Add vanilla paste, salt, and remaining dry ingredients and 3/4 cup half-and-half and beat just until combined (the batter will still have a few lumps). Divide batter between prepared pans.

While no recipe can exactly replicate the true diner experience — or those cold metal cups — the homemade version offers its own pleasures: extra vanilla bean paste and a little kosher salt.

Though beans are arguably most known for being a musical fruit, but they're also pretty darn magical too. Think of it: What’s the one ingredient that's budget-friendly, you can use it to make ...