Four Different Ways To Make Vanilla Sugar - Easy German Recipes

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Vanillezucker, Germany's beloved vanilla sugar, is way easier to make at home than you might think! This fragrant sweetener is a staple in German baking.

Today I'm sharing not one, but 4 different methods to make it yourself. Whether you need vanilla sugar right now (my secret 5-minute method!), want the rich flavor of the traditional slow-infusion technique, crave the most intense vanilla punch possible, or need a budget-friendly workaround using vanilla extract (affiliate link) (though I'll be honest—it's not my favorite), I've got you covered. Let's dive in!

Living in Germany, I'm more familiar with vanilla-infused sugar than vanilla extract (affiliate link). Vanilla sugar is granulated sugar infused with real vanilla beans, and we use it for everything in German baking! From sweetening coffee and desserts to adding depth of flavor to cakes and cookies, it's absolutely essential. In fact, some German Christmas cookies, like our famous Vanillekipferl, simply wouldn't be the same without it!

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What is a Good Substitute for Vanillezucker?
Ingredients and tools you'll need
Method 1: Make Vanilla Sugar Quickly (Ready in 5 Minutes!)
Method 2: Traditional Vanillezucker Recipe (Slow Infusion)
Method 3: Intense Recipe (Maximum Flavor)
Method 4: Make Sugar with Vanille from Extract (Budget Option)
Homemade vs. Dr. Oetker Vanillin Zucker Sachets
Storing and Shelf Life
How to use your vanilla-infused sugar
Have you made this recipe?
Recipe

What is a Good Substitute for Vanillezucker?

For most recipes, you can substitute one sachet of Vanillezucker (or 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar) with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (affiliate link). This works best it is mixed into batters, doughs, or the body of a dish.

However, for sprinkling on top of cookies, cakes, or desserts, vanilla extract (affiliate link) won't work. In those cases, it's better to make your own vanilla sugar. And honestly? It's not that hard!

Ingredients and tools you'll need

For the detailed instructions and exact measurements, please jump to the printable recipe card

Granulated sugar or caster sugar (fine granulated sugar)
Vanilla bean (affiliate link) (my tip is to buy the vanilla beans online, they are a lot cheaoer in bulk)
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Blender or coffee grinder

Vanilla Bean

Buy Now →

(affiliate link)

There are plenty of vanilla sugar recipes and it depends on your particular need. Whatever recipe for Vanillezucker you use, I am sure it will be a sucess.

Method 1: Make Vanilla Sugar Quickly (Ready in 5 Minutes!)

Slice the vanilla bean (affiliate link) lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
Pour the sugar into your blender or food processor and add the vanilla seeds. Chop the empty vanilla pod into smaller pieces and add them to the sugar.
Pulse 10-12 times until the vanilla is finely ground and evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Pour into your jar and seal tightly. You can use it immediately, or wait 2 weeks for an even more intense vanilla flavor!

Method 2: Traditional Vanillezucker Recipe (Slow Infusion)

Slice the vanilla bean (affiliate link) lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
Save the seeds for another recipe (like my Caramel Apple Trifle!).
Pour the sugar into the jar and place the empty vanilla pod into the sugar.
Seal with the lid and give it a good shake.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before using.

Pro Tip: The vanilla pod keeps its aroma for a while. So you can always place it into another jar with sugar after the first is used up.

Method 3: Intense Recipe (Maximum Flavor)

Slice the vanilla bean (affiliate link) lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
Pour the sugar into the jar and add both the seeds AND the empty pod.
Seal with the lid and shake well to distribute the seeds.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before using.

Why This Method: Using both the seeds and the pod creates the most intensely flavored vanilla sugar—perfect for recipes where you really want that vanilla to shine!

Method 4: Make Sugar with Vanille from Extract (Budget Option)

Sometimes vanilla beans are hard to find or too expensive. While this isn't my favorite method, it's a helpful backup when you're in a pinch.

Important Note: Most vanilla extract (affiliate link) contains artificial vanillin, so your sugar won't be quite as aromatic as the bean methods. However, it still works for mixing into batters and doughs!

Mix 1 cup (200g) sugar with 1-2 tablespoons vanilla extract (affiliate link) in a bowl.
The sugar will be wet and clumpy. This is normal!
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Let it air dry for 24-48 hours (or overnight in a warm, dry spot).
Once completely dry, break apart any clumps with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Store in an airtight jar.

⚠️ Heads Up: This method creates slightly brown, sometimes clumpy sugar. It's best for mixing into recipes (cookies, cakes, batters), NOT for sprinkling on top of desserts. For sprinkling, use Methods 1-3 instead!

