Indulge in the classic flavor of vanilla with this curated collection of vanilla dessert recipes. From creamy custards to fluffy cakes, these easy-to-follow recipes will guide you through creating heavenly vanilla-infused treats that are perfect for any occasion.
Being described as a vanilla person is not usually a complement. In fact, it implies you’re boring. I’m not really sure why vanilla has obtained this bad rap, but I respectfully disagree!
Vanilla has long been a staple in the world of desserts—usually as the less exciting supporting actor to superstars like chocolate or fruit. It works well with those stars and makes them look (or rather, taste) better.
Today I’m going to show you just how vanilla can be used as the ‘leading’ flavor in some amazingly delicious desserts!
How to add vanilla flavor to desserts
Before I get to my awesome list of vanilla dessert recipes, here are some ways you can get a vanilla flavor in your recipes:
- Pure vanilla extract, the OG of vanilla flavoring, is the most common way to add vanilla flavor. Make sure your extract says ‘pure’ for a rich vanilla recipe. It may be more expensive, but it is worth every penny.
- Real vanilla beans will add an extra touch of luxury to your vanilla desserts. Split and scrape the seeds into your recipes for a more intense flavor than extract and the visual appeal of those little specks of vanilla goodness!
- Vanilla paste combines the best of both worlds. It contains vanilla seeds suspended in an extract, offering both ‘little specks’ visual appeal and rich flavor.
- Vanilla sugar will add a subtle sweet vanilla flavor to your recipes. You can make it at home by storing vanilla beans in your sugar jar. However, if you are looking for vanilla to be the star, vanilla sugar alone is probably not your best bet.
The list above includes the most common ways to add vanilla flavor to recipes. However, if you think outside the box (or maybe inside the box??), you can add vanilla flavor by making a semi-homemade recipe using a store bought vanilla ingredient.
Vanilla pudding, ice cream, creamer, yogurt, milk, syrup (the ones you add to coffee), protein mix, Nilla Wafers, and Golden Oreos can be used in recipes. Each one has vanilla as the superstar flavor.
When you think about it, why would all of these vanilla products exist if it wasn’t an extraordinary flavor that most people love?
So, the next time you reach for vanilla, remember that you’re not settling for boring; you’re enjoying a classic that has stood the test of time. It is ready to have the starring role in your desserts!
Scroll down for my favorite vanilla dessert recipes, then let me know what you think in the comments.
Vanilla Dessert Recipes
Looking for some delicious sweets? Check out this list of vanilla dessert recipes that use this classic flavor as the star of the show. Warning: there is nothing boring about this list!
No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake
Combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the awesome flavor of vanilla and you get a hassle-free, no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion!
Old Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Sometimes the classics are the best! This is definitely true for this old-fashioned vanilla bean ice cream. No need for any toppings, it is great on its own.
Vintage Buttermilk Cake
You will love the tangy goodness of this vintage buttermilk cake! This classic recipe, also known as white velvet cake, combines the richness of buttermilk with the sweet notes of vanilla, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake.
Vanilla Cookies
This classic vanilla cookie recipe is easy to make and perfect if you're craving something sweet.
Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Luscious and creamy, this vanilla pudding, made from scratch, captures the pure essence of vanilla, providing a decadent and comforting treat that's perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Mini Vanilla Cream Pies
Adorable and delicious, these vanilla cream mini pies have a rich, creamy vanilla filling in individual pie crusts. These are great for a party dessert table!
Vanilla Cupcakes
This vanilla cupcake recipe is provided as a small batch treat for when you are craving cupcakes but don't want to share (just kidding—maybe)! The vanilla buttercream is the perfect way to top off these delicious cupcakes.
Vanilla Macarons
These dainty treats showcase vanilla in a macaron shell and in the the vanilla white chocolate ganache layer. These are great for when you might want a sweet yet adorable dessert—I'm thinking they'd be perfect for a bridal shower!
Vanilla Custard
With a velvety smooth texture and rich vanilla flavor, this classic custard dessert is very versatile. It is perfect on its own, or as the base for another delightful creation!
Vanilla Bean Madeleines
Grab your favorite hot tea to enjoy these elegant vanilla bean madeleines. Such delicate and sophisticated shell-shaped cakes perfect for dipping in a hot beverage!
