Best Vanilla Baking Extracts of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Vanilla baking extracts are a must-have for any baking enthusiast. Made from high-quality vanilla beans, these extracts add a rich and aromatic flavor to baked goods. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from cakes and cookies to custards and ice creams. Vanilla baking extracts come in different strengths, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your recipe. They are also available in organic and non-organic options, making them a great choice for those who prefer natural ingredients. With their delicious flavor and versatility, vanilla baking extracts are a staple in any baker's pantry.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Watkins Natural Gourmet Baking Vanilla, 11oz Cover #TOP 1
Watkins Natural Gourmet Baking Vanilla, 11oz
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract, 4oz Cover #TOP 2
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract, 4oz
ftb score rating icon 9.8
McCormick Culinary Imitation Vanilla Flavoring Cover #TOP 3
McCormick Culinary Imitation Vanilla Flavoring
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Vanilla Baking Extracts

Watkins Natural Gourmet Baking Vanilla, 11oz

Original Vanilla Double Strength
Brown
Watkins Natural Gourmet Baking Vanilla, 11oz Cover
Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla, with Pure Vanilla Extract, 11 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) - Packaging May Vary

Watkins Natural Gourmet Baking Vanilla is made with pure vanilla extract and all-natural ingredients, providing a concentrated, bake and freeze proof blend ideal for baking. It is free from artificial colors and flavors, gluten, corn syrup, Non-GMO, and is Kosher certified. Crafted in the USA, it is a great choice for natural extracts.

What We Like
Pure and intense flavor
Cost-effective with a large bottle size
Trusted brand known for quality
Remains stable through baking process
Versatile for various baked goods
#TOP 2

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract, 4oz

21004 / RBO4CI
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract, 4oz Cover
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle

Enjoy the all-purpose Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract with its full, sweet, and creamy flavor profile. It has velvety after-tones that make it perfect for baking and cooking. The extract is all-natural, allergen-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and certified Kosher and Gluten-Free. One tablespoon equals one whole vanilla bean, making it easy to use in recipes.

What We Like
All-natural
Velvety after-tones
Multiple uses in baking and cooking
#TOP 3

McCormick Culinary Imitation Vanilla Flavoring

052100306063
Dark
McCormick Culinary Imitation Vanilla Flavoring Cover
McCormick Culinary Imitation Vanilla Flavoring, 16 fl oz - One 16 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Imitation Vanilla Flavoring for Baking, Best for Cakes, Frostings, Desserts and More

McCormick Vanilla Flavoring is a chef-approved ingredient that adds a delightful sweet vanilla taste to your baked goods and desserts. Its rich flavor enhances everything from cakes to frostings, making them more enjoyable for you and your guests. With high-quality ingredients, this flavoring ensures a nostalgic taste that stands out in your treats. The convenient 16-fluid-ounce bottle allows you to dispense just the right amount, whether you're making small batches or larger recipes. Plus, it retains its flavor even when baked at high temperatures, ensuring your creations maintain their delightful taste.

What We Like
Rich, sweet vanilla flavor
High-quality ingredients
Convenient dispensing
Versatile for various recipes
Retains flavor under heat
#TOP 4

McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, 1 fl oz

486238917463
Brown
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, 1 fl oz Cover
McCormick Vanilla Extract, Pure, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Made with Madagascar Vanilla Beans, 1 fl oz

McCormick Vanilla Extract is a premium choice for those who love to bake. Its rich flavor and color come from pure vanilla beans sourced from Madagascar, ensuring that you get a consistent taste in every bottle. This extract is not just for desserts; it can also enhance the flavors of meat and seafood dishes, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Plus, with no corn syrup and being gluten-free and Non-GMO, you can feel good about using it in your recipes. The easy pour spout helps you avoid messy spills, allowing for a smooth baking experience.

What We Like
Rich, deep flavor
Versatile for various dishes
Gluten-free and Non-GMO
Consistent quality in every bottle
Mess-free pouring
#TOP 5

Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla

Brown
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla Cover
Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla with Pure Extract, 8 fl. oz. Bottle, 1-Pack

Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla is made with pure vanilla extract and all naturally derived ingredients. Its concentrated, bake and freeze proof blend is ideal for baking. Plus, it contains no artificial colors or flavors, is non-GMO, gluten-free, corn syrup-free, and kosher. This product is crafted in the USA and falls under the category of natural extracts.

What We Like
High-quality
Wonderfully fine taste
Natural
Affordable price

McCormick Culinary Clear Imitation Vanilla Extract, 32 fl oz

052100306186
Clear
McCormick Culinary Clear Imitation Vanilla Extract, 32 fl oz Cover
McCormick Culinary Clear Imitation Vanilla Extract, 32 fl oz - One 32 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Clear Vanilla Flavoring for Baking, Perfect in Baked Goods, Frostings, Custards and Desserts

McCormick Culinary Clear Imitation Vanilla Extract is a premium quality, versatile flavoring that enhances the taste of your baked goods, frostings, and desserts. Made with high-quality ingredients, this clear vanilla flavoring provides a pleasantly sweet taste and is perfect for maintaining its flavor in baked goods at high temperatures. The 32-fluid-ounce bottle is perfect for chefs, giving them complete control over the amount of vanilla they want to use for their dishes. The clear imitation vanilla is perfect for everything from custards to frostings to desserts that require colorless ingredients, and it's Kosher and sugar-free.

