Unadulterated, pure vanilla is the secret ingredient used by a lot of professional bakers. I will show you how to make your own vanilla powder and vanilla sugar at home! You can infuse your baking and beverages with the sweet aroma.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cut a slit into the beans, lengthwise, and open them slightly.
Place the vanilla beans on the baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, until they are dry. Watch that they don’t burn. Take them out of the oven and wait until they cool (they will become more brittle as they cool).
Cut the vanilla pods into small pieces.
Process the baked vanilla pods in a coffee grinder until you get a fine powder.
Transfer to a jar or another airtight container. Your vanilla powder is now ready to use.
Vanilla Sugar:
Combine the vanilla powder and sugar in a small bowl with a whisk or spoon. You can use it immediately or wait for a couple of weeks for the vanilla flavor to infuse into the sugar.
Notes
Storage: You can store vanilla powder in an airtight container, tightly closed, in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard or pantry) for about 2 years. The vanilla sugar can also be stored in an airtight container in a cupboard/pantry for about 2 years.
How to substitute vanilla powder in recipes: ½ teaspoon vanilla powder = 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ways to use vanilla powder: Stir it into coffee, tea or hot chocolate. I like to add it directly to the coffee filter with the grind for vanilla-flavored drip coffee. Decorate cookies, add to ice cream, whipped cream or frosting, package it and give it away as gifts, etc.
Alternative drying methods:
1. At a Lower Temp in the Oven: This method takes longer than a 350ºF oven but you’re less likely to burn the pods. Preheat the oven to 170ºF (75ºC). This is the lowest temperature for most ovens. Bake the beans in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, until they are dry and brittle.
2. On the Counter (the slowest way): Let the pods dry on the counter for a few weeks.
3. In a Dehydrator: Dry the vanilla beans in the dehydrator until they are brittle.
Ways to use vanilla sugar: You can use it similarly to vanilla powder; the difference is it will be sweetened. Stir it into coffee or other hot beverages. Stir it into coffee cream to make a sweet, vanilla-flavored creamer. Sprinkle it over freshly glazed donuts and other baked goods. It's also great as a food gift when packaged in a nice jar.