There’s nothing ‘vanilla’ about this recipe collection. These beautiful cakes, slices and cookies are all packed full of flavour and are wonderfully sweet. We’ve also got homemade desserts like panna cotta, creme brulee and citrus-spiced tarts, all with the addition of beautifully fragrant vanilla. You’ll find a homemade ice-cream recipe, plus some lovely French-style macaroons for morning tea. Take a flick through and see what catches your attention…
How to use vanilla beans
There are a couple of things you can do, though, to get the most bang for your buck, as our Test Kitchen experts show.
When you’re buying vanilla beans, opt for plump ones as they tend to have more flavour.
Start by flattening the bean with your fingers then, with a short, sharp knife, cut horizontally along the bean.
Use the tip of the knife, blunt side down, to remove the seeds, running it from the tip to the end.
If you’re infusing a liquid (like in milk, for an apple crunch pie with vanilla custard) add the seeds and the bean to the pan.
After cooking, though, don’t throw the bean away; you can add it to a jar of sugar, where it will continue to infuse for a deliciously fragrant vanilla sugar that you can use in vanilla strawberry swirl macarons.
01
Impossible pie
We love a quick-mix recipe. This one obligingly sorts itself out in the oven into three layers, hence its name.
05
Vanilla custard pie
The crispy pastry coupled with the gelatinous filling is a texture sensation with great flavours in this custard pie recipe. A dessert to die for!
06
Cheat’s vanilla slice
We know nothing quite beats the real thing, but when the bakery is closed and you have a craving that just won’t quit, this cheat’s vanilla slice is a worthy recipe.
07
Raspberry and vanilla cupcakes
Sinfully sweet raspberry and vanilla cupcakes. These baked beauties are moist, decadent, and make a perfect mid-morning or afternoon treat!
10
Vanilla and hazelnut strawberry galette
Vanilla and hazelnut strawberry galette
This irresistably decadent vanilla and hazelnut strawberry galette is the perfect sweet treat for your next brunch or morning tea!
13
Cherry, cinnamon and vanilla jam
Cherry, cinnamon and vanilla jam
Spread over fresh ricotta on thick toasted sourdough or use as a filling for little cream cheese tarts.
16
Rhubarb and vanilla baked custard
Rhubarb and vanilla baked custard
Delicious, sweet and tangy. This baked rhubarb and vanilla nutmeg custard is perfect for nights snuggled up on the couch. This recipe is suitable for diabetics.
17
Vanilla spice cheesecake
This subtly spiced cheesecake is very festive in its flavours. Perfect to cosy up with in the cooler months.
18
Vanilla rice pudding
This classic dish is comforting, dependable and delicious. No wonder it is so popular in so many cultures around the world.
19
Vanilla cinnamon shortbread
Perfect as a festive season gift or special treat, these buttery shortbread rise to new heights with the pairing of vanilla and cinnamon.
20
Vanilla panna cotta with berry compote
Vanilla panna cotta with berry compote
Italian for ‘cooked cream’, panna cotta is a soft, sweet set-cream dessert that wobbles like a delicious jelly. Served here with mixed-berry compote for a burst of tart flavour.
21
Vanilla bean scones
This recipe celebrates the classic scone by keeping the ingredients and flavours simple.
22
Basic vanilla butter cake
A good basic, vanilla cake that is perfect as a base for kids’ birthday cakes. It is also nice plain or with cream and berries.
24
Vanilla and raspberry crème brûlée tarts
Vanilla and raspberry crème brûlée tarts
Bite-sized tarts with a vanilla and raspberry crème brûlée filling and a crispy toffee topping make an elegant dessert or afternoon tea.
25
Easy vanilla cupcakes
These easy vanilla cupcakes are the perfect starter recipe fo aspiring bakers. The ideal base to experiment with different colourings and decorations.
26
Galaktoboureko – Greek custard pie
Galaktoboureko – Greek custard pie
Layers of flaky pastry and semolina custard soaked in lemon syrup makes this traditional Greek custard pie an irresistible treat.
27
Three bean chocolate cake
This gluten-free three bean chocolate cake is made with coffee, vanilla and cocoa beans to provide a rich and decadent flavour combination.
28
Baked custard
Dig your spoon into this classic comfort food! This creamy, eggy baked custard is so simple and delicious you’ll want to make it every night!
29
Crème anglaise
A light pouring custard perfumed with a split vanilla bean, crème anglaise is ideal paired with fruit pies and crumbles, or steamed puddings.
30
Vanilla cake with vanilla bean icing
Vanilla cake with vanilla bean icing
This simple vanilla butter cake recipe is the perfect base for creating stunning birthday cakes and flavour variations.
31
Chunky quince, rosè and vanilla preserve
Chunky quince, rosè and vanilla preserve
This fragrant and sweet quince preserve is perfect served with a sharp cheese and crackers or warm scones or toast.
32
Blueberry cupcakes
Yummy, delicious gluten-free and dairy-free blueberry vanilla cupcakes. Perfect for the kids lunchbox and for you with a cup of tea, morning or afternoon.
33
Choc-vanilla noughts and crosses
Choc-vanilla noughts and crosses
Get creative in the kitchen with these decadent choc-vanilla noughts and crosses- perfect treats or dessert for your next party!
34
Vanilla strawberry swirl macarons
Vanilla strawberry swirl macarons
If you thought the ice-cream wafer sandwich couldn’t be improved, think again. These vanilla strawberry swirl macarons will have your guests swooning with delight. The ice-cream will barely have enough time to melt before they’re all gone.
35
Apple crumble pie & vanilla bean custard
Apple crumble pie & vanilla bean custard
Combine two of the most comforting desserts, sweet pie and fruit crumble, to make this indulgent winter warmer to curl up on the couch with. This apple and blackberry crumble pie is finished beautifully with the freshly made vanilla bean custard.
36
Crème brûlée
Become a master of the classic French custard dessert and its iconic toffee topping. Crack through the burnt toffee to the creamy custard underneath!
37
Melt-in-mouth vanilla biscuits
Melt-in-mouth vanilla biscuits
Indulge in a fresh pot of tea or coffee with this irresistible vanilla biscuits. They take just 30 minutes to make and are so soft, sweet and buttery they will simply melt in your mouth.
38
Vanilla yo-yos with raspberry butter cream
Vanilla yo-yos with raspberry butter cream
A classic afternoon tea biscuit with added raspberries for a modern touch.
41
Panna cotta with strawberries and lemon basil syrup
Panna cotta with strawberries and lemon basil syrup
You’d be amazed at how well aromatic herbs complement the sweet, borderline tart, flavour of fresh strawberries. All supported by a delicate creamy panna cotta.
45
Honey and vanilla cake
With the added sweetness of honey and fragrant vanilla bean this sour cream cake is delightfully dense and flavourful teatime treat.
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