DIY Vanilla Sugar, Vanilla Salt, and Other Infusions

Transform Your Kitchen with Homemade Vanilla Infusions

Creating your own vanilla-infused ingredients is one of the most rewarding ways to elevate your cooking and baking. Not only do these DIY infusions save money compared to store-bought versions, but they also allow you to control the quality and intensity of vanilla flavor in your creations.

The best part? Most vanilla infusions require minimal effort and time, yet they add gourmet touches to everything from morning coffee to elegant desserts. Let's explore the most popular and useful vanilla infusions you can easily make at home.

We're using the term "infusion" recognizing that it's usually associated with liquid products only. But you can also infuse (introduce) small amounts of vanilla into sugar, salt and other ingredients that are dry. Vanilla honey is liquid and, though it's an "extract" by definition, we'll include a basic vanilla extract recipe below as well just so for convenience.

Vanilla Sugar: The Ultimate Baking Essential

What You'll Need

• 2 cups granulated sugar (white or raw)
• 2-3 vanilla beans, split lengthwise
• Airtight glass jar or container

Instructions

1. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds
2. Mix the vanilla seeds into the sugar, breaking up any clumps
3. Bury the scraped vanilla bean pods in the sugar
4. Seal the container and let it infuse for at least 1 week
5. Shake occasionally to distribute the vanilla evenly

Uses for Vanilla Sugar

• Replace regular sugar in cookie and cake recipes
• Sprinkle on fresh fruit or yogurt
• Rim cocktail glasses for vanilla-flavored drinks
• Add to coffee or tea for instant vanilla sweetness
• Dust over French toast or pancakes

Pro tip: Vanilla sugar gets stronger over time and can last up to 2 years. Keep adding fresh sugar as you use it to maintain the supply.

Vanilla Salt: The Unexpected Flavor Enhancer

What You'll Need

• 1 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
• 1-2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. Scrape the vanilla seeds from the beans
2. Mix the vanilla seeds thoroughly into the salt
3. Chop the vanilla bean pods into small pieces
4. Combine the chopped pods with the vanilla salt
5. Store in an airtight container for at least 3 days before using

Creative Uses for Vanilla Salt

• Finish chocolate desserts and ice cream
• Season roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes
• Rim glasses for salted caramel cocktails
• Sprinkle on grilled pineapple or peaches
• Add to homemade caramel sauce
• Season popcorn for a gourmet snack

Homemade Vanilla Extract: Pure Liquid Gold

What You'll Need

• 1oz vanilla beans
• 1 cup vodka, rum, or bourbon (35% alcohol minimum)
• Glass bottle or jar with tight-fitting lid

Instructions

1. Split vanilla beans lengthwise, leaving them connected at one end
2. Place beans in your glass container
3. Cover completely with alcohol
4. Seal and store in a cool, dark place
5. Shake weekly for the first month
6. Let age for minimum 3 months (12+ months for best flavor)

Choosing Your Alcohol Base

• Vodka: Clean, neutral flavor that lets vanilla shine
• Rum: Adds warmth and slight sweetness
• Bourbon: Creates complex, rich vanilla with caramel notes

Money-saving tip: Homemade vanilla extract costs about 1/3 the price of premium store-bought versions and tastes significantly better.

Vanilla Honey: Nature's Perfect Pairing

What You'll Need

• 1 cup high-quality honey
• 1-2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
• Glass jar

Instructions

1. Gently warm honey in a saucepan (don't boil)
2. Add vanilla seeds and chopped bean pods
3. Stir well and transfer to glass jar
4. Let cool completely before sealing
5. Infuse for at least 1 week before using

Delicious Applications

• Drizzle over Greek yogurt and berries
• Sweeten tea and coffee naturally
• Glaze for roasted chicken or pork
• Spread on warm biscuits or toast
• Mix into salad dressings for fruit salads

Vanilla Simple Syrup: Cocktail Game Changer

What You'll Need

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped

Instructions

1. Combine water, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan
2. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely
5. Strain out vanilla pods (optional) and store refrigerated

Cocktail and Beverage Uses

• Vanilla Old Fashioned or Manhattan
• Vanilla mojitos and daiquiris
• Coffee and espresso drinks
• Homemade sodas and sparkling water
• Iced tea and lemonade

Vanilla Butter: Instant Gourmet Touch

What You'll Need

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 vanilla bean, scraped
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Let butter come to room temperature
2. Mix in vanilla seeds and powdered sugar
3. Beat until light and fluffy
4. Transfer to parchment paper and roll into a log
5. Refrigerate until firm

Perfect Pairings

• Warm scones and muffins
• Pancakes and waffles
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Finishing touch for steaks
• Spread for pound cake

Advanced Infusion: Vanilla Bean Paste

What You'll Need

• 6 vanilla beans
• 1/4 cup vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey

Instructions

1. Split and scrape vanilla beans
2. Finely chop the scraped pods
3. Combine seeds, chopped pods, extract, and corn syrup
4. Mix into a thick paste
5. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 year

Why make vanilla paste? It provides the convenience of extract with the visual appeal of vanilla bean specks, perfect for custards, ice creams, and light-colored desserts.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

Proper Storage

• Use airtight glass containers (avoid plastic)
• Store in cool, dark places
• Label with creation dates
• Keep vanilla beans submerged in liquids

Shelf Life Guide

• Vanilla sugar: 2+ years
• Vanilla salt: 1+ years
• Vanilla extract: Indefinite (improves with age)
• Vanilla honey: 1+ years
• Vanilla syrup: 1 month refrigerated
• Vanilla butter: 1 week refrigerated, 3 months frozen

Maximizing Your Vanilla Bean Investment

Don't Waste the Pods

After scraping vanilla beans, don't throw away the pods! They still contain plenty of flavor:

• Rinse, dry, and grind into vanilla powder
• Add to sugar for ongoing vanilla sugar production
• Steep in milk for vanilla-flavored beverages
• Use in potpourri for natural fragrance

Buying Tips for Best Value

• Buy vanilla beans in bulk for better pricing
• Look for Grade B beans for extracts (more affordable, same flavor)
• Store unused beans in vacuum-sealed bags
• Consider different vanilla origins for unique flavor profiles

Gift Ideas and Presentation

Homemade vanilla infusions make wonderful gifts:

• Package vanilla sugar in decorative jars with recipe cards
• Create vanilla extract gift sets with different alcohol bases
• Bundle vanilla salt with gourmet chocolate
• Include vanilla simple syrup in cocktail gift baskets

Conclusion

Creating your own vanilla infusions is a simple way to elevate your cooking while saving money. These homemade ingredients not only taste better than most store-bought versions but also allow you to customize flavors to your preferences.

Start with vanilla sugar or extract – they're the most versatile and forgiving for beginners. As you gain confidence, experiment with more creative infusions like vanilla salt or honey. Your taste buds (and your budget) will thank you!

Remember, the key to great vanilla infusions is starting with high-quality vanilla beans. When you invest in premium beans, every infusion you create will have that rich, complex vanilla flavor that makes all the difference in your cooking and baking.