8 Irresistible Recipes Made With Vanilla, From Holiday Nog to Cranberry Tarts

When it comes to ice cream, vanilla is hard to beat. According to one survey by the International Dairy Foods Association, the mild, sweet, aromatic flavor is the go-to for more than a third of Americans, which puts it ahead of other classics like chocolate and strawberry. But while vanilla ice cream is delicious, it’s not the only way this floral ingredient can be used. From tarts to eggnog to pancakes, find some of our favorite ways to cook with vanilla below.

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What plant is vanilla made from?

Vanilla was first used by the Aztecs, but it’s now popular all over the world. In fact, Fact. MR reports the global vanilla market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2024, and could reach a value of more than $1.7 billion by the end of 2034. According to the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, the full name of vanilla is vanilla planifolia, which is a type of orchid that grows in Central America. The vanilla that we use in everything from food to beauty products today comes from the pods of these orchids.

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Vanilla is unique not just because it’s an orchid. Outside of its native region, it must be hand-pollinated. This is because its natural pollinators—the biggest of which is the melipona bee—are rare outside of Central American countries. Because of this need for hand pollination, vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world.

What does vanilla do in cooking?

Vanilla extract is a popular cooking ingredient. It’s made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol, which helps to extract their signature flavor. Vanilla beans are also used in cooking, and so is vanilla essence, but this is actually a synthetic version of the popular spice (it’s made from vanillin, which comes from wood). 

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Whatever type of vanilla you use to cook or bake, you’ll notice that this floral ingredient plays several roles in the final product. Of course, it has its own distinctive flavor, but it also helps to bring out the sweetness of other ingredients and balance out tangy or rich flavors. It’s also warm, aromatic, and comforting, which makes it the perfect addition to many recipes.

8 vegan recipes with vanilla

Melissa King

1 Raspberry Vanilla Chia Jam

This quick, healthy twist on jam combines raspberries and chia seeds to create a vibrant, nutrient-packed spread. Maple syrup adds a light touch of sweetness, while vanilla balances the tartness of raspberries beautifully.
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BitterSweet

2 Cashew Vanilla Bean Vegan Eggnog

Creamy cashews, sweet dates, vanilla bean, and nutmeg are the perfect combination in this delicious reimagining of the classic creamy holiday cocktail, which is usually made with eggs, cream, and milk. It’s rich, festive, and deliciously indulgent.
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Sara Stevens

3 Vegan Vanilla Tarts With Cranberry Compote

The nutty crust and creamy cashew filling in these tangy tarts are elevated by warm vanilla. The sweetness of the maple syrup and the Medjool dates complement the zesty cranberry compote perfectly.
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Chris Miller

4 Vegan Strawberry Vanilla French Toast

This sweet, simple-to-make French toast from the But My Family Would Never Eat Vegan! cookbook is guaranteed to become a cozy brunch favorite. The tangy homemade strawberry sauce, combined with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
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Greta Rybus 

5 Vanilla Smoothie Bowl With Activated Charcoal

This tasty, energizing vanilla smoothie bowl—enriched with food-grade activated charcoal— is great for those days when you want a quick, easy breakfast. It’s refreshing, nourishing, and digestion-friendly, too, thanks to the addition of fiber-rich granola and blueberries.
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Kiki Nelson

6 Vegan Blueberry Vanilla Pancakes

Fluffy whole wheat batter, juicy blueberries, and warm, sweet vanilla are the perfect plant-based pancake ingredients. They’re especially delicious when they’re drizzled with maple syrup and topped with extra fresh fruit.
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Shanika Graham-White

7 Vegan Glazed Vanilla Doughnut Holes 

Sweet, sticky, and festive, these fluffy baked doughnut holes are a delicious party treat. The vanilla glaze adds a warm, rich flavor, while funfetti rainbow sprinkles add texture and a splash of color.
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Brittany Berlin

8 Vegan Vanilla Birthday Cake Bars

These vanilla blondie-style cake bars from the Baked With Love cookbook are the ideal birthday treat for adults and kids alike. They’re chewy, rich, and deliciously sweet, especially when topped with vegan sprinkles.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.