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This post shares how to make homemade vanilla powder using buckwheat groats and a blender. You can use vanilla powder in place of vanilla extract!
I’m getting this post started off straightaway with a new edition to my Homemade Vegan Series. This time, I’m showing you how to make vanilla powder which is a nice alternative to traditional vanilla extract that is made using alcohol. I first heard about vanilla powder from the raw food world and saw it on the shelves at the health food store. It was really expensive, though, almost $20 for a small jar. Ha…yeah…as if!
I searched the internet for how to make vanilla powder. I kind of assumed you could just dehydrate the heck out of a vanilla bean and then grind it up. This might still be an option, but the best technique I could find is to grind vanilla pods with a small amount of buckwheat groats to make the powder.
I bought a package of whole, organic, fair-trade pods from Vitacost.
Okay, so whole vanilla beans are not cheap, but I guarantee you it’s cheaper to make your own vanilla powder at home than buying it already made.
I then took some buckwheat groats that I had previously soaked, rinsed, and dehydrated. The stuff I read said to use about 1/4 cup of buckwheat groats per vanilla pod you want to grind. I added the groats to my Vitamix container:
Because the high-speed blender needs enough material to “grab” onto, you need to use at least a cup of the groats to get a good blend. I decided to use six whole vanilla pods per one cup of groats.
Less than 30 seconds later, look what I got:
Fragrant, sweet, rich vanilla powder!
This is enough powder to last for months. I recommend storing it in the fridge and putting it on everything. 🙂
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How to Make Vanilla Powder
Prep Time: 10 minutes- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 30 1x
- Category: Flavoring
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: vegan, paleo, healthy
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Pin RecipeDescription
This post shares how to make homemade vanilla powder using buckwheat groats and a blender. You can use vanilla powder in place of vanilla extract!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw buckwheat groats that have been soaked, rinsed, and dehydrated
- 6 whole vanilla pods (preferably organic)
Instructions
- Cut the ends off of the vanilla pods and discard.
- Place the groats and vanilla pods in a high-speed blender and process on high until ground.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 teaspoon
- Calories: 5
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Katherine @ Green Thickies says
Oh wow, vanilla powder! You have just provided me with a great solution to my vanilla problem.
I have tried making my own vanilla extract with alcohol (which doesn’t really appeal to me) but I followed some instructions and started some bottles back in November. I have tried them a couple of times and still can only taste alcohol. I thought they would be ready by now so I doubt they are actually going to work now.
Another solution I had read about was to grind the vanilla pods in a coffee grinder but I don’t have one and don’t really want to buy yet another kitchen gadget just for one item of food.
So I wasn’t sure what to do with my vanilla pods when recipes call for vanilla extract as I don’t have any but don’t want to pay a fortune for vanilla extract that is loaded with sugar and alcohol too.
I have never heard of mixing it with something else. How perfect! Does it have to be buckwheat? I wonder if you could grind it with oats instead? As I don’t have a dehydrator. Does this provide enough flavour for recipes that ask for vanilla extract? This also solves the problem of not wanting certain food to go brown with the vanilla colour!
Carrie says
Hi Katherine! I do think you could use oats to make the vanilla powder. Honestly, I think the vanilla powder is less potent than the alcohol-based extract, but it is probably a matter of personal preference and experimentation to find the right ratio of oats or groats to vanilla pods. Let me know if you try it!
Pure Ella says
What a great recipe Miss Carrie!
And you rock with these goals – that hike looks amazing 😉
Sending big hugs! xo
Ella
(ps. from the former Lifeologia 😉
kimmythevegan says
The vanilla powder sounds great!
I like your goals, they are great & obtainable.
The hike looks amazing!
Carrie says
Thanks, Kimmy! 🙂
Sandra says
Fabulous! Vanilla & Protein Powder in one – what a great idea!
Carrie says
Thanks, Sandra! When I read your comment, I was like “whah? protein powder?” until I realized the groats have protein. Cool! 🙂
Hannah says
Holy smokes, this is creative! When I’m back in Canada and not traveling the US again, I’ll definitely give this a try. Good luck with your goals!
Sophie33 says
What a great & tasty idea! MMMMMM!
I am not a vegan but do cook, bake & eat vegan at least 5x/week & so does my husband! I also blog about it. I also am in the dessert section in this VVP!
Many greets from a foodie from belgium! 🙂
Natalie says
Hi! how do you dehydrate the groats?
Carrie says
Hi Natalie! I soak the groats in water for at least 30 minutes, rinse them, and then dehydrate them for about 10-12 hours at about 115 degrees until they are dry and crispy.
S.F. says
Will the Vanilla Bean Powder come out sweet? I am looking for a healthier way to flavor & sweeten my coffee and tea. Would I still need to add honey to my hot beverage to sweeten it?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Carrie says
Hi S.F. The vanilla powder is not sweet, sorry about that. 🙂
Vie says
Sounds like a great recipe. How long can you keep it for?
Thanks and all the best on your journeys.
Maribel says
Now I know how to make vanilla powder. Thanks for the tips!
I love your website 🙂
★★★★★