Vanilla sauce has always been my go-to dessert enhancer. This condiment transforms ordinary desserts into something extraordinary.
Contents
Vanilla sauce recipe
Vanilla sauce is a classic dessert accompaniment. It’s known for its rich, creamy texture and sweet, aromatic flavor. There are many ways to make vanilla sauce, from simple to more complex methods.
- Simple recipe consists of just 4 ingredients: butter, sugar, water, and vanilla extract. This straightforward sauce can be made in about 10 minutes and is suitable for desserts like cakes and ice creams.
- Vanilla Custard sauce offers a richer and creamier experience. This smooth custard can be served warm or chilled. It’s an excellent accompaniment for fruit tarts or bread puddings.
- Old-fashioned vanilla sauce harkens back to traditional recipes. This version yields a thicker sauce with a velvety texture and a more pronounced buttery flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over desserts like cobbler rolls or puddings.
Vanilla sauce can be made quickly and easily with just a few basic ingredients. It elevates both everyday dishes and festive desserts. Its adaptability makes it suitable for brunches, holiday meals, and elegant dinners.
You can drizzle it over rich chocolate cake, apple pie, or Swedish apple pie for a luxurious finish. It’s also perfect with fruit-based treats like crisps and cobblers, or served with poached pears, fresh berries, banana splits, and even competes. A splash of basic vanilla sauce on ice cream or a frozen dessert adds special flavor.
The sauce brings a touch of indulgence to breakfast staples like pancakes, waffles, French toast, crepes, and even oatmeal or chia pudding. You use it as a glaze for roasted pork, drizzle it over scallops, or toss it with roasted root veggies. It can be a base for chocolate or caramel sauce.
Here’s how to make the Vanilla Sauce:
Easy Vanilla Sauce recipe
Nutrition
Ingredients
Simple Vanilla sauce recipe
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Old-fashioned recipe
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla Custard Sauce
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Simple recipe
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken more as it cools. Serve warm over your favorite desserts.
Old-fashioned recipe
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes, continuing to stir. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- In a small bowl, temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking in a small amount of the hot mixture.
- Gradually add the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Return the saucepan to the heat and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or chilled.
Vanilla Custard Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Transfer the custard sauce to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
- Simple recipe: 1 week
- Vanilla custard sauce: 3 – 5 days
- Traditional version: 3 – 5 days
SIMILAR RECIPES
Variations
Vanilla sauce has many variations. Here are some popular suggestions:
- Spiced Versions include cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for added depth.
- Vegan Alternatives eliminate all animal products:
- Replace milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Substitute egg yolks with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.
- Use coconut cream for added richness.
- Ensure your vanilla extract is alcohol-based, as some are glycerin-based and may not be vegan.
- Fruit Additions incorporate pureed fruit like berries or mangoes.
- Vanilla Caramel Sauce combines caramelized sugar with vanilla for a richer flavor.
- Low-sugar Variations
- Substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.
- Use sugar alcohols like erythritol or xylitol, which have fewer calories.
- Enhance sweetness naturally by adding cinnamon or nutmeg.
Troubleshooting common issues
If you have problems when making the sauce, here’s how to fix it:
- A broken or curdled sauce can often be salvaged with quick action:
- Remove the sauce from the heat immediately.
- Whisk in a splash of cold cream or milk to halt cooking.
- Blend small portions in a food processor until smooth.
- Start over with a new egg mixture and slowly whisk in the broken sauce.
- Adjusting thickness
- Simmer gently while stirring, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Gradually add warm milk or cream while whisking to thin.
- Bland flavor
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or scrape in vanilla bean seeds.
- Incorporate a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
- For custards, try steeping the milk with a cinnamon stick or citrus zest.