Vanilla Caviar Is The Secret To Deeper, Richer Desserts (Without Any Fish Necessary)

How to use vanilla caviar

When incorporating vanilla caviar into baked goods, ice creams, or other creamy desserts, just 1/2 teaspoon is enough. This quantity allows the tiny black seed flecks to shine through in exquisite buttercream frosting or a light vanilla cake. Vanilla caviar is a fantastic enhancement for any creamy treat, such as cheesecake, flan, pudding, and panna cotta. It's also ideal for glazes on donuts, whipped cream, and even homemade jam, making it easy to infuse this rich, aromatic flavor. If you wish to intensify the taste, you can use a bit more, but keep in mind that this is a premium ingredient, and a small amount goes a long way.

While vanilla is typically linked to sweet dishes, it also works beautifully in savory recipes. Its subtle flavor complements seafood, particularly when blended into a cream sauce. You can add the caviar to a vinaigrette for a light dressing—the tiny seeds will provide a delightful texture, similar to poppy seeds. To play on the name "vanilla caviar," consider serving these little black pearls on a blini with a dollop of crème fraîche, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Where to find vanilla caviar

Online retailers are your best option for sourcing this gourmet item, and be prepared to spend a premium. A 1-ounce package of vanilla caviar can cost over $15. Many chefs consider pure vanilla extract to be a baking essential worth the investment, and if you enjoy indulgent vanilla desserts, the caviar is also a worthwhile purchase.

Can you create it at home? Absolutely! Vanilla caviar is quite easy to make — all you need are whole vanilla pods. It's crucial to select the right vanilla beans; look for ones that are plump, fresh, and have a slight sheen. Avoid brittle beans, as they are likely to lack freshness and aromatic seeds. Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla bean pod lengthwise and scrape out the tiny seeds with the knife's edge. And just like that, you have your own vanilla caviar. Vanilla caviar retailers suggest storing it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, where it can last for about two years.

One advantage of extracting the seeds yourself is that you can also utilize the leftover pod, which can be used in various ways — unlike store-bought vanilla caviar, which does not include the pod. You can even use the pods to create a lighter vanilla extract. Typically, the seeds are left in the pod to make the extract, but this method will still provide a robust flavor suitable for adding to coffee. Alternatively, you can place the pods in a jar of sugar or salt to infuse them with vanilla essence.