Vanilla salt is one of the easiest pantry upgrades there is: one vanilla pod, a jar of good flaky salt, and a week or two of patience. The vanilla rounds out the salt's sharpness and adds a warm, sweet scent.
How to use it
- Sweet: on dark chocolate, caramel, brownies, cookies and fennel ice cream.
- Savory: on roasted squash, sweet potatoes, carrots or fresh tomatoes.
- Drinks: on the rim of a margarita or a hot chocolate.
Fleur de sel ("flower of salt") is the delicate top layer of crystals skimmed from salt pans. It's moist and flaky, so it holds the vanilla scent well.
The original Princess Tofu blog published a vanilla-infused fleur de sel recipe back in 2012, and food sites still link to it. This is our own fully vegan version, written from scratch.
Ingredient notes and swaps
- Salt: any flaky sea salt.
- Vanilla: a used vanilla pod (rinsed and dried) still flavors salt well.
Tips for success
- Use a dry, clean jar; moisture makes the salt clump.
- Shake the jar every few days while it infuses.
Variations
- Citrus salt: mix the salt with dried lemon or orange zest.
- Smoked vanilla: use smoked sea salt.
- Chili-vanilla: add a dried chili to the jar.
Recipe
Vanilla-Infused Fleur de Sel
Prep5 min
Total5 min
Makes100 g (about ½ cup)
Ingredients
- 100 g (½ cup) fleur de sel or flaky sea salt
- 1 vanilla pod
Method
- Split the vanilla pod lengthways with a small sharp knife and scrape out the seeds.
- Rub the seeds into the salt with your fingertips until evenly speckled.
- Spoon into a clean jar and push the empty pod into the middle.
- Seal and leave for 1 to 2 weeks, shaking now and then, before using.
Notes
Quicker version: use ½ tsp vanilla bean paste. It's ready straight away but clumps a little; spread it out to dry for a day.
Gift idea: small jars with a label make an easy homemade present.
FAQ
Does vanilla salt go off?
No. Salt is a preservative, so it keeps indefinitely; the vanilla aroma fades slowly.
How much should I use?
A small pinch, as a finishing salt. It's not for cooking with in quantity.
What can I use instead of fleur de sel?
Any flaky sea salt, such as Maldon or an Irish sea salt. Avoid fine table salt.
How long does vanilla salt keep?
Indefinitely in a sealed jar. The flavor is strongest in the first year.