Vanilla Sugar (Vanillin Zucker) is found in most German recipes for cakes and cookies. Dr Oetker is the most common pre-packaged vanilla sugar on the US market. If you want to make it yourself, here’s how:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 vanilla bean pod, slit lengthwise
- 2 lb of white sugar
- 1 mason jar, or container with lid, to hold 2 lb sugar
Preparation:
Place the vanilla bean in the jar with the sugar and leave it for several weeks. Shake the jar every week to distribute the flavor evenly.
Equivalency: 1 T of your vanilla sugar for every packet called for in the recipe.
Other equivalencies: If you can’t wait, you can use 1 tsp vanilla extract in your recipe batter, but it does impart a small hint of color. If the vanilla sugar is sprinkled on top of the baked goods, then use regular, granulated sugar.

