What can you substitute vanilla bean paste with?

There are several good substitutes for vanilla bean paste, depending on what you're looking for:

For flavor:

* Vanilla extract: This is the most common substitute. Use 1.5 times the amount of vanilla extract for every 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, use 1.5 tablespoons of vanilla extract.

* Vanilla powder: You can use vanilla powder as a substitute, but it will have a slightly different flavor and texture. Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder for every tablespoon of vanilla bean paste.

* Vanilla sugar: This is a good option if you're looking for a subtle vanilla flavor. Use 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar for every tablespoon of vanilla bean paste.

For texture:

* Vanilla seeds: If you want to get the small black seeds from a vanilla bean, you can scrape them out and use them in place of the paste. This will give you a similar texture to the paste, but without the added sweetness.

* Ground seeds: You can grind vanilla seeds into a powder for a more intense flavor. However, this will be less convenient than using paste or extract.

* Plain yogurt: If you're using the vanilla bean paste for texture in a recipe, you can replace it with a small amount of plain yogurt. This works well in baked goods and other recipes where you need a bit of moisture.

Important Notes:

* Strength: Vanilla bean paste is typically more concentrated than vanilla extract, so use less of the substitute than you would of the paste.

* Sweetness: Vanilla bean paste often contains sugar, so if you're substituting with something else, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sweetness of your recipe.

* Texture: If you're looking for the texture of the vanilla bean paste, vanilla seeds or ground seeds are the best options.

Ultimately, the best substitute for vanilla bean paste will depend on the specific recipe and your own personal preference.