28 vanilla desserts that are anything but boring

Don’t be fooled, these vanilla cakes, puddings and slices are anything but basic. The OG flavour is making an impressive come back and chocolate better watch out…

Oct 28, 2022

Honey vanilla slice with honeycomb

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

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.

Vanilla sponge cake with white chocolate and rhubarb syrup

Sorry strawberries and cream, but we've fallen in love with this light and fluffy vanilla sponge topped with white choc ganache, rhubarb syrup, pomegranate syrup and dried rose petals.

Vanilla panna cotta with strawberry granita

This panna cotta from Alessandro Pavoni is the definition of a perfect warm weather dessert. You'll need to begin this recipe at least 6 hours ahead.

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.

Lamingtons with blackberry jam and vanilla cream

There's nothing wrong with traditional lamingtons, but Phoebe Wood's pimped up twist with blackberry jam and vanilla cream is on another level.

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.

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

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, 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.

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 chia-seed pudding

As versatile as it is healthy, you can customise this recipe however you like. The Nourishing Cook by Leah Itsines is published by Macmillan Australia, RRP $34.99.

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.