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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 flavor to a dish. This is much more potent than vanilla extract ( meaning you can use 1/2 tsp powder vs 1st extract!) and maintains its flavor even when baked at high heat in an oven. (Did you know that the alcohol in vanilla extract means flavor 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 fluffy Japanese-style pancakes, DIY Vegan magnum ice creams, and these healthy dessert-inspired overnight oats … just to name a few!
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Table of Contents
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 they 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.
DIY: How to make Vanilla Powder
Ingredients
- 5 Vanilla Pods
Instructions
- First you need to dry out the vanilla pods. To do this simply place the pods on a lined baking tray in the oven at 50 degrees Celcius for an hour and a half. *
- Once the pods have cooled , simply pop into a spice grinder or use a hand mixer / blender to grind them down into a fine powder. **
- 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!
I’m excited to try this recipe but I have a question about the oven temp. The conversion to Fahrenheit is 122 degrees. My oven doesn’t go that low. Do I have the right temp? Thank you!
Hi Amy,
Ideally, the vanilla pods need to dry at around 120ºF so they don’t bake but just dry out. But if your oven doesn’t go that low, please choose the lowest option, and then you can prop open the oven door. This will lower the temperature AND allow for better airflow. You could prop open the door with a heat-proof wooden spoon or potholder. I hope you give it a try!
I appreciate the recipe! I had never heard of vanilla powder until this morning.
I have a question- can you use vanilla pods from beans used to make vanilla? We make a lot of homemade vanilla- can I just use those pods? Or must they be fresh/unused?
Thank you!
Hi Sarah!
For the best results, I recommend using fresh vanilla pods (vanilla beans), as they still have the seeds inside. This will make a very aromatic and potent vanilla powder, and you will only need to add a pinch to your recipes. You could still try with your pods, but the results may not be as aromatic. I hope this helps!
How much vanilla powder do you get from five vanilla pods? Thanks
Hi Tat!
You can get about 1 to 2 tablespoons of vanilla powder from five vanilla pods, depending on their size. Keep in mind that the freshly-made vanilla powder will be very aromitic and potent. I hope this helps.