Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is so easy to make at home and used in many German baking recipes. It also makes a delicious homemade Christmas gift!

Vanilla Sugar is an important ingredient in German and European baking! Did you know that vanilla extract is really difficult to get in Germany, and all traditional recipes call for vanilla sugar? For example, my German Apple Cake or Linzer cookies.

But it’s so easy to make yourself and it also makes a great gift! You can use it in recipes for cookies, cakes, and other baked goods to replace vanilla extract. But also in your coffee or in homemade whipped cream, it gives it a lovely vanilla flavor.

Ingredient notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.

• Sugar – White, granulated sugar works best. Brown sugar would overpower the vanilla flavor.
• Vanilla Bean – You also need a fresh vanilla bean pod, I usually use Grade A. The best way to make vanilla sugar is by using a fresh vanilla pod and the seeds. You’ll get the best flavor and texture for easy sprinkling. The sugar will also have little flecks of vanilla.

Types of Vanilla Beans

Grade A vanilla beans, also called ‘gourmet’ or ‘prime’ vanilla beans, have a higher moisture grade than other vanilla beans. This means the flavor is more diluted, but it transfers faster. They look oily and plump.

Grade B vanilla beans are also referred to as extraction grade. These pods are usually used to make vanilla extract and are skinny and dry to the touch. They have a highly concentrated vanilla flavor, but it takes much longer to transfer.

Madagascar vanilla beans (also called Bourbon) have a traditional, full-bodied vanilla flavor. Tahitian vanilla pods have a fruity flavor profile with a more delicate vanilla note.

How to make this recipe 

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

1. Prep: Start by cutting the vanilla bean lengthwise in half with a sharp knife. Then scrape out the seeds. You will use both the scraped-out vanilla bean and the seeds.
2. Combine: Fill the sugar into a large enough storage jar, then add the vanilla seeds. Close the jar and give it a good shake.
3. Add: Slice the scraped-out vanilla bean in half and add it to the jar, burying it in the sugar.
4. Wait: Let the sugar sit for about 1 week at room temperature, then it is ready to be used in all your baking.

Expert tips for success

• The vanilla sugar will get more and more flavorful the longer it sits. You can use it right away, but I recommend waiting at least 1 week for the best flavor.
• You can use any airtight container. I prefer a glass jar. Mine are from IKEA, but Mason jars also work perfectly. Make the recipe right in the container, no need to use an extra bowl.
• You can leave the vanilla bean in the sugar. No need to remove it, it will continue to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavor.
• The sugar keeps for at least 1 year if you store it in a dark place.
• The sugar might get hard and clumpy over time, but just shake the jar or stir with a spoon.
• If you have a spice grinder, you can grind the vanilla bean after it has dried out and add it back to the jar. The whole vanilla bean is edible.
• You can easily double or triple this recipe and use a bigger jar or individual jars. I recommend making individual portions instead of using a big bowl.
• You can also use a sugar alternative like monk fruit sugar in this recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Substitute Vanilla Extract

You can use this vanilla-flavored sugar in so many baking and cooking recipes instead of vanilla extract or fresh vanilla beans.

In recipes that call for vanilla extract, 1 tsp of vanilla extract can be replaced with 1 1/2 tsp of homemade vanilla sugar. You might have to add an extra teaspoon of liquid per teaspoon of vanilla extract, depending on the recipe.

What to make with it

You can use vanilla sugar in any dessert that calls for vanilla extract. You can also use it to replace part of the sugar in any sweet recipe. This gives your baked goods, sugar cookies, pies, pancakes, waffles, or puddings a touch of sweet vanilla flavor.

It also tastes delicious in coffee, hot chocolate, and other warm drinks. We also love to sprinkle it over oatmeal, pancakes, or fruit. My Dutch baby pancake recipe is even more delicious with a sprinkle of sugar on top.

You can also make your own sugar scrub with this homemade flavored sugar. It makes a great gift!

More German Recipes to Try

Desserts

Vanilla Sauce

Holidays

Lebkuchengewürz

German Recipes

The BEST German Christmas Cookies

Cookies, Brownies & Bars

Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies)