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. Michelle Heimerman
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 »
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
