There’s nothing ‘vanilla’ about this recipe collection. These beautiful vanilla recipes for 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 make crème brûlée
Crack through the burnt toffee to the creamy custard underneath! Silky smooth and sweet custard beneath a beautiful burnt topping. Translated literally, “crème brûlée” simply means “burned cream”. And while that might be technically what’s happening, we can’t help but think this humble dessert benefited greatly from having a name with a little French flair. […]
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.
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.
Crème anglaise
Some would argue that this is THE dessert sauce.
Baked custard
This creamy dessert classic never fails to impress.
Raspberry and vanilla yoghurt ice-blocks
Make your own ice-blocks at home with these delicious raspberry and vanilla yoghurt popsicles. They’re fun to make with the kids and perfect for a hot summer day.
Raspberry and vanilla crumble slice
This gorgeous dessert is a flavour and texture sensation that will delight your friends and family. A sweet, gooey raspberry topping sits beautifully atop a fluffy, vanilla slice. Add a crumbly, almond topping for extra crunch.
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.
Impossible pie
We love a quick-mix recipe. This one obligingly sorts itself out in the oven into three layers, hence its name.
Vanilla patty cakes with glacé icing
You can make glacé icing without butter (or oil) but, a tiny amount of butter will add gloss to the icing and make it easy to cut neatly without butter, glacé icing tends to shatter when you cut it. Note
Vanilla butter cake
A good basic, light cake that is perfect as a base for kids’ birthday cakes. It is also nice plain or with cream and berries.
Vanilla bean scones
This recipe celebrates the classic scone by keeping the ingredients and flavours simple.
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.
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.
Vanilla rice pudding
This classic dish is comforting, dependable and delicious. No wonder it is so popular in so many cultures around the world.
Vanilla spice cheesecake
This subtly spiced cheesecake is very festive in its flavours. Perfect to cosy up with in the cooler months.
Panna cotta lamingtons
They’re super moist with a raspberry surprise inside, then dipped in a decadent chocolate ganache.
Apricot and vanilla jam
Create your own apricot and vanilla jam for your family and friends.
Cherry, cinnamon and vanilla jam
Spread over fresh ricotta on thick toasted sourdough or use as a filling for little cream cheese tarts.
Vanilla and hazelnut strawberry galette
The perfect sweet treat for your next brunch or morning tea!
Steamed vanilla custard cups
Wrap the steamer lid in a clean tea towel to avoid condensation drops falling onto the custards. Cook custards in two batches if they don’t all fit in your steamer. Note
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.
Blueberry cake with vanilla syrup
Don’t thaw the frozen blueberries before using as they will bleed colour into the cake batter. Note
Peach & vanilla yoghurt fools
Peach & vanilla yoghurt fools
Rhubarb and vanilla crumble cake
You will need about two bunches of rhubarb for this recipe. To spread the second layer of cake batter over the crumble, without mixing the two, dollop the batter into each corner first, then gently spread the batter toward the centre. Note
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!
Basic vanilla buttercake
The simple things are often the best.
Easy vanilla cupcakes
Who doesn’t love cupcakes?
Vanilla slice
Dotted with tell-tale passionfruit seeds, this classic slice is a true Aussie icon.
Vanilla bean ice-cream
I scream, you scream… we all scream for ice-cream.
Vanilla bean thins
Crisp and delicate, these melt-in-the-mouth vanilla bean thins make an elegant treat to serve with strong coffee for afternoon tea.
Chunky fig and vanilla jam
Not your typical fig jam.
Vanilla flan with roasted cherries
Roasted cherries take this flan-tastic dessert to the next level!
Vanilla bean crumpets
Our simple crumpets recipe will have you falling love with making these classic breakfast treats at home.
Vanilla custard pie
A totally irresistible custard dessert.
Custard tart
Sink your teeth in to this classic tart.
Galaktoboureko (Greek custard pie)
You’ll just love this baked custard dessert.
Rhubarb and vanilla baked custard
Sweet, creamy with a vibrant tang from rhubarb.
Vanilla bean custard
The creamy essential to top off your desserts.
Vanilla cake with vanilla bean icing
It’s simply delicious.
Air fryer basic vanilla butter cookies
This handy appliance can even bake cookies!
Vanilla cheesecake slice
This creamy vanilla and passionfruit layers in this dessert take unbaked to a new level. Of course the crispy base is baked to give it that delectable crunch! Looking for a classic vanilla slice or more slice recipes?
Vanilla madeleines with lemon glaze icing
A first-class morning tea treat.
Easy vanilla cupcakes
It’s not a celebration without cake.
Vanilla yo-yos with raspberry butter cream
A classic afternoon tea biscuit with added raspberries for a modern touch.
How to use vanilla beans
How to use vanilla beans
How to use vanilla beans
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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.
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