11 Vanilla Recipes That Prove Simple Ingredients Make the Best Treats

If vanilla is your go to flavor, this roundup is packed with treats you will want to bake right away. From Starbucks style vanilla bean scones and classic vanilla cake to cozy skillet cakes and melt in your mouth cookies, there is something here for every craving. You can whip up homemade vanilla sugar, silky creme brulee, fluffy buttercream, or even simple pantry friendly crazy cake. These easy and delicious vanilla recipes make everyday baking feel a little more special.

Starbucks Copycat Vanilla Bean Scones

Three glazed vanilla scones are stacked on a Starbucks-branded paper bag, with the top scone showing a bite taken out of it. — Starbucks Copycat Vanilla Bean Scones. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

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These scones are soft inside with lightly crisp edges. Vanilla bean speckles run through the dough and add fragrance. A simple glaze settles on top for added sweetness. They pair nicely with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Copycat Vanilla Bean Scones

Vanilla Cake

A slice of pink cake on a plate next to a glass of milk. — Vanilla Cake. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This cake bakes into a tender crumb with a clear vanilla scent. The layers stay moist and even. It works well with many frostings and fillings. It remains a classic dessert choice.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cake

Vanilla Cold Foam

A glass of iced coffee with foam on top sits on a wooden tray, accompanied by a small spoon with coffee beans and a jar of coffee beans in the background. — Vanilla Cold Foam. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This foam blends milk and vanilla into a light topping for iced drinks. It whips into a smooth and airy texture. The flavor gives a sweet finish to cold coffee or tea. It holds its shape long enough to enjoy with every sip.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cold Foam

Vanilla Cookies

Close-up of several plain sugar cookies arranged in overlapping rows on a sheet of parchment paper. — Vanilla Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

These cookies bake into soft rounds with a classic vanilla aroma. Their texture stays chewy in the center with slight crispness at the edges. They work well with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or simple sugar dusting. Each one feels familiar and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cookies

Vanilla Creme Brûlée

A glass dish of crème brûlée topped with fresh raspberries and blueberries, garnished with vanilla beans, sits on a white plate with a gold spoon. — Vanilla Creme Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dessert blends a smooth vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar top. The sugar cracks when tapped with a spoon. The custard underneath stays silky and rich. Each serving feels deeply flavored and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Creme Brûlée

Vanilla French Toast

This French toast uses vanilla in the custard mix to add warmth. The bread cooks until golden on each side. The flavor is gentle and sweet without overpowering. A topping of fruit or syrup completes the dish.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla French Toast

Vanilla Loaf Cake

Four slices of a golden, powdered sugar-dusted pound cake are arranged on a white rectangular plate. — Vanilla Loaf Cake. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This loaf bakes into a lightly golden crust with a soft interior. Vanilla runs through every slice. It cuts cleanly and holds together well. It works nicely for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Loaf Cake

Vanilla Muffins

A plain vanilla muffin in a yellow polka dot wrapper sits partially unwrapped on a surface, with other muffins and a blue cloth in the background. — Vanilla Muffins. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

These muffins rise into soft domes with a subtle vanilla aroma. The crumb remains light and tender. They pair well with fruit add ins or simple sugar tops. They are easy to bake for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Muffins

Vanilla Skillet Cake

A slice of powdered sugar-topped cake on a white plate with a fork, next to a napkin; the rest of the cake is in a cast iron skillet in the background. — Vanilla Skillet Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This cake cooks in a single skillet and forms a lightly crisp exterior. Vanilla adds depth to the simple batter. The center stays soft and even. It is easy to serve warm straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Skillet Cake

Vanilla Sugar

This blend infuses sugar with pieces of vanilla bean. The scent grows stronger over time. It sprinkles nicely over baked goods or stirs into drinks. It becomes a handy pantry staple for many recipes.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla Wafers

A white plate with several round, plain cookies is placed in front of a glass of milk, with more cookies stacked in the background. — Vanilla Wafers. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

These wafers bake thin and lightly crisp. Vanilla gives them a sweet aroma without being heavy. They work well as snacks or in layered desserts. Each bite is small and delicate.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Wafers