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    Home » Recipes » DIY

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    September 10, 2018 by Amee Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Vanilla extract is one of those ingredients that's in nearly every sweet recipe. I used to just buy whatever vanilla extract was available at my local grocery store without a second thought. I never considered that making Homemade Vanilla Extract would be 1) so easy, and 2) so much better than what you can buy in a store!

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    This post may contain affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I’ll never link to anything I don’t use and love! Click here for full disclosure and privacy policy.

    No one *needs* to make their own vanilla extract. It's a readily available ingredient at pretty much any grocery store. I always knew that real vanilla extract was head and shoulders above imitation vanilla (please, please for the love of sugar, don't buy imitation vanilla!!!), and that certain brands of vanilla extract had better flavor than others.

    The bottom line is that using Homemade Vanilla Extract results in better-tasting sweets! All you need to get started are vanilla beans, alcohol, and a glass bottle(s).

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Choosing the Best Vanilla Beans

    You can easily scale this recipe up or down for your needs! I use one vanilla bean per ounce of alcohol as a rule of thumb. When you're purchasing vanilla beans, here are a few helpful hints as to what to look for:

    • Your vanilla beans should be plump, soft (should be able to bend them without them breaking), and dark brown to nearly black in color. They will also smell fantastic!
    • Beans from Madagascar are my favorite for vanilla extract, but use what you like!
    • If you can't see/smell the beans in person, make sure you're buying from a reputable source. I always buy from companies that grow sustainably and use fair trade practices. The beans that I purchased for my last batch of vanilla extract are these here.
    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Alcohol for Homemade Vanilla Extract

    I used vodka for my extract, but if you prefer you can use bourbon, rum, or brandy! 70 proof/35% alcohol is recommended. Any brand and quality will do (so no need to splurge on the expensive stuff)! I bought a big ol' Costco-sized bottle of vodka, so that's what I've been using for both my vanilla extract and Homemade Chocolate Extract.

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Bottles for Homemade Vanilla Extract

    The vanilla beans do take up a little space in the bottle, so I go with an 8.5 oz glass bottle like this one here for steeping 8 oz of vanilla extract. You can use the vanilla extract straight from this bottle, or split it between two smaller 4 oz. bottles like these here once it's ready for use.

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    After 8 weeks in your pantry (with the occasional shake of the bottle), your homemade extract is ready for use! The longer you leave it sit, the more flavorful it will be. I know folks who make extract each Christmas, and then let it steep until the following Christmas!

    Speaking of the holidays, gifting bottles of Homemade Vanilla Extract would make you a total rock star. Just sayin'. I'll remind you closer to the holidays so you can start a stash in your pantry and surprise your family and friends. 😀

    Other posts you may like:

    Homemade Chocolate Extract

    Homemade Kahlua

    Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Amee
    Better than what you can get at the store, since you control the quality of the ingredients! Make some for your own use and make some for a friend--perfect for gifting!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Extracts
    Servings 1 cup (8 oz) vanilla extract
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you bake!

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 vanilla beans (see note)
    • 1 cup vodka (8 oz; see note)

    Instructions
     

    • Split each vanilla bean lengthwise and place in a glass bottle (see note). If they don't fit, you can cut them into smaller pieces. 
    • Pour vodka (or alcohol of your choice; see note) in the bottle with the beans. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged.
    • Place the bottle at room temperature in a dark place to do its thing. Pull the bottle out and shake it once or twice a week. 
      After 8 weeks, the vanilla extract is ready for use. The flavor will continue to develop as long as you leave the beans in the bottle. Remove the beans when no longer submerged, as they could mold when not in the extract.
      Enjoy!

    Notes

    Note on vanilla beans: You can easily scale this recipe up or down for your needs! I use one vanilla bean per ounce of alcohol as a rule of thumb. Your vanilla beans should be plump, soft (should be able to bend them without them breaking), and dark brown to nearly black in color. They will also smell fantastic! Beans from Madagascar are my favorite for vanilla extract, but use what you like! If you can't see/smell the beans in person, make sure you're buying from a reputable source. I always buy from companies that grow sustainably and use fair trade practices. The beans that I purchased for my last batch of vanilla extract are these here.
    Note on alcohol: 70 proof/35% alcohol is recommended. If you prefer, you could also use bourbon, rum, or brandy. Any brand and quality will do (so no need to splurge on the expensive stuff)!
    Note on glass bottles: The vanilla beans do take up a little space in the bottle, so I go with an 8.5 oz glass bottle like this one here for steeping my vanilla extract. You can use the vanilla extract straight from this bottle, or split it between two smaller 4 oz. bottles like these here once it's ready for use.

    Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate.

    Tried this recipe?I'd love to hear all about it! Leave a review below, then snap a pic and tag me on Instagram!

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