Learn how to make vanilla sugar at home. This vanilla sugar recipe is vegan, cheaper than store-bought, and without weird additives. Believe me, it is super simple to make at home, so versatile to use, and gives baked goods and drinks an incredible flavor profile. Soon everyone will be wondering what your secret ingredient is.

Jump to:

💡 The recipe in a nutshell
💭 What is vanilla sugar?
🤔 Is sugar vegan?
🌱 What is the best vegan sugar to use for vanilla sugar?
👩🏽‍🍳 How to make vanilla sugar
🥣 How to store homemade vanilla sugar
🍰 How to use vanilla sugar
📋 Recipes that use vanilla sugar
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

💡 The recipe in a nutshell

Vegan (no eggs & dairy free)
2 Ingredients
Takes just a couple of minutes
Easy and simple

💭 What is vanilla sugar?

Vanilla sugar is a common ingredient used primarily in European regions and can be a bit tricky to find in the states. It is a simple ingredient that quickly accelerates the flavor of drinks and baked goods.

When I moved to the US from Germany I was very surprised not to find such a common staple in the stores. Thankfully it is easily made at home!

🤔 Is sugar vegan?

You may have heard that sugar is not always vegan, and that is definitely correct if you are living in the United States of America.

In the states most granulated sugars are processed with bone char, it is often referred to as 'natural carbon', to give sugar its white color. Read our vegan sugar guide with a brand list for more information.

🌱 What is the best vegan sugar to use for vanilla sugar?

My absolute favorite vegan sugar to use for homemade vanilla sugar is Zulka. It is fairly white in color and very fine, resembling white granulated sugar the best. In addition to the looks, it absorbs the vanilla aroma very nicely and quickly. For more vegan sugar brands read here.

👩🏽‍🍳 How to make vanilla sugar

Making vanilla sugar at home is super easy. All you need is (vegan) sugar and vanilla beans. Add both to an air-tight jar, let sit and enjoy!

🥣 How to store homemade vanilla sugar

It should always be ensured for an optimal shelf life of the vanilla sugar that this is stored airtight at room temperature. This prevents the vanilla sugar from coming into contact with too much oxygen, which in turn can damage the vanilla sugar.

The vanilla sugar should also be stored in a dry place, because moisture causes the vanilla sugar to form small lumps and change its consistency.

In addition, care should be taken to store the vanilla sugar in a dark place so that it does not lose its flavor due to strong sunlight. Storage in the refrigerator is not recommended.

🍰 How to use vanilla sugar

Use as a flavored sweetener in your favorite baked goods. Use as a final touch sprinkled on the top of fresh pastries, loaves, cakes, pies, cookies, and more! Vanilla sugar is also a great addition to homemade frostings and whipped cream.

You can essentially use it in any recipe that calls for sugar. Use your homemade vanilla sugar as a 1:1 replacement for regular sugar in recipes where vanilla is the prominent flavor. For example, I wouldn’t use it 1:1 in a chocolate cake recipe, because the chocolate is too overpowering.

I recommend saving this special sugar for recipes that really benefit from it, or ask for it from the get go!

📋 Recipes that use vanilla sugar

Looking for recipes that call for vanilla sugar? Try one of these:

📖 Recipe