Vanilla extract is for when you care. Vanilla essence is for when you care, but also have bills to pay. There’s no shame in either—just be honest with yourself. You’re not a bad baker if you use imitation. But if you serve a vanilla bean panna cotta made with essence, you might get kicked out of the brunch club. Just saying.
My advice? Keep a small bottle of real extract in your pantry for special moments. Use the essence for Tuesday night cookies. And whatever you do, never confuse the two when hosting the in-laws. That’s how wars start. Now go bake something that smells like a hug—extract or essence, it’s still vanilla magic.
