If you are making a whipped cream recipe that calls for vanilla extract but you’re all out, no need to worry. There are a few substitutes you can use to make a delicious homemade whipped cream without vanilla extract.
Vanilla whipped cream adds a wonderful sweet flavor to all sorts of delicious recipes. It can be used to top waffles and crepes, to smoothies, coffee, and ice cream. And it’s super simple to make too!
But when you are all out of vanilla extract you can still add some great flavor to your whipped cream by using one of the ingredients below.
So what are the best substitutes for vanilla extract in whipped cream?
The top vanilla extract alternatives are vanilla bean paste, almond extract, vanilla essence, and vanilla bean pod.
Make sure to read on to learn how to use each of these replacements in your whipped cream.
Related: How long can heavy cream be left out
Vanilla Extract Alternatives for Making Whipped Cream
Vanilla extract is called for in whipped cream to provide flavor. Vanilla is a versatile flavor that pairs with just about anything you can top with whipped cream.
And whether you are looking for a vanilla extract replacement that offers a similar flavor or something completely different, you have multiple options to choose from.
Related: How to thicken heavy cream
Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla Bean paste provides a lot of vanilla flavor, and is perfect for homemade whipped cream. It is made by combining pure vanilla extract with real vanilla beans that have been ground into little pieces.
Vanilla bean paste has more flavor intensity than extract alone, and it is a great way to flavor whipped cream that can be used in any kind of recipe.
Related: Vanilla bean paste replacements
Equivalent
2/3 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste equals 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Almond Extract
If you are looking for an alternative way to flavor your whipped cream, almond extract is an excellent choice.
It’s nutty, earthy flavor pairs so well with sweet recipes. In fact, whipped cream flavored with almond extract goes with just about anything you can top with homemade whipped cream.
It is particularly well suited for topping coffee, cocoa, waffles, and pancakes.
Related: Almond extract alternatives
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of almond extract equals 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Vanilla Essence
Yes, you can use imitation vanilla extract instead of pure vanilla extract when making whipped cream. While vanilla essence is made with synthetic vanilla flavor, it is a great way to add flavor to your whipped cream when in a pinch.
While the flavor is not quite as intense or authentic, the difference is small enough that most won’t even notice you used imitation vanilla extract.
Related: Alternatives for vanilla extract in frosting
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence equals 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Vanilla Bean Pod
If you are looking for a great way to add authentic vanilla flavor to your whipped cream, you can use the scrapings of the vanilla bean pod.
The flavor is wonderful and as long as you have pods available, it’s one of the best ways to impart a deep vanilla flavor in any type of recipe.
Related: Vanilla bean substitutions
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of vanilla bean pod scraping equals 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Leave it out
If you don’t have any of the above replacements on hand, or just prefer to not have vanilla flavor in your whipped cream, you can skip it altogether.
Because vanilla extract is there to add flavor, leaving it out will not effect the structure and texture of your whipped cream. Vanilla extract is not necessary to make whipped cream.
Related: Does vanilla extract go bad
Bottom Line
While vanilla extract is a great ingredient for adding flavor to your whipped cream, it is not entirely necessary.
There are numerous ways you can flavor your whipped cream without it, and you can even leave it out altogether.