AHey all!! I found a vanilla cake recipe I am wanting to try. It calls for one vanilla bean. However vanilla beans are expensive and I have never used them before. My question is what's the difference will it completely change a cake or not? What's the ration of vanilla extract to vanilla bean. Or should i just use a vanilla bean (approx 5 dollars for 1 bean)

ANot if it's a crusty old dried up bean in a bottle in the spice section of the grocery store, no, don't waste your money. Just use extract. For future reference, visit www.vanillaproductsusa.com

Biggest, plumpest, fragrant beans out there, and super affordable. Learn how to make your own extract too, you'll never use store bought again.

AThank you so much!! You don't know off hand how much extract inshouldnuse in place of the bean do you?

AMmmmm, not really, maybe a tbsp? Can't really have too much, nless it makes the recipe watery.

AOk thank you!!

Most recipes do state one vanilla bean = 1 T. vanilla extract. 

AI can't remember the last time I measured anything like extracts. Toss some in.

Vanilla is such a wonderful flavor I use double vanilla extract and usually put in extra.

AThank you so much !!

I cheat kind of. I make my own vanilla extract with beans and vodka. I then buy exhausted vanilla seeds (http://www.vanillamart.co.uk/buy-vanilla-seeds/) toss some of them in for the flecks (and added flavour) and use my extract to bump up the flavour. I'm like AZ though, toss in enough for the flavour but not so much that it changes the consistency. 

AI use vanilla bean paste. It's soooooo good!!

AAnd don't buy those overpriced bottles of paste either, like the Nielsen Massey stuff. Go to www.vanillaproductsusa.com for their paste. It's filler free, and super concentrated. Get some beans while you're there and make extract.

AOkay, so I've been a member of this site since 2011 or so, but have just recently become more active in the forums, but I'm about to get real creepy, here. Like hide yo kids hide yo wife type shizz in here.

I love this site. I love all of you "forum addicts" who SAVE MY LIFE!!!!! Haha!

A pound of vanilla bean paste for only $60?! I feel like I need to mail you a panera gift card or something. You rock!

I didn't get an email about any replies!! LOL!! I just logged in to search for something!! I will go check out that website!! And experiment with different vanilla extract/paste options!! I am so glad I took this plunge into cake decorating!!