My go-to substitute for vanilla extract is maple syrup. It has the same sweet aroma, and it does a pretty good job of mimicking vanilla's mellow flavor. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would vanilla, and you'll barely notice the difference.

Where is vanilla substitute from?

The FDA regards castoreum as "natural flavoring." Just in time for holiday cookie season, we've discovered that the vanilla flavoring in your baked goods and candy could come from the anal excretions of beavers.

Can I make a recipe without vanilla?

Is vanilla extract necessary in baking? Vanilla extract is not necessary in terms of the structure a baking recipe. However, leaving it out of a recipe will change the flavor. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor in cookies, cakes, and muffins and other recipes.