Homemade vs. Dr. Oetker Vanillin Zucker Sachets

If you've ever bought those little Dr. Oetker Vanillin Zucker sachets, you know how convenient they are. But here's what you need to know:

Dr Oetker Vanilla Sugar

Buy Now →

(affiliate link)

Store-Bought Vanillin Zucker:

✅ Super convenient with pre-measured sachets
✅ Long shelf life
❌ Made with artificial vanillin flavor, not real vanilla
❌ Inexpensive in Germany, but pricey and hard to find abroad ($3-5 for a 10-pack in the US)

Homemade Vanilla Sugar:

✅ Made with real vanilla beans for richer, more complex flavor
✅ Costs a fraction of store-bought (one $3 vanilla bean (affiliate link) makes 2+ cups!)
✅ Lasts 2+ years when stored properly
✅ No artificial ingredients: just pure, natural vanilla flavor

The Bottom Line: One vanilla bean (affiliate link) creates enough homemade vanilla sugar to replace 15-20 store-bought sachets. Plus, your homemade version will taste infinitely better!

Storing and Shelf Life

The best containers are simple glass jars with airtight lids. Store your vanilla sugar in a cool, dry place like your pantry (not the fridge or freezer). Your Vanillezucker has a shelf life of up to 2+ years when stored properly.

You might find that the sugar clumps up. This is normal and happens because of the moisture from the vanilla bean (affiliate link). Just shake the jar every few weeks to prevent clumping and keep the sugar flowing freely.

Keep refilling the jar with fresh sugar as you use it! The vanilla bean (affiliate link) will continue infusing flavor for months, even up to a year or more.

How to use your vanilla-infused sugar

This fragrant sugar is incredibly versatile! You can use it to sweeten drinks like Eiskaffee or hot chocolate. Sprinkle it over fresh fruit, German rice pudding, porridge, or yogurt for a sweet vanilla boost. It's also a wonderful flavor enhancer in whipped cream and frostings.

The most common use is in baking! Add it to cake batters, cookie doughs, vanilla pudding, and custard sauces for rich vanilla flavor. Here are some of my favorite German recipes that use Vanillezucker:

Christmas Stollen
Fanta Cake Recipe
Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
German Butter Cookies
German Coconut Macaroons
Baiser Cookies (Meringue Cookies)

Frequently asked Questions

Can I use vanilla paste to make vanilla sugar?

Yes, but it will create clumpy, beige sugar. Best for mixing into recipes, not sprinkling.

How much vanilla sugar equals one vanilla bean?

Roughly 2-3 tablespoons of vanilla infused sugar equals the seeds from one vanilla bean.

Does vanilla sugar expire?

No! Sugar is a preservative. Your homemade vanillezucker will last 2+ years if stored properly.

Have you made this recipe?

Your feedback makes a difference to fellow readers. Rate this recipe and drop a comment below to help others enjoy it too.

Your reviews help me reach more people and spread the word about German cuisine.

Recipe

Homemade Vanillezucker - 4 Methods

Marita Vanillezucker (German vanilla sugar) is a fragrant baking essential that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe shows you four different methods, from a quick 5-minute version to traditional slow infusion. 5 from 1 vote I look forward to your feedback. Just click the stars above. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 0 minutes Total Time 10 minutes Course IngridientsCuisine German Servings 1 portionCalories 968 kcal

Equipment

Jar with Lid
Spice or Coffee Grinder

Ingredients MetricUS Customary 0.25x0.5x1x2x

▢ 1 vanilla bean (affiliate link)
▢ 200 g granulated sugar 1 cup

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Method 1: Make Vanilla Sugar Quickly (Ready in 5 Minutes!)

Slice the vanilla bean (affiliate link) lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.1 vanilla bean (affiliate link)
Pour the sugar into your blender or food processor and add the vanilla seeds. Chop the empty vanilla pod into smaller pieces and add them to the sugar.200 g granulated sugar
Pulse 10-12 times until the vanilla is finely ground and evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Pour into your jar and seal tightly. You can use it immediately, or wait 2 weeks for an even more intense vanilla flavor!

Method 2: Traditional Vanillezucker Recipe (Slow Infusion)

Slice the vanilla bean (affiliate link) lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
Save the seeds for another recipe (like my Caramel Apple Trifle!)
Pour the sugar into the jar and place the empty vanilla pod into the sugar.
Seal with the lid and give it a good shake.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before using.

Method 3: Intense Recipe (Maximum Flavor)

Slice the vanilla bean (affiliate link) lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
Pour the sugar into the jar and add both the seeds AND the empty pod.
Seal with the lid and shake well to distribute the seeds.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 968kcalCarbohydrates: 250gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 5mgSugar: 250gCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg Did you make this recipe? I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Please leave a quick Comment and star rating. I appreciate your feedback.

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Hi, I'm Marita

Food enthusiast & home cook. I returned to Germany after living in the UK for 20 years. Here at My Dinner, you will find traditional and authentic German recipes with cultural backgrounds.

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