10 Vanilla Forward Desserts Chocolate Haters Will Love

Published on February 11, 2020

While "vanilla" is often used as a synonym for plain or boring, the flavor of this complex spice is anything but. We love this simple Panna Cotta, an Italian-inspired dessert (the name means ''cooked cream'') that can be dressed up with almost any kind of fresh fruit. If you're not a fan of rich chocolate desserts, look to these dreamy, vanilla recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

A classic white cake recipe with a foolproof frosting. Get the recipe for White Mountain Layer Cake with Marshmallow Buttercream

Crème Brûlée

Brûléed Italian Plums with Armagnac Custard

Hot Milk Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

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Sauternes Custard with Armagnac-Soaked Prunes

Vanilla-Rum Custard (La Tarte)

The creaminess of this classic vanilla custard gains an edge with the addition of light rum.

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Sprinkled on top of these delicate meringues—which float in a vanilla custard—are praline roses, caramel-coated almonds dyed a bright pink. The color’s a bit shocking, but they’re a staple of Lyonnaise pâtisseries and lend a nice crunch and color to this white-on-white backdrop. Get the recipe for Meringue Floating in Crème Anglaise »

Spring Desserts

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Vanilla Cake

This vanilla cake is anything but basic—the tang of buttermilk adds interest, while brown sugar bumps the earthy vanilla notes. Christina Tosi uses it as the base for her towering, masterful Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake. Get the recipe for Vanilla Cake