Vanilla extract is used in baking many desserts. “Vanilla extract is the garlic of baking” is a somewhat popular expression. That is, people tend to use a lot of vanilla—and there is an expression, “There is no such thing as a little garlic.”
   
“Vanilla extract is the garlic of baking” was posted on Twitter by Linsey Wermeling on October 27, 2018. “I’ve given 2 tsps as the amount of vanilla to use, but it’s really the garlic of baking. Add as much as you like” was posted on Twitter by Sarah Faber on April 27, 2020. “Vanilla essence is the garlic of baking by which I mean you can truly never use too much and should immediately double the amount called for in the recipe” was posted on Twitter by arushi sinha on April 3, 2021. “Vanilla is the garlic of baking. Nobody uses the amount specified in the recipe” was posted on Reddit—Showerthoughts on June 29, 2021.
   
“Vanilla extract is the ketchup of baking” is a related saying.
   
   
Wikipedia: Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is a solution made by macerating and percolating vanilla pods in a solution of ethanol and water. It is considered an essential ingredient in many Western desserts, especially baked goods like cakes, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, as well as custards, ice creams, and puddings. Although its primary flavor compound is vanillin, pure vanilla extract contains several hundred additional flavor compounds, which are responsible for its complex, deep flavor. By contrast, artificial vanilla flavor is solely made up of artificially-derived vanillin, which is frequently made from a by-product of the wood pulp industry. Because of the way that vanilla extract is made (i.e. by macerating naturally brown vanilla beans in alcohol), there is no possible way for it to be colorless or clear. Therefore, any clear vanilla flavoring is artificial.
   
Twitter
Linsey Wermeling
@Junior_Rench
Vanilla extract is the garlic of baking.
Recipe: 1 tsp
Me: 3 tsp
7:55 PM · Oct 27, 2018·Twitter Web App
   
Twitter
Michael
@beargeek
Just had a kind of mind blowing realization:
Vanilla is the garlic of baking.
Michael B. (@ecogeek@mspsocial.net)
Just had a kind of mind blowing realization: Vanilla is the garlic of baking.
mspsocial.net
1:32 PM · Jan 15, 2019·IFTTT
   
Twitter
Cry Baby
@honeykitten96
Vanilla is the garlic of baking.
9:35 PM · Sep 15, 2019·Twitter Web App
   
Twitter
kath
@k_carzz
@ChrisKlemens
said that vanilla extract is like the garlic of baking and I’ve never been the same
1:37 AM · Apr 8, 2020·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
Sarah Faber
@sciencebanshee
Replying to @sciencebanshee
3. Add in the egg and vanilla. I’ve given 2 tsps as the amount of vanilla to use, but it’s really the garlic of baking. Add as much as you like. This is secretly the most important part. Beat the dough until it’s smooth and starts to lighten.
6:02 PM · Apr 27, 2020·Twitter Web App
   
Twitter
king turtle
@lilbeezlebub
Vanilla extract is the garlic of baking
11:05 PM · Jul 8, 2020·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
im STILL busy
@stephcarr5
Vanilla and salt are the onions and garlic of baking
11:24 AM · Jul 15, 2020·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
caroline
@thoughtsbycaro
Vanilla extract is the garlic of baking
10:36 AM · Aug 9, 2020·Twitter for Android
   
Twitter
John MacGaffey
@JohnMacGaffey
Vanilla extract is the garlic of baking
6:18 PM · Aug 24, 2020·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
Chris Gonzalez
@livesinpages
Vanilla extract is the garlic of baking recipes
11:46 AM · Oct 25, 2020·Twitter Web App
   
Twitter
sofia
@Sofiagurielsa
vanilla is the garlic of baking
11:38 AM · Jan 16, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
[Love letter][Love letter][Love letter]
@marielaaless
vanilla extract is the garlic of baking
6:25 PM · Jan 16, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
hannah zink
@hannahzink5
vanilla is the garlic of baking
7:32 PM · Jan 16, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
sasha
@sashaberdan
vanilla extract is the garlic of baking
8:22 PM · Jan 20, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
ig: gabbyamritt
@gabbyamritt
Vanilla really is the garlic of baking
9:18 PM · Jan 23, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
Alice Black heart LIVE LAUGH BOOBA ( . Y . )
@bootyholecals
Someone said “vanilla is the garlic of baking” and i havent been the same since
9:58 AM · Jan 24, 2021·Twitter for Android
   
Twitter
Ashe
@NaijaDegen
My roommate just called vanilla extract the garlic of baking, I gotta move
6:47 PM · Feb 6, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
gasp!
@Wishicss
someone said vanilla is the garlic of baking and i can’t stop thinking about it
4:58 PM · Feb 7, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
annie 😊
@isimpforanniee
i just saw a tiktok comment that said vanilla is the garlic of baking and i think there’s never been a truer statement
1:31 AM · Feb 18, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
arushi sinha
@arushisinha
Vanilla essence is the garlic of baking by which I mean you can truly never use too much and should immediately double the amount called for in the recipe
8:26 AM · Apr 3, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
   
Twitter
anisa
@_monanisa
vanilla is the garlic of baking. measure with your heart.
8:53 PM · May 2, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
 
Reddit—Showerthoughts
Posted by u/Cobracaillou June 29, 2021
Vanilla is the garlic of baking. Nobody uses the amount specified in the recipe.
COMMENTS
swallows999
I think the difference is that I’ve never heard anyone say they added too much garlic.