Instructions

1. Determine the exact amount of vanilla extract in the recipe you wish to make. This amount is important regardless of which substitute you use, as it will help you determine how much of the substitute to add to your recipe.

2. If your recipe calls for 3/4 tsp. of vanilla extract, replace the extract with vanilla sugar if the vanilla flavor is vitally important to the recipe. Use 1 tbsp. vanilla sugar for each 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract in the original recipe. So you would use 3 tbsp. vanilla sugar to replace the 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract in the recipe. Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe accordingly, if possible, as vanilla extract adds only flavor rather than sweetness. In this example, you would reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 3 tbsp. Add the vanilla sugar to the other sugar in the recipe (or to the dry ingredients) rather than mixing it with the wet ingredients.

3. Substitute another flavorful liquid for vanilla extract if you do not have vanilla sugar or if the vanilla flavor is not vital to the recipe. Some options include maple syrup, triple sec, almond extract and rum. Select the option that you think would taste best with the recipe you are making. If you do not think almond flavor would work well with the recipe, try rum or framboise instead. Use an equal amount of the flavoring of your choice as the vanilla extract in the original recipe. Add this ingredient to the recipe in the same way as you would have added the vanilla.

4. Continue making the recipe as normal. You do not need to make any substitutions or changes to the recipe other than those already mentioned.