DIY: How to make Vanilla Powder

This post shows you how to make vanilla powder from 100% vanilla pods. It is a zero waste recipe for a rich, robust homemade vanilla powder to add to all your baked goods, drink recipes and more!

Did you know it’s super simple to learn how to make vanilla powder? Made only from 100% vanilla pods, this homemade vanilla powder is zero waste and adds a rich, deep vanilla flavour to a dish. This is much more potent than vanilla extract  ( meaning you can use 1/2 teaspoon powder vs 1st extract!) and maintains it’s flavour even when baked at high heats in an oven. ( Did you know that the alcohol in vanilla extract means flavour is evaporated during the cooking process?!)

I love the fact that this homemade vanilla powder is zero-waste too! Unlike when a recipe calls for vanilla beans and the pods are discarded. This way you’ll use the entire pod. That way you can get really good value for money. No need to waste a single bit of those expensive vanilla pods again!

The powder is also a great alternative to vanilla extract, for those that can’t consume alcohol. The vanilla powder can also be used to make vanilla sugar. In terms of recipes it can be used in custards, sauces, drinks, baked goods and basically, anywhere you would usually add vanilla paste, beans or extract. 

Some of my recipes where you could use this vanilla powder include this two-layer strawberry & vanilla vegan tart, Vegan Chocolate Cherry ‘Black Forest’ Tart, fluffy Japanese style pancakes, DIY Vegan magnum ice-creams and within these healthy dessert-inspired overnight oats … just to name a few!

How to make vanilla powder:

The process for making homemade vanilla powder is super simple. It only consists of two steps. 

The First Step:

Is to dry out the vanilla pods. While there are a few methods you can use to do this;

• If you’re in no rush then you can simply leave the vanilla pods out on a counter for a few weeks.
• Alternatively, place on a lined tray in the oven at 50 degrees Celcius for 1.5 hrs. 

I’ve also heard that it’s possible to microwave the beans. However, honestly, I didn’t want to try this, I prefer to try a slower, more natural way of drying them out.

The second step:

Is to grind the now brittle whole vanilla pods into a fine vanilla powder, with zero-waste. You’ll find that if they aren’t dry enough then it simply won’t blend into a smooth powder. You can either use a spice/coffee grinder for this if you have one, or I simply used my hand mixer / blender. 

note* If using the oven method, the pods will still be fairly pliable when first removing them from the oven. However, as they cool down they will become more brittle. 

The vanilla powder can then be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark area ( like a cupboard). This will then keep for around a year! 

Note* Don’t be tempted to refrigerate the vanilla powder. It will ruin it by drying out the powder and affecting the oils within. 

And that’s it! 

If you give this simple homemade vanilla powder DIY a go then please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Also, feel free to tag me in your creations @AlphaFoodie.

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