26 vanilla recipes

Where does vanilla extract come from?

Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol to extract the flavour from it. When shopping for vanilla extract, check the ingredients – you want it to only contain vanilla beans, alcohol and water. Vanilla bean paste is slightly thicker and it is made from vanilla bean pods, sugar, water and a thickening agent. Vanilla essence, on the other hand, is a more processed product and contains artificial flavourings.

Best sweet vanilla recipes

Vanilla cake

Make this easy vanilla sandwich cake with soft, fluffy sponge and silky buttercream. Our recipe uses a homemade vanilla sugar and is perfect for birthday parties.

Vanilla ice cream

Impress your guests with a quick and easy homemade vanilla ice cream with just 20 minutes of prep. Serve alongside your favourite dessert or just on its own.

Easy vanilla cheesecake

Sometimes, simple really is best. Keep it classic with this perfect no-bake cheesecake, flavoured only with vanilla extract and lemon zest.

New York cheesecake

Take some time to master the perfect New York cheesecake. This creamy baked dessert is perfect for making ahead of time if you're entertaining.

Vanilla and raspberry mascarpone loaf cake

This is a beautifully moist cake with pops of berries throughout – excellent on its own or with a cup of earl grey tea.

Vanilla fudge

Treat friends and family to this crumbly vanilla fudge recipe with muscovado sugar as a homemade foodie gift. It's easy to make and only takes half an hour.

Easy pound cake

You can count on this classic vanilla pound cake recipe. It's easy to make and perfect for slicing thickly and enjoying with a mug of tea or coffee.

Vanilla panna cotta

Try this simple, creamy, classic Italian dessert – it's the ideal way to impress guests at your next dinner party.

Vegan vanilla cheesecake

Make this quick and easy vanilla cheesecake to share with friends and family.

Vanilla cupcakes

Classic vanilla cupcakes are hard to beat – especially our sweet and fluffy versions, topped with light, buttery frosting. Make them for a celebration or simply as a treat to have with your afternoon cuppa.

Vanilla custard tart

Check out this silky custard tart with vanilla and smoked butter caramel from Two Lights restaurant in east London. If you can’t find smoked butter, use normal butter instead and finish it with smoked salt, which is readily available.

Blondies

Make these rich and fudgy blondies for an afternoon treat. White chocolate is the key to a gooey texture, alongside two types of soft sugar and vanilla extract.

Classic no-bake cheesecake

Choose fresh seasonal fruit to crown a layer of soft creamy vanilla on a crumbly biscuit base. This is a winning dessert that doesn't require any cooking.

Empire biscuits

Make these crumbly shortbread-style biscuits for an afternoon treat. Raspberry jam acts as a sharp contrast to the sweet icing.

Swiss roll

Make our classic swiss roll for a teatime treat. This traditional bake consists of a light and airy sponge, coated in crunchy sugar and bursting with fruity jam.

Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce

Learn how to make this supremely creamy vanilla ice cream and you’ll be set for summer.

Classic marble cake

Marble cakes can be made with many different flavours and colours, but chocolate and vanilla is the classic pairing.

Victoria sponge cake

Try our easiest ever recipe for a victoria sandwich cake. This classic bake combines a light and fluffy sponge with a strawberry jam and cream filling.

Snickerdoodles

Roll cookie dough in cinnamon sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth – you can even freeze the unbaked dough balls for whenever you need a last-minute treat.

Vanilla yogurt cheesecake pots

A toasted oat flapjack crumble topping and juicy raspberries add extra crunch and sweetness to these mini cheesecake pots.

Angel cake

Impress guests with a slice of this pretty cake – it requires a little extra effort but it’s worth it for the beautiful results.

Gluten-free cupcakes

Make these delicious gluten-free cupcakes for bake sales, afternoon teas or as a weekend treat.

Rum baba

This restaurant-style pud will elevate any dinner party and is a good way to use up the last dregs of a bottle of rum.

Lavender and vanilla profiteroles

Make these pretty profiteroles ahead and they'll keep for up to two days in an airtight box.

White hot chocolate

Go all out with a large mug of velvety white hot chocolate, garnished with white chocolate fingers, mini marshmallows and whipped cream.

Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes

Everyone loves a good cupcake. These classic chocolate and vanilla cupcakes are simple, and make the perfect treat for any occasion – time to put the kettle on.