Vegan Vanilla Pound Cake
Even with no egg or dairy, this vegan vanilla bean pound cake is still buttery, soft, and moist! You'll top it off with a sweet vanilla glaze, creating a beautiful dessert everyone will enjoy.
Vanilla Cool Whip Pie
A light, fluffy no-bake recipe for vanilla Cool Whip pie that is super easy to make and would be really refreshing on a hot summer day!
Classic Vanilla Bundt Cake
This classic vanilla Bundt cake recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake with a perfect crumb, showcasing the timeless appeal of vanilla in a delightful and elegant dessert.
Classic Vanilla Keto Cheesecake
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with keto vanilla protein cheesecake. This low-carb and high-protein dessert is a delicious twist on traditional cheesecake, offering a satisfyingly sweet option for those following a keto lifestyle.
Vanillekipferln
Vanillekipferln, or vanilla almond crescent cookies, are a traditional Austrian cookie that usually makes an appearance during the holidays. This recipe creates a crescent-shaped cookie with a delicious blend of vanilla and almond and then is topped with a generous coating of powdered vanilla sugar.
Vanilla Sheet Cake
This crowd pleasing vanilla sheet cake recipe is going to be your new choice for large gatherings and celebrations. It is a classic, moist cake topped with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting.
Vanilla Panna Cotta
This vanilla panna cotta, an Italian dessert, combines the richness of cream with the subtle sweetness of vanilla. It is simple to make but still impressively delicious!
Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies
These vanilla bean shortbread cookies really showcase the flavor of vanilla beans, offering a delicate and delightful treat perfect for tea time or gifting to friends or neighbors.
3 Ingredient Vanilla Ice cream
Looking for a homemade vanilla ice cream recipe that doesn't require an ice cream maker? This easy-to-make recipe will give you some creamy vanilla deliciousness with just three basic ingredients!
Paleo Vanilla Cupcakes
A grain-free, nut-free, and paleo-friendly option for indulging in moist and flavorful vanilla cupcakes. The ideal choice for those following a paleo lifestyle!
Vanilla Meringue Cookies
The easy to follow steps and tips provided make these four-ingredient vanilla meringue cookies really simple to achieve! These cookies will melt in your mouth.
Vegan Vanilla Scones
A delightful blend of vanilla and coconut flavors in a plant-based, vanilla scone. These tender, flaky scones are delicious and can be enjoyed by everyone (vegan or not)!
Nigerian Vanilla Pound Cake
Chichi still has friends from college call her for this vanilla pound cake recipe. See what the hype is all about and enjoy the comforting feeling of a moist and indulgent pound cake!
Classic Vanilla Mousse
A vanilla mousse recipe that gives you the classic flavor of vanilla in a light, airy, and easy to make dessert! Your family and friends are going to love this recipe.
Frosted Vanilla Brownies
Make soft, chewy vanilla brownies (or blondies) topped with a velvety vanilla frosting. A delicious twist on the classic chocolate treat, perfect for when you are looking to mix things up!
Old Fashioned Vanilla Fudge
This traditional, old fashioned vanilla fudge is easy enough to make with your kids and a treat the whole family is sure to enjoy. You only need six pantry staple ingredients, 15 minutes of cooking time, and some patience to make this classic confection at home!
Amish Vanilla Crumb Pie
A wonderful dessert that features traditional Amish flavors: a delectable vanilla filling and a buttery crumb topping. Definitely a rich and satisfying vanilla crumb dessert!
Vegan Birthday Cake
Celebrate with a vegan vanilla birthday cake that's both delicious and easy to customize. This recipe is completely vegan including the frosting and sprinkles!
Which of these vanilla dessert recipes is your favorite? Let me know in the comments and then check out these other delicious dessert posts:
Indya | The Small Adventurer
Sunday 14th of January 2024
My partner is a HUGE vanilla lover - love that he's so easy to please haha - so this is a great list to save for later! He's dying for me to make him something, but I'm always SO nervous making things for other people. When it comes to vanilla though, I use imitation because there's no alcohol.
I know people say it's not the same, but there's been issues with alcohol in my family in the past and a lot of bakers don't really think about something small like that, but where I live "real" vanilla is actually locked up because people steal it and drink it all just for the alcohol; it's frightening. I don't notice the difference in taste so I'm happy with what I've got! 😊