Creamy Vanilla Milk

a small glass of vanilla bean milk with a straw and a jar of vanilla bean paste and a bottle of vanilla bean maple syrup and in the background is an antique glass milk bottle filled with milk

Creamy vanilla milk is a barely sweet treat that is the perfect wholesome afternoon snack. Froth it into your coffee or use it as a base for the best ice cream or milk shake you’ve ever tasted. With only three ingredients, this is one recipe that is easy to make.

a glass next to a jar of vanilla bean paste and a bottle of vanilla maple syrup. In the background is a jug of milk

Ingredients in Creamy Vanilla Milk

2% or whole milk
vanilla bean paste
vanilla maple syrup

What is Vanilla Bean Paste?

Vanilla bean paste is the main ingredient that is used in this recipe to deliver a big boost of flavor. Vanilla Bean paste, like the one we used by Wild Montana Foods, is made of whole vanilla beans, a sweetener of some sort like honey or sugar, alcohol, and a thickner such as Xanthan gum. The mixture is pureed into a thick paste. I prefer using paste because there is so much less alcohol than in vanilla extract so the milk does not taste “boozy”, but rather more like pure vanilla.

a glass pyrex measuring cup filled with 8oz of milk

Alternatives for a vegan version of creamy vanilla milk

Use unsweetened oat or almond milk

Use only vanilla maple syrup or vanilla sugar and the caviar (or beans) from inside a whole vanilla bean
Most store brands of vanilla bean paste contain a sweetener like glucose syrup, so read the labels carefully.

a glass jar filled with sugar and vanilla beans

Ways to use Vanilla Milk

As a base for a vanilla milk shake for extra vanilla flavor
Use it as a coffee creamer
It’s the perfect wholesome snack for children
Use it as a base for vanilla ice cream
Make a mousse or pudding out of it.
Vanilla milk is perfect for smoothies
Use it when making milk based cocktails like milk punch

a glass filled with vanilla milk next to a jar of vanilla bean paste

If you like creamy vanilla milk, try these other recipes

Gasparilla Milk Punch
Homemade vanilla almond milk
Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding

Common Questions about Vanilla Milk

Can I use something other than dairy milk?

Yes, oat, soy or almond milk work perfectly in this recipe

Where do I buy vanilla bean paste?

We love Wild Montana Foods vanilla paste because it is sweetened with honey. Look for other vanilla bean pastes in the spice or baking aisle of your grocery store.

What if I cannot find Vanilla maple syrup?

Buy it here or make it by infusing a vanilla bean in maple syrup for 10 minutes on low heat. Do not let the syrup boil. Chill up to 3 months with the bean in the bottle. Many specialty food stores or high end grocery stores carry vanilla maple syrup.

Can I use 1% milk?

Yes, we just like the creaminess of 2% or whole milk.

Can I use vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract is mostly just vanilla infused alcohol which lends the milk to taste very boozy. You can use it, but be aware the milk may tastes differently.