Is it halal to use vanilla extract in baking, or to consume baked goods that contain vanilla extract?
Commonly available vanilla extract contains approximately 35% alcohol, thus it would not be permissible if it is consumed as is. But since a very small amount of it is used in baking, then the ratio of the alcohol will become very small (e.g. 1%) in the whole of the baked food. Since the final amount is less than 3% then there is no significant amount of it remaining (i.e. it has ceased to exist due to deterioration) and it is permissible and pure.