![]() Avid bakers use transparent vanilla to make super white frostings, pale angel food cake, light sugar cookies, and any other project that requires the flavor-but none of the color-of vanilla. One note on color: Some imitation vanillas include caramel coloring in the ingredients list as a way to make the liquid look more like pure extract, while others are formulated to be pale gold in color or even totally clear. Not everyone likes the taste of coconut, so almond is a good alternative. Almond extract can be used for the same reason as vanilla extract. If you’re concerned about price (natural extract costs about five times as much as 100% synthetic) and the future of vanilla, imitation might be the move for you. Best used for: Baked goods, frosting, ice cream, candy, bread, and sauces where you want to substitute out the coconut flavor completely. And because natural vanilla is in high demand and only grown in a few parts of the world-some of which, like Madagascar, have suffered from devastating natural disasters in recent years-imitation extract is also a sustainable, environmentally friendly option. Imitation vanilla tastes nearly identical to pure vanilla, and many formal taste tests report that it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference. Imitation vanilla extract is a lab-produced alternative to the pure stuff, made with either 100% synthesized vanillin (the main flavor component of cured vanilla beans) or a blend of vanillin and natural vanilla. This artificial vanilla flavoring tastes almost identical to true vanilla extract and has a slightly stronger scent. The resulting brew is highly concentrated and deeply flavorful, ready to be deployed into cookie doughs, cakes, frostings, and more. Imitation Vanilla Flavor is a great substitute for anyone who is looking to reduce their grocery costs but still enjoys the sweetness of real vanilla. Vanilla extract is made from vanilla beans that are cured and soaked in a solution that helps to draw out the complex notes. You can substitute a dark spirit, such as bourbon, brandy, or rum, if you’d likejust make sure it’s 70-proof or above. If you have one form of vanilla in your house, it’s probably this one: the most ubiquitous in recipes, easiest to find in stores, and least expensive-at least in terms of all-natural vanilla. Read on for some background on each vanilla-based ingredient, plus a few of Epi’s favorite brands to shop for in each category. But do you really know what it is you’re dutifully measuring out, teaspoonful by teaspoonful, into all your cookies and cakes? It might be time for a primer on all of the forms the flavor can take, including vanilla paste, powder, sugar, and yes, the fragrant, dark brown extract that seems to pop up in every sweet recipe (and some savory ones too). ![]() Vanilla is a pantry essential: If you ever even think about baking, you’re likely have a bottle of the extract in your kitchen.
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