What to use instead of 1 tsp vanilla extract
1
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
The same strength, with visible seeds.
Best for: Everything
2
1 tsp maple syrup
A mild, warm substitute.
Best for: Pancakes, cookies, oatmeal
3
½ tsp almond extract
Much stronger and a different flavour; use half.
Best for: Cookies, cakes with fruit
Chef's tipLeaving vanilla out entirely is fine in most recipes; the result is just a little flatter.
Substituting in baking
Baking is chemistry, so swaps work best when you change one ingredient at a time and keep everything else exactly as written. Measure the substitute carefully, ideally by weight, and expect small differences in texture or browning. If a bake really matters, such as a birthday cake, try the swap in a half batch first.
Need more or less than 1 tsp vanilla extract? Scale the swap the same way as the original amount, or paste your recipe into the recipe converter to scale everything at once.
