If you’ve been following Rodelle for a while, you know we offer a wide variety of pure and organic vanilla products. From our Rodelle Reserve 2-Fold Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract (it’s a long title, but a truly great extract) to our Gourmet Vanilla Beans and our Alcohol-Free Vanilla Flavor, each of our vanilla products is created with a commitment to quality. Moreover, Rodelle is proud to offer vanilla products that are sustainably and fairly sourced directly from our partners at Federation Sahanala Vanille in Madagascar. When you trust Rodelle to be your go-to vanilla brand, you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll always get a consistently excellent product for a fair price. Not only that, Rodelle is helping to improve the quality of life for our vanilla farmers by setting up social programs like schools, medical care and food security programs. Read more about Rodelle’s efforts in Madagascar and other growing regions here!
Now that you have a little bit of background on our vanilla program as a whole, let’s talk about the day-to-day applications for those products! It can be daunting to find a recipe and commit the time, energy and resources to make a new cupcake, cake or custardy treat. We want to make it a little easier to decide what vanilla product to use your recipes, and share a bit of knowledge about how to use vanilla products interchangeably. Is flavor better in frosting? Is extract better in ice cream? Read on to find out our thoughts and recommendations!
What is Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract is made from soaking real vanilla beans in alcohol and water. This process extracts creates a thin liquid that has a concentrated vanilla flavor.
How to Use Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract does not affect the structure of your baked good, it only flavors it. You can increase or decrease the amount of vanilla extract in a recipe to meet your flavor preferences.
Best Uses for Vanilla Extract: All purpose baking. Cookies, cakes, brownies, frostings, and more…
Recipe Ideas: Vanilla Buttercream, Cherry Vanilla Skillet Cake, Coconut Vanilla Cream Tart
What is Baker’s Extract?
Rodelle’s Baker’s Extract is pure vanilla extract mixed with other natural flavors such as chocolate, caramel, cream, and oak. It is a more inexpensive option to pure vanilla extract.
How to Use Baker’s Extract: You can substitute baker’s extract 1:1 in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract.
Best Uses for Baker’s Extract: All purpose baking. Cookies, brownies, cakes, candies, and more…
Recipe ideas: Peanut Butter Brownies, Banana Split Ice Cream Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies
What are Vanilla Beans?
Vanilla beans are the whole vanilla pod containing thousands of tiny seeds inside. The seeds contain concentrated vanilla flavor.
How to Use Vanilla Beans: Make sure the vanilla beans you buy are soft and pliable. Cut the beans in half and then split each half down the center using a sharp pairing knife. Use the blade of the knife to scrape out all of the seeds to use in your recipe. Substitute 1 vanilla pod in place of 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Watch this video to see how to properly cut a vanilla bean!
Best Uses for Vanilla Beans: Baked goods where vanilla is the main flavor. Vanilla bean ice cream, pastry cream, vanilla bean frosting, homemade vanilla extract, vanilla sugar
Recipe Ideas: Vanilla Bean Pear Tartlets, Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
What is Vanilla Paste?
Vanilla paste is made up of concentrated vanilla extract and vanilla powder. It is a convenient alternative to using whole vanilla beans, as it has an intense vanilla flavor and will give the visual look of using vanilla beans.
How to Use Vanilla Paste: Substitute vanilla paste 1:1 for vanilla extract or use 1 tsp vanilla paste in place of 1 vanilla bean pod.
Best Uses for Vanilla Paste: Where you want the visual look of vanilla bean and a strong vanilla flavor. Vanilla bean ice cream, pastry cream, buttercream
Recipe Ideas: Banana Sheet Cake, Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream, Vanilla Bean Cinnamon Buns
What is Alcohol Free Vanilla Flavor?
Alcohol free vanilla flavor is just like vanilla extract except it is made without soaking the beans in alcohol. Vanilla flavor is still made from pure vanilla beans and is not imitation vanilla.
How to Use Vanilla Flavor: Vanilla flavor can be used 1:1 in any recipe where you would use vanilla extract.
Best Uses for Vanilla Flavor: All purpose baking
Recipe Ideas: Healthy Dreamsicle Smoothie, Pumpkin Spice Dutch Baby, Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches
What is Double Strength Vanilla?
Double strength vanilla extract, also known as double fold vanilla extract, is made from twice as many beans as traditional vanilla extracts.
How to Use Double Strength Vanilla: Substitute half the amount of double strength vanilla for traditional vanilla extract in your recipe.
Best Uses for Double Strength Vanilla: Double strength vanilla makes an excellent gift. Should be used for special occasions when a very strong vanilla flavor is desired.
Recipe Ideas: Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches, No Bake Boston Creme Layer Cake, Double Vanilla Cupcakes
If you’re still curious about how to use your favorite Vanilla product from Rodelle, send us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram! We’re always happy to help!