vanilla paste made with real beans—rich, aromatic, and perfect for baking, desserts, and drinks. Easy, natural, and full of flavor!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Condiment / Baking Ingredient
Cuisine Global / DIY
Servings 16 (approx. 1 tsp per serving)
Calories 22 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 –5 whole vanilla beans the star of the show – soft, plump ones work best
  • ½ cup light corn syrup or glycerin for a thick, smooth consistency
  • ¼ cup water helps blend and balance the texture
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar optional, for a touch of sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or a pinch of salt to brighten and preserve
  • 1 –2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional, to deepen the flavor

Instructions
 

What You’ll Need:

  • Clean glass jar for storage
  • Small saucepan
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Blender or food processor
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional for smoother texture)

Split the Vanilla Beans

  • Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape out the tiny black seeds inside—these are where the magic lives! Don’t toss the pods; we’ll use those too.Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Everything in a Saucepan

  • Scraped vanilla seeds and pods
  • Water
  • Corn syrup or glycerin
  • Sugar (if using)
  • Lemon juice or salt
  • Give it a gentle stir to combine.

Simmer Low and Slow

  • Leave the mixture on low heat until it boils. Let it bubble softly for about 5–7 minutes, just until everything is well blended and the vanilla infuses deeply. Stir occasionally and keep the heat low—you want infusion, not caramelization.

Cool, Blend, and Refine

  • Once slightly cooled, remove the pods and pour the mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and glossy.
  • Want it extra silky? Strain the paste through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. If you love seeing those gorgeous vanilla flecks, skip this step!

Bottle It Up

  • Transfer the paste into a clean glass jar or airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to 6 months—the flavor only gets better with time.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 22 kcal
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg