36 Recipes That Use Vanilla Extract

Who doesn't love vanilla? Put that bottle of vanilla extract to work with these homey vanilla recipes.

Vanilla Meringue Cookies

Want to learn how to make meringues? This meringue cookie is light, airy morsels and the perfect fat-free treat to really beat a sweets craving. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Vanilla Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: There's a reason this vanilla cake recipe is the best. Adding creamy vanilla bean paste into the moist, rich cake batter creates a power-packed vanilla flavor that can't be bought in stores. Try spreading vanilla buttercream frosting on top to finish it off. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 399 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Sugar Cream Pie

Total Time 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 418 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Very Vanilla Slow-Cooker Cheesecake

Total Time 2 hours 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 565 calories, 41g fat (24g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
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Vanilla Frosting

Total Time 10 min
Servings About 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: After trying a few buttercream frosting recipes, this easy vanilla buttercream frosting takes the cake with its unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors. —Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 124 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Rum Vanilla Cranberry Sauce

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Cranberry sauce is one of my favorite things—this jazzed-up version combines vanilla with rum to create a rich flavorful sauce that's far from the usual! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 66 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
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Vanilla-Glazed Ginger Scones

Total Time 40 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Gingerbread is a flavor that works with all sorts of delicious holiday baked goods. To glaze these ginger scones, just dip a fork or spoon into the glaze mixture and then drizzle over the tops. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 scone: 299 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Chilean Monkey Tail Punch

Total Time 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Stories vary surrounding the origins of this punch's unique name. Some say it was initially served in a bottle depicting a monkey with a long tail, but others suggest it was named after a funny incident with a Chilean president in the early 1900s. Whatever the origin, coffee and spirits will make this sweet chilled drink warm you right up this Christmas. It also goes by "cola de mono." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 129 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 539 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 107g carbohydrate (96g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
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Vanilla Citrus Cider

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 10 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator: My mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrus-vanilla variation on her recipe. I think it hits the spot! The longer the cider simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.—Kristin Weglarz, Bremerton, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 127 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Vanilla Cheesecake

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To me, there is nothing better than a simple, elegant cheesecake where the vanilla takes center stage. And when I'm feeling decadent, I'll add the rich chocolate ganache topping. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 551 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
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Mini Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I love baking cookies to give as gifts to my family and friends. I created this recipe for my annual holiday cookie platter and it received rave reviews from both children and adults. If the buttercream doesn't come together after all of the butter has been incorporated, add some shortening one tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to transform. —Julie Thomas, Saukville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich cookie: 120 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Best Bread Pudding

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The secret to incredible bread pudding with a soft middle and crisp edges starts with leftover dinner rolls. I picked up the rich brown sugar sauce recipe from my friend Kathryn Gartmann. A big drizzle of it takes this dessert over the top and really makes it the best bread pudding ever. —Maria Petrella, Taste of Home Prep Cook
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 497 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.

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Powdered Sugar Glaze

Total Time 5 min
Servings 3/4 cup
From the Recipe Creator: This versatile glaze is shared by our Test Kitchen. You can make the basic confectioners' sugar glaze and tint it with food coloring if desired. For chocolate lovers, skip the food coloring and stir in some baking cocoa.
Nutrition Facts: 1 teaspoon: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

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Vanilla & Cinnamon-Kissed Apple Latkes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Latkes are crispy fried pancakes, often made with potatoes. But this sweet version with apples, orange juice, cinnamon and vanilla falls in the dessert realm. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 3 latkes with 1 teaspoon cinnamon-sugar: 422 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Berries with Vanilla Custard

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: What a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup berries with 1/4 cup sauce: 166 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.

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Angel Food Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For our daughter's wedding, a friend made this lovely, airy angel food cake from a recipe she's used for decades. It really is one of the best angel food cake recipes I've found. Serve slices plain or dress them up with fresh fruit. —Marilyn Niemeyer, Doon, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 115 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.

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Vanilla Crescents

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These cookies are especially cozy at Christmastime, but are wonderful all year long. Try them dipped into hot tea or coffee.—Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado

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Candied Yams

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My town is known as "the yam capital of the United States." This is a simple recipe that goes well with baked ham or roasted turkey. —Essie Nealey, Tabor City, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 248 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.

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Pear-Stuffed French Vanilla Toast

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My handyman, who is originally from Nicaragua, shared this classic breakfast dish his mother used to prepare. He says he makes it frequently for his children and they clean their plates! —Gail Borczyk, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 701 calories, 38g fat (16g saturated fat), 339mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
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Frozen Yogurt

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: It's so simple and easy to make your own frozen Greek yogurt. You might even want to get the kids in on the fun. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 225 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein.
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Pina Colada Zucchini Bread

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 3 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator: At my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show—and won first place! You'll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 225 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Vanilla Frosting

Total Time 5 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Don't know how to make icing for cake but don't want to settle for store-bought frosting? This four-ingredient easy vanilla frosting recipe is the perfect topper for your cakey creations. The homemade taste just can't be beat. —Mary Faulk, Cambridge, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 145 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Caramel Candy

Total Time 40 min
Servings 64 pieces (2-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator: I discovered this caramel recipe in a local newspaper years ago and have made these soft buttery caramels ever since. I make them for Christmas, picnics and charity auctions. They are so much better than store-bought caramels. Once people have a taste, they ask for the recipe. —Marcie Wolfe, Williamsburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 72 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Total Time 25 min
Servings 1-1/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: We don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest, too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions below to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. It's the perfect base for our best ice cream sundae ideas, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 308 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Cream Wafers

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My sons used to help me make these cookies, and now my oldest granddaughter helps. When the smaller grandchildren are home, they help, too. The cute little sandwich cookies are tender, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth good! —Linda Clinkenbeard, Vincennes, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 91 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

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Butterscotch Pudding

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Homemade pudding reminds me of my grandma and how she turned milk and eggs into creamy textures before my eyes. The butterscotch in this recipe adds a caramel-sweet touch. —Teresa Wilkes, Pembroke, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup (calculated without whipped cream): 273 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.

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Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: We love using this simple vegan vanilla cupcake recipe as a base to layer on extra flavor. Stir in grated orange zest and chopped pecans, vegan chocolate chips and cinnamon, or your own favorite mix-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cupcake: 255 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Skillet Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I love using cast iron to get a nice crust on these skillet cinnamon rolls! The pan also makes an impressive serving dish on the table without it looking as if you tried too hard. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts: 1 cinnamon roll: 424 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa

Total Time 15 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 195 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
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Glazed Apple-Maple Blondies

Total Time 50 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My 6-year-old son and I conjured up this recipe to use the last of the apples we picked from the local apple orchard. Each bar goes beautifully with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 blondie: 192 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

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Blueberry Bread

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: This blueberry bread recipe is a simple quick bread that I look forward to making when fresh blueberries are in season. It's so good that I end up making it year-round. —Karen Scales, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 165 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.

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Homemade Whipped Cream

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Whipped cream recipes don't have to be hard. This one can even be made ahead. Slightly underwhip the cream, then cover and refrigerate for several hours. Beat briefly just before using.
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 57 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Vanilla Wafers

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These buttery cookies bake up chewy and crispy at the same time. Sprinkle these vanilla wafers with colored sugar or leave them as-is. Their simplicity is beauty enough! —Edith MacBeath, Gaines, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 2 each: 109 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Kentucky Butter Cake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I found this Kentucky butter cake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 410 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.