Why does vanilla extract feature in so many cake/cookie recipes?

Question

Just why? It's not fair I havent got any!!
What can I replace it with?

Answer 1

As already stated, it depends where you are, In the UK Vanilla Pods (as we call the beans) are insanely expensive and hard to come by but fantastic for Ice Cream and custard. Vanilla Extract is also expensive but a little goes a long way, use this in cakes, sweet pastries and biscuits. Vanilla Essence is the spawn of the devil and only fit for use if the Mother-In-Law is coming round for afternoon munchies.

The reason it is so popular is it is a binding agent for taste, just like Mustard can bring together fats and liquids (as in Cheesecake recipes) Vanilla brings together tastes of the all the ingredients. You will soon notice its not there if you dont have it in.

If you have to bake without it make sure you bake something that has other strong flavours such as Lemon cake where the Lemon does the job of the binder.

Answer 2

Vanilla is the standard in baking because it makes everything taste the way it has since the dawn of time.

Unfortunately, contrary to most of the other answers, pure vanilla extract is NOT inexpensive, but it lasts forever [unless you do a lot of baking] so you can have some on hand for a while. You can find vanilla extract at the supermarket or you can order it online from Baker's Catalogue.

Answer 3

We add vanilla to hide the taste of the egg(s). The fake vanilla is better, in my opinion, because it withstands baking. The bean is most excellent in ice cream recipes however. The extract is hard to come by in Europe, the bean is so expensive and hard to work with. You will just have to use vanilla-sugar if you can't find the extract or bean.

Answer 4

Vanilla brings out the flavor of different food. It is best not to try to replace it and buy some in the spice section of your grocery store. Use vanilla or instant coffee granules to enhance the flavor of chocolate.

Answer 5

Because it flavours the product!! Without it, cakes just taste bland and of nothing!! Most supermarkets sell it so it is not difficult to get hold of and is very cheap!!

Answer 6

Because it enhances the flavor of the baked goods. Personally, I rather use almond extract.

Answer 7

Just go and buy some. It's really cheap. You can leave it out but your cakes will not taste as nice

Answer 8

this is what gives the cakes a nice taste. You can use vannilla essense also, though extract is better. You can buy it alamost anywhere and its really cheap.

Answer 9

mmmm vanilla easier to use than buying vanilla pods

Answer 10

Because it has such nice flavour. It cannot be successfully substituted with anything.