How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract: A simple guide to making pure vanilla extract at home. Just 2 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time!
Vanilla extract is like liquid gold in our house.We love using it in all our places baked goods—muffin, cookie, cakeyou tell me.
Trust me, good vanilla extract can make all Differences in any recipe – especially those with only a few ingredients.
It’s for this reason (and the fact that it’s more economical) that I like to make vanilla extract at home. So easy and tastes even better!
Yes! The cost of vanilla beans fluctuates from year to year, which causes the price of store-bought vanilla extract to fluctuate as well. But no matter what, it’s always cheaper to make your own extract at home.
So it’s better both financially and taste wise!
you just need two basic ingredients Make this homemade pure vanilla extract. Scroll to the recipe card below for ingredient amounts.
- Vanilla Bean: I recommend using grade B vanilla beans. They are drier than Grade A and generally better suited for baking.We buy grade B vanilla beans here.
- Vodka: We use Tito’s Vodka, which is naturally gluten-free! Anything goes!
- Scrape out the vanilla bean: Cut the vanilla bean in half with a sharp knife. Use the same knife to scrape the beans out of the pods and place them into a clean jar. Once all the beans have been scraped out, cut them in half to fit into the jars.
- Merge and save: Place the cut beans into the jar, pour the vodka over them, and close the lid. Store at room temperature for at least 6 weeks.
Vodka to bean ratio
A general rule of thumb is 1 ounce of alcohol per 8 fluid ounces (by weight of beans). So it’s fairly easy to make more or less as needed!
When will it be ready?
Store at room temperature for at least 6 weeks and then you’re ready to use! Eight weeks is ideal, so plan ahead if gifting! It will turn a deep amber color when ready!
Yes! Pure vanilla extract actually contains about 35% alcohol. Alcohol plays a key role in extracting the flavor of the vanilla bean.
Keep in mind that while the alcohol content in vanilla extract is quite high, a little bit of vanilla goes a long way.
So, the actual amount of alcohol in anything you bake is very small!
You can use any neutral-flavored alcohol, such as vodka. I prefer Tito’s because it’s gluten free!
Alternatively, you could try any 80-proof alcohol such as brandy, rum, or bourbon. Dark wine will also work, but will impart a slight flavor.
Tips and Notes
- Make multiple jars at once So you never run out! When one jar starts to get low, just add some scraped vanilla beans into the jar, add some vodka, and set it aside while you start the second jar. You can always rotate homemade herbs!
- Keep adding… Make sure the vanilla beans are always covered with vodka to avoid mold! When the vanilla extract runs out, you can top up with more vodka, so basically you’ll have it forever!
- We love the vanilla bean flecks in the extract, but if you prefer it a little cleaner, you can save the beans for another use or filter the extract before use.
- Vodka to bean ratio. A general rule of thumb is 1 ounce of alcohol per 8 fluid ounces (by weight of beans). So it’s fairly easy to make more or less as needed!
- store. Store homemade vanilla extract in a cool, dry place like the pantry or cupboard!
- Give them gifts! Pack homemade extract into little jars, add a cute label, and tie with ribbon to turn it into a cute holiday gift.
You can use homemade vanilla extract just like you would the store-bought stuff!Use it in your favorite places Frosted Cookiesstir up a batch browniebake it into your delicious homemade dish Birthday Cakeor add it to Chai Popsicle A great summer treat! The possibilities are truly endless!
Pure vanilla has an unlimited shelf life! Just store it in an airtight jar at room temperature.
NOTE: Make sure the beans are always covered with vodka to avoid mold.
It gets even better when it sits!
More how-to recipes to try:
Watch the video:
- 5 Grade B vanilla beans
- 1 cup vodka We love Tito’s gluten-free vodka
Wash and sterilize bottles and caps. Using a sharp pairing knife, cut the vanilla bean in half. Scrape out the beans with the back of a knife and place into a clean 8-ounce jar. Continue with remaining vanilla beans. Once they are all scraped out, cut the beans in half or fit into the jars.
Place the cut beans into the jar, pour in 1 cup of vodka and close the lid. Leave at room temperature for at least 6 weeks before use, 8 weeks is ideal! The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor will be!
store: Store homemade vanilla extract in a cool, dry place like the pantry or cupboard!
- Make multiple jars at once So you never run out! When one jar starts to get low, just add some scraped vanilla beans into the jar, add some vodka, and set it aside while you start the second jar. You can always rotate homemade herbs!
- Keep adding… Make sure the vanilla beans are always covered with vodka to avoid mold! When the vanilla extract runs out, you can top up with more vodka, so basically you’ll have it forever!
- We love the vanilla bean flecks in the extract, but if you prefer it a little cleaner, you can save the beans for another use or filter the extract before use.
- Give them gifts! Pack homemade extract into little jars, add a cute label, and tie with ribbon to turn it into a cute holiday gift.
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