Baking vanilla and pure vanilla extract are both used to add the distinct flavor of vanilla to baked goods and other recipes, but they differ in terms of their composition and how they are used.
Composition:
- Baking Vanilla: Baking vanilla, also known as imitation vanilla or vanilla flavoring, is typically made using synthetic vanillin, which is a flavor compound found in vanilla beans. It may also contain other artificial flavors and additives. Baking vanilla is less expensive compared to pure vanilla extract.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is derived from the beans of the vanilla orchid plant. It is made by soaking the beans in alcohol and water, which extracts the natural compounds responsible for the distinctive vanilla flavor. The extract contains a complex mixture of natural flavor compounds, including vanillin.
Flavor:
- Baking Vanilla: Baking vanilla provides a somewhat similar vanilla flavor, but it is often considered less complex and more one-dimensional compared to pure vanilla extract. The synthetic vanillin used in baking vanilla can have a slightly different flavor profile than the natural vanillin found in pure vanilla extract.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers a rich, aromatic, and complex flavor profile due to the combination of natural compounds present in the vanilla beans. It has a more authentic and nuanced taste, often preferred by professional bakers and enthusiasts.
Usage:
- Baking Vanilla: Baking vanilla is commonly used in recipes that require high heat or extended baking times since it can withstand these conditions without losing its flavor. It is often used in large quantities due to its milder flavor intensity.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is more commonly used in recipes that benefit from the depth and complexity of vanilla flavor. It is often added towards the end of baking or during the preparation of cold desserts to preserve its delicate aroma and flavor.
In summary, while baking vanilla and pure vanilla extract both provide a vanilla flavor, pure vanilla extract offers a more authentic and complex taste due to its natural composition. Baking vanilla, on the other hand, is a more affordable alternative that can withstand high heat and is often used in larger quantities to achieve a similar flavor.