Copycat Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe

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It’s no exaggeration to say that this creamy, richly flavored Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste has transformed my favorite desserts into crowd-pleasing masterpieces. I’m sharing one of my go-to recipes that showcases the deep, authentic vanilla flavor this paste delivers.

How to make Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste

Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste is a premium baking ingredient crafted from 100% Bourbon vanilla beans sourced from Mauritius, one of the designated Bourbon islands in the Indian Ocean.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter: In a stand mixer or large bowl, whip the softened butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste: Once the butter is whipped, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. It’ll infuse the butter with a rich and aromatic vanilla flavor, along with those lovely black speckles from the vanilla beans.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while mixing at a low speed. This prevents clouds of sugar from overwhelming your kitchen.
4. Adjust Creaminess: Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until your frosting reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner frosting, add more cream; for thicker frosting, add less.
5. Season Perfectly: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, then whip the frosting for another minute on high speed until light and airy.

Tips for Working with the Paste:

• How to Measure: Vanilla bean paste is highly concentrated. Generally, one teaspoon of paste is equivalent to one teaspoon of vanilla extract or one whole vanilla bean. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Where It Shines: This paste is perfect for recipes where the vanilla flavor takes center stage—think frostings, ice creams, puddings, cakes, or even French toast. The visual appeal of the small vanilla bean flecks adds sophistication to your creations.
• Storage: Store Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve its flavor.
• Pair Flavors: Vanilla pairs beautifully with almond, coffee, citrus, and chocolate flavors. Consider combining the paste with complementary extracts or ingredients for a unique twist in your recipes.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of dishes, from breakfast delights to decadent desserts.

Breakfast Delights:

1. Vanilla Bean French Toast:

Ingredients: Thick slices of brioche or challah, eggs, milk, a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of cinnamon.

Instructions: Whisk the eggs with milk, vanilla bean paste, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Dip the bread slices into the mixture, then cook on a hot griddle until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup or homemade vanilla bean whipped cream.

2. Vanilla Bean Pancakes/Waffles:

Ingredients: Your favorite pancake or waffle batter, a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste.

Instructions: Mix the vanilla bean paste into the batter, then cook as directed.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a dollop of vanilla bean butter, fresh fruit, and a splash of pure maple syrup.

3. Vanilla Bean Yogurt Parfait:

Ingredients: Greek yogurt, a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste, granola, and fresh fruits.

Instructions: Stir the vanilla bean paste into the Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions: Layer the yogurt with granola and fresh fruits in a parfait glass for a sophisticated breakfast or snack.

Baked Goods:

1. Vanilla Bean Cupcakes:

Ingredients: Cupcake batter, a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste.

Instructions: Incorporate the vanilla bean paste into the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions: Frost with vanilla bean buttercream and sprinkle with decorative sugar or edible glitter for a beautiful presentation.

2. Vanilla Bean Cheesecake:

Ingredients: Creamy cheesecake filling and a couple of teaspoons of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste.

Instructions: Mix the paste into the cheesecake filling before baking.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a berry compote or chocolate drizzle for added richness and contrast.

3. Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies:

Ingredients: Sugar cookie dough, a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste.

Instructions: Blend the paste into the dough before baking.

Serving Suggestions: Decorate with vanilla bean icing and fun sprinkles for a festive treat.

Ingredients Substitutes

Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste has gained popularity among bakers and home cooks for its strong, rich vanilla flavor, which is often used in desserts and baked goods.

1. Substitutes for Vanilla Beans

Vanilla beans are the primary source of flavor and specks in the paste. However, they can be expensive or hard to find. Below are alternatives:

Vanilla Extract

Substitute: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for every 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.

Notes: Vanilla extract provides a similar flavor profile but lacks the characteristic specks of vanilla paste. To emulate the specks, mix the vanilla extract with ground vanilla powder or scrape seeds from whole vanilla beans.

Vanilla Bean Powder

Substitute: Use 1:1 in comparison to vanilla bean paste.

Notes: Vanilla bean powder is made by grinding dried vanilla beans. It adds an intense vanilla flavor and specks but lacks the liquid consistency.

Whole Vanilla Beans

Substitute: Scrape 1 bean into your recipe for every tablespoon of vanilla bean paste.

Notes: If vanilla beans are used directly, the texture won’t resemble paste unless combined with a binder or sweetener.

2. Substitutes for Sugar or Sweeteners

Most vanilla bean pastes include a small amount of sugar or corn syrup to balance the flavor and assist with texture. If you’re looking for alternatives:

Maple Syrup

Substitute: Replace sugar or corn syrup with maple syrup at a 1:1 ratio.

Notes: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and works as a liquid base, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

Honey

Substitute: Use honey at a 1:1 ratio as the sweetener.

Notes: Honey can provide a floral note and mimic the consistency of corn syrup. It works well for those seeking natural sweeteners.

Agave Syrup

Substitute: Replace corn syrup or sugar with agave syrup at a 1:1 ratio.

Notes: Agave syrup has a neutral flavor and is suitable for replicating the texture without overpowering the vanilla.

Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar

Substitute: Use coconut sugar or brown sugar at a nearly 1:1 ratio.

Notes: These options contribute a deeper flavor, such as caramel undertones.

3. Substitutes for Binders/Thickeners

Vanilla bean paste achieves its thick, spreadable consistency through the inclusion of binders like gum, corn syrup, or glucose. If you’re creating your paste or looking for substitutes:

Corn Syrup or Glucose

Substitute: Use corn syrup or liquid glucose directly for binding and thickening.

Notes: These ingredients are commonly used in commercial paste to create a smooth texture.

Glycerin

Substitute: Add food-grade glycerin (start with 1 teaspoon) to your homemade mixture.

Notes: Glycerin helps bind the liquid ingredients and gives the paste a smooth texture.

Arrowroot Powder or Xanthan Gum

Substitute: Use a pinch of arrowroot powder or xanthan gum as thickeners.

Notes: Mix the powder with the liquid base (e.g., vanilla extract and sweetener) to reach the desired paste-like consistency.

Molasses

Substitute: Use molasses instead of corn syrup for a thickening agent.

Notes: Molasses mimics the rich texture but may slightly alter the color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste is truly a staple for bakers and cooks alike.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Pistachio Chocolate Recipe