Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (2024)

  1. Home
  2. How to
  3. Vanilla Sugar

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (1)

by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

This post may contain affiliate links, whichmeans I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extracost to you. Please readfull disclosurefor more information.

This Vanilla Sugar recipe, akaVanillezucker,is an inexpensive way to make your own flavored sugar for use in baking.

Many times in German recipes, one ingredient is added that is so easy to make yourself. That's vanilla sugar. If you live in Germany, it's easy to buy it in the grocery stores. But, if you live elsewhere in the world, what do you do? You make your own!

However, there are substitutes you can use. See below for ones that you can use as well.

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (4)

The resulting vanilla sugar, in the recipe below, is used for flavoring manyGerman baking recipes. I usually make about 2 cups and refill as necessary. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and aromatic it becomes.

Substitutes for Dr. Oetker's Vanillezucker (Vanilla Sugar)

Instead of waiting for two weeks for the vanilla aroma/flavor to infuse the sugar in the recipe below, here's an easier way to make this.

  1. For most recipes, 1 pouch of Dr. Oetker's vanilla sugar can be replaced with 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) vanilla extract added with the liquids.
  2. Make your own vanilla sugar by placing 1 sliced vanilla pod (with or without seeds) into a container with 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar. Cover and place in a dark cupboard for 2 weeks before using.
  3. A quicker way is to whisk 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vanilla extract and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar for about 1 minute. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to dry overnight before using. Store, covered, in a dark cupboard.

Two teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar replaces 1 pouch DR. OETKER Vanilla Sugar.

Vanilla Facts:

  • Did you know that vanilla comes from the vanilla orchids, primarily from Mexico? It is grown in various parts of the world, including Madagascar which produces the Bourbon Vanilla (aka Madagascar Vanilla) as well as in Central America and other tropical areas.
  • Being a labor-intensive crop, this results in the high cost of good quality vanilla beans and essence.
  • Artificial vanilla flavoring comes from a substance called "lignin" which is found in wood. It is much cheaper to buy (and tastes like it as well!) because it is a byproduct of wood pulp used in making paper.
  • Whenever possible, when the recipe calls for vanilla extract or vanilla flavoring, use real vanilla essence. It just tastes better! Stay away from artificial or imitation vanilla flavoring.

Using your homemade Vanilla Sugar

  • In a recipe calling for 1 package of vanilla sugar, use 2 teaspoons of your homemade vanilla sugar.
  • In most recipes, you can replace some of your sugar (a couple of teaspoons) with vanilla sugar and omit adding vanilla extract.
  • It's great sprinkled on pancakes or improving the taste of a cup of hot chocolate!

Where to use Vanilla Sugar?

Many German recipes call for vanilla sugar, but there is ONE recipe where vanilla sugar is a MUST!

  • Vanillekipferlwith almonds ... easy recipe
  • Vanillekipferln with hazelnuts

Ready to make vanilla sugar?

Is the recipe below locked?Here'swhy.

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (7)

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe – Oma'sVanillezucker

This Vanilla Sugar recipe, aka Vanillezucker, is an inexpensive way to make your own flavored sugar for use in baking.

If you live in Germany, it's easy to buy vanilla sugar in the grocery stores. But, if you live elsewhere in the world, what do you do? You make your own!

Prep Time

5 minutes

Wait Time

2 weeks

Total Time

2weeks

Servings:

Makes 1 cup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated white sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean

Instructions:

  1. Put sugar into seal-able glass/ceramic jar.
  2. Cut vanilla bean in half (not lengthwise or the seeds will come out)
  3. Place bean sections in sugar.
  4. Close jar and place in cool, dark place.
  5. Let sit at least 2 weeks before using.
  6. You can keep refilling the jar with sugar because the beans stay potent for quite some time.

Notes/Hints:

  • If you wish, you can cut the beans lengthwise ... and you'll get more aroma into the sugar. You may also get the seeds in there, but if you don't mind that, it works great.
  • If you're in a hurry, whisk 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of pure vanilla extract (no artificial or imitation) and 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar for about 1 minute. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to dry overnight before using. Store, covered, in a dark cupboard. It's ready to use immediately.

* * * * *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

11.27.2021 revision update

You might like these

  • German Lebkuchen Recipe – Oma's Easy Christmas Gingerbread Bars

    Oma’s Lebkuchen recipe is SO easy. Made in one bowl, baked, decorated, & cut. It’s authentic German gingerbread that smells like Christmas. The bars taste wunderBAR!

  • Easy German Gingerbread Cookies – Oma's Lebkuchen Kekse

    Oma's German gingerbread cookies, or Lebkuchen, are THE traditional Christmas cookie. There's no reason to buy them, especially when homemade is so delicious and easy to make.

  • Hazelnut Cookies – German Hazelnut Macaroons: Oma's Haselnussmakronen

    German Christmas Hazelnut Cookies are such a treat. So easy to make. So deliciously Christmas-y! These will remind you of your Oma's kitchen.

