Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe

This homemade Trader Joe’s style Vanilla Bean Paste is a rich and aromatic recipe, which is made from whole vanilla beans for a fraction of the cost of store-bought. It’s the perfect way to elevate all your baking, ready after a couple of weeks of mellowing time.

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Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Ingredients

• 2 ounces whole vanilla beans (Grade A or B)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 ounces plain vodka (80 proof), about ⅔ cup
• 3 Tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 Tablespoons water

How To Make Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste

1. Combine Liquids and Sugar: In the cup of a high-speed blender, combine the sugar, vodka, corn syrup, and water.
2. Blend the Paste: Cut the vanilla beans into smaller, 2-3 inch pieces and add them to the blender cup. Blend on the highest speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be completely smooth, with the vanilla bean pods fully pulverized into tiny specks.
3. Store and Mellow: Pour the mixture into small, airtight jars or containers. The paste will be thin at first but will thicken up over the next couple of days. Let the paste sit at room temperature for at least two weeks before using it in uncooked applications to allow the alcohol flavor to mellow and the vanilla flavor to fully infuse.

Recipe Tips

• Let It Mellow! This is the most important step. When you first make the paste, the alcohol flavor will be very strong. It needs to sit for at least two weeks for this flavor to dissipate and for the deep, complex vanilla flavor to develop.
• Use a High-Speed Blender: A high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Ninja) is essential for this recipe. It’s the only way to completely pulverize the tough vanilla bean pods into the fine specks characteristic of vanilla bean paste.
• Grade A vs. Grade B Beans: Grade A vanilla beans are plumper and have more moisture, making them easier to blend. Grade B beans (often called extract beans) are drier but can have a more concentrated flavor. Both will work for this recipe.
• Double for a Pitcher: As the original recipe notes, if you are using a large blender pitcher instead of a smaller blender cup, you will need to double all the ingredients to ensure there is enough volume for the blades to work effectively.

How To Use Vanilla Bean Paste

Vanilla bean paste is a fantastic and flavorful ingredient. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla extract in any recipe where you want the beautiful visual of vanilla bean specks. It’s perfect for:

• Baking cakes, cookies, and scones
• Flavoring frostings, glazes, and custards
• Making homemade ice cream or panna cotta
• Stirring into whipped cream, yogurt, or oatmeal

How To Store Vanilla Bean Paste

• Pantry: Store the paste in a tightly sealed, airtight jar in a cool, dark place, such as your pantry. It is shelf-stable and will last for up to one year.

Vanilla Bean Paste Nutrition Facts

• Serving: 1 teaspoon
• Calories: 18kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Sweet Corn Ravioli Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Smoked Trout Dip Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs Recipe