The Baking Ingredient I Always Buy at Costco (It’s My Secret to Better Cakes)

If you’re diving into a recipe for baked goods, chances are vanilla extract is on the ingredients list. It’s incorporated into everything from cookies and cakes to banana bread and crème brûlée. While typically only one to two teaspoons are called for, that minimal amount goes such a long way in enhancing the flavor of any treat.

I'm a professional baker, so I always have pure vanilla extract in my pantry. I have to stock up on Nielsen-Massey whenever I find it at Costco.

Why I Always Buy Vanilla Extract at Costco

You can certainly pick up a small bottle of pure vanilla extract at your grocery store. However, if I’m at Costco, there’s one brand I look for: Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, which many professional bakers turn to for whatever they’re making. Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract has the rich flavor profile you want from vanilla.

Costco sells a two-pack of 8-ounce bottles for $39. One eight-ounce bottle is typically $25 to $30 at other stores, depending on the retailer. At this price point, it's cheaper per ounce than many other vanilla extract brands on the market.

How To Store Vanilla Extract 

It may seem like a bit much to buy sixteen ounces of vanilla extract at once, but it lasts longer than you might think. This is a great option for someone who bakes regularly, or if you have a lot of seasonal baking coming up, like making dozens of your favorite holiday cookies.

The bottles of vanilla extract can be stored in your pantry or baking cupboard for up to three years, so you’ll have some on hand when diving into your next dessert or baking project.

Real Vanilla vs. Imitation Vanilla

Though imitation vanilla is cheaper, the flavor won't enhance desserts and other baked goods as well as the real deal. Imitation vanilla is synthetic, whereas pure vanilla is made by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of water and alcohol to extract its natural flavor. This is especially important for my vanilla-forward baked goods, such as vanilla cake and homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. 

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