Follow Oma on Social Media:

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (11)

Leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question?

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.

Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

Newest Recipes

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (12)

  1. The Best Jagerschnitzel Sauce: Oma's Mushroom Gravy for Jägerschnitzel

    Jagerschnitzel: Rich creamy bacon & mushroom gravy over crispy breaded pork schnitzel (cutlets). HEAVENLY! A traditional German meal that's PERFECT anytime.

    Go to Recipe

  2. How to Make German Schnitzel Recipe: Oma's Classic Schweineschnitzel

    Discover the ultimate German schnitzel recipe with Oma's quick and easy method - perfect for any occasion! Taste the authentic flavors of Germany today.

    Go to Recipe

  3. Oma's Favorite Finds offer a range of Oma’s favorite German-inspired must-have items that make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable, yummy, and efficient.

    Go to Recipe

* * * * *

PIN to SAVE this recipe to your Pinterest board!

And let’s be friends on Pinterest!

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (18)

Vanilla Sugar Recipe made Just like Oma



By Oma Gerhild Fulson


Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (19)


This Vanilla Sugar recipe is an inexpensive way to make your own flavoured sugar for use in baking. Many German baking recipes call of this. Now, you can use your own.


Ingredients: white sugar,vanilla bean,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Words to the Wise

"Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

Proverbs 15:2 (NLT)

Top of Vanilla Sugar Recipe

Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipe and Substitutes – Oma's Vanillezucker (2024)

FAQs

How do I substitute vanilla sugar in a recipe? ›

Using Vanilla Extract Instead of Vanilla Sugar: One teaspoon of vanilla extract is the equivalent of 1 1/2 teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar, or 1 teaspoon of commercially made vanilla sugar.

Is vanilla sugar the same as vanillin sugar? ›

While vanilla sugar is made of sucrose (household sugar) and crushed vanilla beans and/or vanilla extract, vanillin sugar is a mixture of sucrose and vanillin [3]. The latter is considerably more favorably priced and can be found as a standard baking ingredient in almost every supermarket.

What is 1 packet of vanilla sugar? ›

About 1.5 teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar equals a packet, which is typically what is called for in German recipes. You can easily round up to 2 teaspoons, if you want a sweeter, stronger taste. Technically, 1.5 teaspoons is 0.25 ounces and 2 teaspoons is 0.33 ounces. Most packets contain 0.28 to 0.32 ounces.

What is vanilla sugar made of? ›

Vanilla sugar is a simple recipe of granulated sugar infused with vanilla beans. There is nothing quite as simple or versatile as homemade vanilla sugar. Vanilla sugar in baking can be utilized in a variety of desserts; from apple pies, snickerdoodles and crème brûlée to light and airy pavlova's.

Can you substitute regular sugar for vanilla sugar? ›

Besides using it to sweeten your coffee and tea beverages, I recommend using homemade vanilla sugar as a 1:1 replacement for regular granulated sugar in recipes where vanilla is the prominent flavor and not overshadowed by more flavorful ingredients.

How much vanilla extract for vanilla sugar? ›

1 – How to Make Vanilla Sugar with Vanilla Extract

I like a strong vanilla flavor so I add 2 tablespoons vanilla extract to 1/2 cup [100 g] sugar. You might prefer to start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste.

What is the best substitute for vanilla? ›

My go-to substitute for vanilla extract is maple syrup. It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla's mellow flavor. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you'll barely notice the difference. (This is why vanilla is so expensive.)

What is vanilla sugar? ›

cookery. sugar which has been infused with vanilla.

Why use vanilla sugar in baking? ›

Thus, vanilla sugar serves its own unique purpose in giving your recipe the lightest touch of vanilla flavor without changing the overall texture profile. There are several great uses for vanilla sugar that are unique and could not work well with vanilla extract or simply adding fresh vanilla beans.

What is the shelf life of vanilla sugar? ›

Storage and shelf life:

Vanilla sugar can be kept indefinitely when stored in an airtight container or jar. in fact, the vanilla flavor will get stronger the longer you let the mixture sit just like it does with vanilla extract. For the best flavor, allow the sugar to infuse for at least 2 weeks.

Why is vanilla powder so expensive? ›

According to Stephen Chavez, chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, pure vanilla is expensive because the beans come from a delicate plant that only grows in tropical regions.

How many ounces are in a packet of vanilla sugar? ›

32-Ounce (Pack of 6)

Does Aldi have vanilla sugar? ›

The Pantry Vanilla Flavoured Sugar 150g | ALDI.

Is vanilla extract a good alternative to sugar? ›

Because vanilla has fewer calories and carbohydrates than sugar, it can be used to reduce your sugar intake. Using vanilla as a sugar substitute also can reduce high blood glucose levels and help you lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle.

How do I substitute vanilla syrup? ›

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Cook and stir until sugar has dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let syrup cool.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 6384

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.