Our 25 Best Vanilla Recipes That Are Anything But Boring

Vanilla lovers, you've come to the right place.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Let's face it: Vanilla isn't considered the most exciting flavor in the universe. But we don't think that's fair! Vanilla, when used correctly, is actually quite complex and (dare we say?) sophisticated. That's why we rounded up 25 of our favorite recipes that highlight vanilla, from unique side dishes to crowd-pleasing desserts.

The Best Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

<p>ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA</p>

ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA

"Enjoy the best vanilla bean cheesecake that tastes very close to The Cheesecake Factory's version. It is incredibly delicious! —littlebit86

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Easy Vanilla Cake

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This vanilla cake recipe is great for all occasions and easy to make. It's the best cake I have ever made. It's not too bland, and it's not too sweet. Slice the cooled cake through the middle to make two layers and frost as desired." —Sapphire Bang

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Vanilla Milkshake

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"A vanilla milkshake recipe that's very easy to make. Add chocolate, berries, peaches, or whatever you like. My kids like to add root beer instead of milk." —DPULLIAM

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Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes

lutzflcat
lutzflcat

"These strawberry pancakes are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. The vanilla makes this breakfast seem like dessert! Serve with butter and real maple syrup." —Kristi

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Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This frozen yogurt recipe is so much easier than homemade ice cream. Just so you know, this freezes a lot quicker than ice cream. Also, if you want tart frozen yogurt, feel free to decrease the sugar." —TeenChef14

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Rum Raisin Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce

lutzflcat
lutzflcat

"This easy bread pudding and vanilla sauce recipe combines my favorite things in the world: bread pudding, apples, raisins, vanilla, and rum! The sauce thickens atop the bread pudding, providing an attractive and delicious glaze. We never have leftovers!" —CHICAGOCOOKS22

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Michelle Lopez's Pumpkin Pie with Vanilla Meringue

Allrecipes / Bahareh Niati
Allrecipes / Bahareh Niati

"Michelle Lopez uses 'next-level whipped cream' to make her pumpkin pie a showstopper." —Michelle Lopez

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Vanilla Cupcakes

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This easy vanilla cupcake recipe is made with simple ingredients. They are very tasty!" —Hanatarou

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Vanilla Glazed Carrots

<p>lutzflcat</p>

lutzflcat

"I had this at a restaurant, and, as always, I try and duplicate the dishes that I like. This is my version of these steamed baby carrots that are lightly coated in a sweet vanilla glaze." —V Rene Lord

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Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Deb C
Deb C

"This recipe comes from my favorite cookbook from a church. It is simple, easy, inexpensive and delicious! Not to mention it tastes better than the vanilla wafers you can buy at the store!" —usmcwifey

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Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies

Trusted Brands
Trusted Brands

"Love this recipe. Haven't baked since I was a kid. This was a major hit with my kids and friends." —arichard

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Vanilla Chantilly Cream

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Chantilly cream is a sweeter version of whipped cream. It is smooth and satiny. My family loves it on pancakes, chocolate mousse, and just about anything that needs a sweet touch. Enjoy, from my family to yours!" —MonicaA

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Vanilla and Chocolate Delight

Paula
Paula

"A layer of pecans, topped with cream cheese and whipped topping, is topped with vanilla-chocolate pudding to make this chocolate delight dessert!" —Brenda Moore

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Homemade Vanilla Pudding

dotdash meredith food studios
dotdash meredith food studios

"I love pudding and this homemade pudding with vanilla is a rich and delectable dessert. There is no substitute for the butter!" —Rosemary

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Vanilla Crepes

julieknag
julieknag

"When I was a little girl, my mother would always make us crepes on Sundays. I also loved the smell of vanilla when my mother would make her cookies. So, I would always ask her to make her cookies, and when she refused, I would take out the vanilla and sit it next to me with the cap open, so that I could breathe the aroma. My mother get a kick out of this, and said, well, if it's that important, we'll add a little vanilla kick, just for you. After the first time she put the vanilla in, there was never a last...it became a tradition." —lelainem10

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Hot Vanilla

"This hot vanilla milk drink is a nice alternative to hot chocolate. Substitute the 2% milk and sugar for skim milk and a no-calorie sweetener if you prefer." —Penguinchef

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Frozen Vanilla Custard

"This frozen custard recipe makes a rich and creamy, French-style ice cream made with eggs, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla. Although traditionally served soft in cones, I prefer to freeze it until firm, then scoop it." —Chef John

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Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream

Chef John
Chef John

"My first time making pastry cream and it turned out perfectly!" —NJCLARK124

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Homemade Vanilla Extract

"Homemade vanilla extract! What could be better and cheaper! I use Madagascar vanilla beans." —RE_BEKAH

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Vanilla Brownies

Jamie Justice Yost
Jamie Justice Yost

"I like to include the chocolate chips because I love chocolate, but they can be omitted. I have made them without the chips and they still came out great!" —Stephanie

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Rainbow Vanilla Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Kayla Marie Kurpius
Kayla Marie Kurpius

"Vanilla cheesecake cookie bars with a swirl of rainbow colors is a perfect dessert to serve for any party or event. It is easy to customize it to any theme. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator." —Kayla Marie Kurpius

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Vanilla Glaze

Dianne
Dianne

"Easy peasy and tastes great!" —bossysaucy

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Homemade Vanilla Cake

"Very moist and dense homemade vanilla cake." —Ann McGavin Stout

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Vanilla Pear Muffins

WaldoP696
WaldoP696

"This vanilla and pear muffin recipe results in tender, light, and deliciously moist muffins. Vanilla and pear are a flavor-match made in heaven, and with the added goodness of whole wheat flour, these sweet vanilla pear muffins are great for breakfast or a snack." —Alberta Rose

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Vanilla Spice Bread

Alberta Rose
Alberta Rose

"I used this to make french toast and it was amazing. The bread had wonderful texture and a subtle flavor that we really enjoyed." —mkstevens09

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More Inspiration

Allrecipes
Allrecipes

Read the original article on All Recipes.