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Vanillesoße Recipe (German Vanilla Sauce)

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Vanillesoße is a classic German vanilla sauce made with milk, cream, egg yolks, and real vanilla. Smooth, gently sweet, and aromatic, it’s perfect for drizzling over desserts like apple strudel, dumplings, or cakes.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (about 1½ cups)
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: German
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or paste)
  • 1 small pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker consistency)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine milk and cream. If using a vanilla bean, split it and scrape out the seeds, adding both seeds and pod to the pan.
  2. Heat gently over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thick. Add cornstarch if using and whisk until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour a little warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
  5. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, whisking continuously.
  6. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–6 minutes). Do not boil.
  7. Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, and discard the vanilla pod.
  8. Serve warm or let cool slightly before using.

Notes

  • Use vanilla paste or extract if vanilla beans aren’t available.
  • Stir constantly and keep heat low to avoid curdling.
  • For a lighter sauce, use all milk; for richer, increase the cream.
  • Adjust sugar to taste but note it affects flavor and texture.
  • Pairs well with apple desserts, dumplings, cakes, or warm pastries.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/vanillesose-recipe-german-vanilla-sauce/