Last Updated on September 3, 2022
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: can you add vanilla extract to coffee? And taking a look at how to make your own hot or iced vanilla extract coffee from the comfort of your home. While flavored coffees are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in coffee shops, they’re also becoming increasingly expensive, and not affordable for many people.
If you’re looking for vanilla-flavored coffee, it’s super easy to make yourself at home – whether you’re looking for iced coffee or hot coffee. But can you add vanilla extract to coffee? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Vanilla Extract?
You’ll likely already be familiar with vanilla extract, but if not, vanilla extract is a flavoring that’s made to use in baked goods, predominantly. For example, to flavor foods such as cupcakes, cakes, cookies, brownies, and ice cream. It’s made from vanilla pods, as well as ethanol and water. It’s important to always opt for vanilla extract that’s not artificial; this will usually be labeled as “pure vanilla extract” and be brown in color, rather than light.
Difference between vanilla extract and vanilla syrup
While they share the same flavoring, you’d think that vanilla extract and vanilla syrup would be similar. However, that is simply not the case. Syrup is much thicker than vanilla extract and also tastes far sweeter too. If you’re looking for a slightly bitter flavor, as well as a substance that’s more liquid-like than syrup, vanilla extract is the way forward. Although they have different textures, the flavor itself is similar.
Can You Add Vanilla Extract to Coffee?
Absolutely. Instead of visiting your local coffee shop or buying flavored coffee – you can simply make your own with an ingredient you’ll likely already have in your pantry: vanilla extract. It brings out the flavor of your coffee, as well as adding a bit of sweetness. It’s a delicious way to start the morning, and super easy too!
Does vanilla extract sweeten coffee?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract is very strong, and a little goes a long way. You can add a tiny amount to your coffee, and not only does it add more flavor, but it also adds sweetness, which means there’s no need for sugar! 1/4 of a teaspoon of vanilla extract is definitely healthier than a couple of teaspoons of sugar! Just be careful how much you’re adding, as it can be overpowering if you use too much.
Benefits of using vanilla extract in coffee
There are benefits of using vanilla extract to your morning coffee. Here’s just a few:
- it’s inexpensive. Vanilla extract lasts a long time and is relatively inexpensive. You’ll definitely be saving the pennies in the long run!
- it’s calming. Caffeine can give you the shakes, but vanilla is known to help reduce this, along with your stress levels
- it’s a natural sweetener. No need for sugar when using vanilla extract in your coffee! If you’re looking for a quick way to help reduce your daily sugar intake, this is a great place to start
- it contains minerals. for your daily dose of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, pure vanilla extract is the perfect starting point
How To Make Vanilla Coffee: Recipe
If you’re looking to make your own vanilla coffee, then look no further. You only need two pieces of equipment for this recipe, a coffee maker and a mug. The recipe we’re looking at is inspired by one from Coffee Affection.
Ingredients
The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are:
- freshly brewed coffee (either medium or dark roast)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (should be brown in color)
- ice (if choosing to make iced coffee)
- milk or creamer (if wanted)
Recipe
Now all you need to do is:
Step 1: Brew
Firstly, you’ll need to brew around 24oz of coffee of your choice (medium or dark roast coffee). Once brewed, move onto the next step for hot coffee, or leave to one side to cool, for iced coffee.
Step 2: Flavor
Step 3: Serve
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: can you add vanilla extract to coffee? And given you, an idea of how to make your own vanilla extract flavored coffee at home. It’s super easy and much cheaper than buying from a coffee store, or preflavored.
Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to making flavored coffee using vanilla extract? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
FAQs
What Happens if You Put Vanilla Extract in Coffee?
While most people use vanilla syrup in their coffee, vanilla extract works just as well, and you don't need to use much at all!
How Do You Add Vanilla to Coffee?
It's super easy to add vanilla to coffee. All you do is add around 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to your brewed pot of coffee and mix well.
Can You Mix Coffee and Vanilla?
Yes! In fact, coffee and vanilla is one of the most popular flavor combinations and it's not difficult to see why. In comparison to the amount of coffee you use, you only need a very small amount of vanilla extract for the same volume of flavor.
Is Pure Vanilla Extract Good For Coffee?
Yes! In fact, you should only use pure vanilla extract when it comes to making your own vanilla coffee. When using artificial vanilla extract, it doesn't taste quite the same, and doesn't have the sweet bitterness that pure vanilla extract has. Pure vanilla extract will be brown in color, whereas artificial vanilla extract will be light in color - be sure you' re opting for the brown vanilla extract.
Can You Add Vanilla Extract To Coffee? (& Homemade Recipe)
Ingredients
- freshly brewed coffee (either medium or dark roast)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (should be brown in color)
- ice (if choosing to make iced coffee)
- milk or creamer (if wanted)
Instructions
- BrewFirstly, you'll need to brew around 24oz of coffee of your choice (medium or dark roast coffee). Once brewed, move onto the next step for hot coffee, or leave to one side to cool, for iced coffee.freshly brewed coffee (either medium or dark roast)
- FlavorAdd between 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to your brewed coffee. With a spoon, stir until completely mixed. Start with a small amount of extract, and add more if needed.1/4-1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (should be brown in color)
- ServePour your coffee into a mug of your choice, along with milk, or dairy product of your choice. For iced coffee, follow the same steps, but serve over ice.milk or creamer (if wanted), ice (if choosing to make iced coffee)