42 vanilla desserts because you can't beat a classic

Vanilla is classic and timeless, but never boring. From cakes and slices, to ice cream and scones, vanilla is back, and sweeter than ever.

Aug 04, 2025

Golden syrup vanilla slice with Anzac praline crumble

This classic dessert gets a makeover with lashings of golden syrup and a crunchy Anzac crumble topping.

"A truly simple melt-and-mix cake that yields beautiful, tender results. Everyone should have a simple vanilla cake in their baking arsenal, and this one is easy enough for even the beginner baker to master. A few tips to set you up for success: this is cooked at a lower temperature than you might expect – we don’t want too much browning, and a lower temperature means less doming on your finished cake." – Emelia Jackson

Lemon and vanilla slice

delicious. lemon and vanilla slice.

This classic Aussie dessert is perfect for any entertaining or at-home occasion. You'll need to start this recipe at least 6 hours ahead.

Honey vanilla slice with honeycomb

We’ve given this Australian classic a twist by caramelising the pastry with honey and adding a toffee crunch.

Apple and golden syrup crepes

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these vanilla crepes with spiced apples.

Fresh ideas

Roast chicken with verjuice, grapes, walnuts and tarragon

Serves 4

This chicken dish is like a little piece of home, plated up with plenty of love and an abundance of flavour.

View recipe

Roast chicken with verjuice, grapes, walnuts and tarragon

Serves 4

This chicken dish is like a little piece of home, plated up with plenty of love and an abundance of flavour.

View recipe

Grapes

Grapes are at their peak right now, look for firm, bright fruit for a sweet juicy snack.

Mango vanilla slice

“A vanilla slice is an Aussie institution. I’ve made a tangy lime icing, but a heavy dusting of icing sugar also works well" – Matt Moran

Jo Barrett's vanilla and whole orange parfait, butter crumble and mandarin granita

Vanilla and whole orange parfait recipe

Try this recipe created by chef Jo Barrett using the best fresh local produce and innovative appliances from Harvey Norman.

Vanilla rice pudding crumble

White chocolate, raspberry, vanilla rice pudding crumble

Who knew it only takes five simple ingredients to create something as delicious as this crumble and rice pudding hybrid.

Scones with cream and strawberry jam recipe

Vanilla cream scones with rhubarb-strawberry jam

Melt-in- your-mouth scones with homemade jam takes this recipe to another level.

Almond, blueberry and vanilla cake

"The combination of almond meal and self-raising flour results in a light, soft crumb for the perfect afternoon tea cake" - Jessica Brook.

Grilled berries, vanilla mascarpone

A simple but delicious dessert to finish a long summer barbecue. The rich mascarpone is mixed ahead of time, leaving you only to toss the blueberries over the dying embers, before rejoining your guests. – LH

Vanilla and bourbon rocky road

Forget everything you thought you knew about rocky road – this takes it to a whole new level.

Vanilla, white chocolate and pistachio semifreddo

A frozen treat filled with all the baking essentials! Recipe by Jo Barrett, Alanna Sapwell, Thi Le and Lauren Eldridge.

Baked saffron kheer with saffron and vanilla pears

This dish is traditionally made on a stove top with basmati rice, but baking it allows the rice grains to slowly absorb the spiced milk. The result is a thick, impossibly creamy rice pudding.