The Vanilla Extract meme originated from a viral Tumblr poll in early 2023 when user douggbutt asked followers to help 'bake a cake' by selecting ingredients. In a display of collective internet chaos, users overwhelmingly voted for 'Vanilla Extract' over essentials like flour or eggs, resulting in a hypothetical cake that was essentially a bowl of flavoring. The meme quickly evolved into a symbol of democratic dysfunction and absurdist humor, with users inserting 'Vanilla Extract' into every possible context. It serves as a hilarious reminder of what happens when you let the internet make decisions, celebrating the commitment to a bit that turns a simple recipe into a toxic, aromatic disaster.