What We Like
Pleasantly sweet flavor
Premium quality ingredients
Versatile flavoring for baked goods, frostings, and desserts

Magnolia-Star Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 oz., 2 Ct

Magnolia-Star Baking Supply Co.
16 Oz
Magnolia-Star Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 oz., 2 Ct Cover
Magnolia-Star Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 oz., Made from Hand-Selected Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans, Non-GMO and Gluten-Free Baking Vanilla (8oz. Bottles, 2 Ct)

Magnolia-Star Vanilla Extract is a premium Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract perfect for enhancing the flavor of various recipes like cakes, brownies, cookies, and more. Made with high-quality ingredients, this extract is naturally sugar and gluten-free, free from artificial colors or flavors. Sourced from Madagascar, the Bourbon vanilla beans are aged, steeped, and pressed to ensure maximum flavor in every bottle. Dedicated to quality, this extract is 100% pure and delicious, with no synthetic additives, making it a top choice for your baking needs.

What We Like
Premium Madagascar Bourbon vanilla
Naturally sugar and gluten-free
Free from artificial additives
#TOP 8

Iberia Imitation Vanilla Extract

10810
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Iberia Imitation Vanilla Extract Cover
Iberia Imitation Vanilla Extract, 8 Fl Oz

Iberia Imitation Vanilla Extract is a great alternative to pure vanilla extract for flavoring baked goods. It provides a rich vanilla taste that withstands both baking and freezing. You can use it to prepare a classic pound cake or make delightful vanilla ice cream that's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

What We Like
Perfectly rich vanilla taste that can withstand both baking and freezing
Great alternative to pure vanilla extract
Ideal for preparing various baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and ice cream

Pure Vanilla Extract - Bourbon Madagascar Beans - 4 fl oz

Brown
4 FL Ounces
Pure Vanilla Extract - Bourbon Madagascar Beans - 4 fl oz Cover
Organic Vanilla Extract - Made with Bourbon Madagascar Vanilla Beans - 4 fl oz – For Baking, Desserts, Home Cooking and Chefs

Experience the rich and creamy flavor of this 100% pure vanilla extract made with Bourbon Madagascar vanilla beans. With over 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon, it is more potent compared to the industry standard. Made of only 3 honest ingredients, it contains no added sugars or artificial flavors. Perfect for baking creations such as cookies, cakes, and desserts, this extract quickly adds a delicious taste to any food or beverage.

What We Like
More potent compared to the industry standard
Formulated using only the finest Bourbon cured vanilla beans
Made of only 3 honest ingredients
#TOP 10

Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract 4 oz

#N/A
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract 4 oz Cover
Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract offers a rich and smooth flavor that enhances your baking and cooking. Its classic taste, with sweet undertones, makes it the perfect addition to a variety of recipes, whether you're making cookies or savory dishes. The brand has a long-standing reputation, trusted by both professional chefs and home cooks for its quality and authentic taste. By using hand-selected vanilla beans from top regions, you can enjoy a spectrum of natural flavors that reflect their unique origins, ensuring your dishes are flavorful and memorable.

What We Like
Rich, versatile flavor
Trusted by professional chefs
Hand-selected vanilla beans
Small batch, cold process
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which vanilla extract is best for baking?

Best Overall: Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, 8oz. Trusted by professional bakers.Cold extraction best for flavorful cold recipes.Pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla.

2. Is baking vanilla the same as vanilla extract?

Are Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Flavor the Same Thing? Vanilla extract and vanilla flavor are both made with real vanilla beans. The difference between the two is that vanilla flavor is not made with alcohol and therefore cannot be labeled as an extract.

3. What is the difference between vanilla and vanilla extract?

Vanilla Extract: What's the Difference? Vanilla flavoring uses artificial ingredients and additives like synthetic vanillin, corn syrup, and lignin, an ingredient typically extracted from wood pulp. By contrast, pure vanilla extract uses only two ingredients: real vanilla beans and alcohol.

4. What does vanilla extract do in baking?

The role of vanilla in sweet baked goods is like the role of salt on the savory side: it enhances all the other flavors in the recipe. Without it, cookies and cakes tend to taste flat and bland. Forget to add the vanilla once, and you'll probably never do it again!

Editor's Notes

During our vanilla baking extract research, we found 24 vanilla baking extract products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 501,170 customer reviews through our big data system to write the vanilla baking extracts list. We found that most customers choose vanilla baking extracts with an average price of $18.27.

The vanilla baking extracts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of vanilla baking extracts, including J.R. Watkins, Nielsen-Massey, McCormick Culinary, McCormick, Watkins. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!