Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe – Easy Infusion for Baking & Desserts

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe – Easy Infusion For Baking & Desserts

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything better than the smell of vanilla? It just instantly makes everything feel cozy and delicious. I first stumbled upon making my own vanilla sugar years ago, trying to find a way to really maximize the flavour of those precious vanilla beans. And honestly? It’s a game changer. It’s so simple, yet adds the most incredible depth to everything from your morning coffee to your favourite baked treats. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade vanilla sugar isn’t just about amazing flavour. It’s about elevating the everyday. Imagine sprinkling this on your chai, stirring it into your lassi, or using it in your next batch of gulab jamun. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Plus, it makes a beautiful, thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to bake or simply enjoys a little touch of luxury. It takes just 5 minutes of prep time, and then a little patience while the flavours infuse.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup sugar (about 200g)
• 1 vanilla pod

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. Quality really matters here!

• Vanilla Bean Quality: Splurge a little on good quality vanilla beans. They should be plump, fragrant, and slightly oily. You’ll get so much more flavour. I usually order mine online, but you can find them at specialty spice shops too.
• Sugar Types: Granulated sugar is the classic choice, and works beautifully. But feel free to experiment! Caster sugar (superfine sugar) will dissolve even faster, and raw sugar will give a lovely, slightly caramel-y flavour. I’ve even used a mix of granulated and a little bit of brown sugar for a richer taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic!

1. First, grab an airtight glass jar. A clean jam jar works perfectly. Add your sugar to the jar.
2. Now for the vanilla bean. Carefully split the pod lengthwise with a sharp knife. Don’t worry about being perfect!
3. Using the back of your knife, scrape out all those tiny, precious vanilla seeds. They’re where all the flavour is!
4. Chop the empty vanilla pod into small pieces. Don’t throw it away! It still has plenty of flavour to give.
5. Add both the vanilla seeds and the chopped pod pieces to the sugar.
6. Seal the jar tightly and give it a really good shake. You want to make sure everything is well combined.
7. Now comes the hardest part: waiting! Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 3-7 days. The longer it sits, the more intensely flavoured it will become. Give it a shake every day or two.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t skimp on the shaking! It really helps distribute the flavour.
• If you notice any clumps forming, just give it a good shake.
• Keep an eye on the sugar. If it starts to look damp, it’s a sign the vanilla bean is releasing a lot of moisture. This isn’t a problem, just shake it more often.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Sugar Type Adaptations: My friend Priya swears by using Demerara sugar for a deeper molasses flavour.
• Vanilla Bean Alternatives: If you can’t get your hands on vanilla beans, you can use vanilla paste, but the flavour won’t be quite as intense.
• Infusion Time Adjustments: I’ve left a jar infusing for up to a month, and it was incredible! Just be sure to check it regularly. My grandmother always said the longer, the better.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, this is where the fun begins!

• Sprinkle it on your morning oatmeal or porridge.
• Stir it into your tea or coffee.
• Use it in your favourite baking recipes – cookies, cakes, muffins… you name it!
• Add a pinch to your fruit salad for an extra burst of flavour.
• It’s amazing in a simple sugar cookie recipe.

Storage Instructions

Keep your vanilla sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It will last for months, even up to a year! The flavour will continue to develop over time.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How long does homemade vanilla sugar last? It’ll stay good for months, even up to a year, stored properly.
• Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla pod? You can, but the flavour won’t be nearly as strong or complex. A pod is really the way to go.
• What type of sugar is best for vanilla sugar? Granulated sugar is classic, but feel free to experiment with caster sugar or raw sugar.
• How do I know when the vanilla sugar is ready? After 3-7 days, it will smell wonderfully vanilla-y! You can taste it to be sure.
• Can I re-use the vanilla pod after making the sugar? Absolutely! You can add it to a bottle of vodka to make your own vanilla extract, or use it to infuse milk or cream. Don’t let anything go to waste!