Most bakers reach for plain vanilla extract without a second thought. But what if a single swap could transform your desserts from familiar to unforgettable? Our Honey Spiced Vanilla Extract Blend — crafted with Hawaiian, Tanzania, and Madagascar vanilla beans, ground cinnamon, honeybush, and real honey crystals — brings a warm, layered sweetness that plain vanilla simply can't match. Here are 10 desserts where this extraordinary extract truly shines.
1. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodles are already a cinnamon-forward cookie, making them the perfect canvas for our Honey Spiced extract. The cinnamon in the blend amplifies the cookie's signature spice while the honey crystals add a subtle floral sweetness that rounds out every bite. Use it 1:1 in place of regular vanilla extract and prepare for your best batch yet.
2. Banana Bread
Banana bread loves warm, sweet companions — and honey spiced extract delivers exactly that. The honeybush notes complement the natural caramel sweetness of ripe bananas, while the Madagascar vanilla adds a rich, buttery depth. Swap it in wherever your recipe calls for vanilla extract for a loaf that tastes like it came from an artisan bakery.
3. Cinnamon Rolls
Add a splash of Honey Spiced extract to your cinnamon roll dough and cream cheese glaze. The triple-origin vanilla base (Hawaiian, Tanzania, and Madagascar) creates a complex, creamy backdrop that makes the cinnamon filling taste more vibrant and the glaze taste more indulgent. This is the upgrade your Sunday morning deserves.
4. Sticky Buns
Sticky buns are all about that glossy, caramelized topping — and honey spiced extract takes it to another level. Stir a teaspoon into your brown sugar and butter sauce before pouring it into the pan. The honey crystals in the blend meld seamlessly with the caramel notes, creating a topping that's deeply sweet and warmly spiced.
5. Honey Cake
A natural pairing: honey cake made with honey spiced vanilla extract. The honeybush and honey crystals in the blend echo and amplify the honey in the batter, while the cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering. The result is a cake with layered, nuanced sweetness that feels both rustic and refined.
6. Roasted Nut Brittle
Before roasting your nuts, drizzle them with a little oil and a few drops of Honey Spiced extract. As they roast, the sugars in the honey crystals caramelize and the cinnamon blooms, coating each nut in a fragrant, spiced glaze. Use the finished nuts in brittle, toffee, or as a topping for ice cream and pies.
7. Pancakes and Waffles
Stir a teaspoon of Honey Spiced extract into your pancake or waffle batter and skip the maple syrup — you may not even need it. The honey sweetness and cinnamon warmth are baked right in, and the floral, fruity notes of Hawaiian vanilla give each bite a brightness that plain vanilla extract never could. Top with fresh fruit and a light drizzle of honey to lean into the flavor profile.
8. Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is a showcase for great vanilla, and our Honey Spiced blend is up to the task. The creamy Tanzania and Madagascar beans provide the classic custard richness, while the honeybush adds a delicate floral note that lingers on the palate after the caramelized sugar crust shatters. Use it in place of vanilla bean paste or extract for a custard that's anything but ordinary.
9. Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies have a hearty, wholesome base that pairs beautifully with the warm spice and honey notes of this extract. The cinnamon in the blend plays off the oats naturally, while the honey crystals add a gentle sweetness that reduces the need for extra sugar. Add a handful of dried cherries or golden raisins to complement the fruity Hawaiian vanilla notes.
10. Bourbon Vanilla Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a dessert built for bold flavors, and Honey Spiced extract — especially when made with bourbon — delivers in spades. The smoky, caramel notes of bourbon marry perfectly with the cinnamon and honey in the blend, while the triple-origin vanilla base adds complexity to the custard. Drizzle with a bourbon-honey sauce for a dessert that's deeply satisfying and utterly memorable.
Ready to Elevate Your Baking?
Our Honey Spiced Vanilla Extract Blend is a six-ingredient kit — just add your spirit of choice and let it age for the best results. With Hawaiian, Tanzania, and Madagascar vanilla beans plus ground cinnamon, honeybush, and real honey crystals, it's the most flavorful swap you'll ever make in your kitchen.
For everything you need to know about making your own extract at home, visit our Vanilla Extract Making — How-To Guides.
