Clear vanilla extract is most often used in frosting and filling recipes, where bakers want to keep the color as clean as possible. Vanilla extract, especially if you are generous with your pours, can give frosting a slightly off-white color (or slightly darken a colored frosting). This might not be that noticeable in an everyday cake, but it makes an impact when you are frosting a cake for a special occasion or event. Weddings are the most obvious example, as an all-white cake is always a popular choice for that special day, but many cake decorators want to ensure that their colors are as vivid as possible.