Time to learn how to make vanilla extract from scratch. If you bake a lot, you know vanilla extract is an essential ingredient that not only adds flavor but also enhances and balances the flavors of other ingredients in baked goods. And this essential ingredient is easy to make at home. Let’s make some homemade vanilla extract!
Ingredients
To make vanilla extract at home you need just two ingredients:
- Vanilla Beans – I like to support family-run businesses, so I get my beans at Vanilla Bean Kings.
- Vodka or other alcohol like rum, brandy, or bourbon, and make sure it is 70 to 100 proof.
Tools/Equipment
- Jar with a lid like a mason jar or other bottle
- Knife
- Labels
How to make Vanilla Extract at Home
Begin by prepping the vanilla beans. You will need 8 to 10 beans per 1 cup or 8 ounces of alcohol. Slice the beans in half and then slit them down the middle. Then place them in a jar like a mason jar or another large bottle.
NOTE: You can just leave the vanilla beans whole, but it works a little better when you slice the beans open.
Pour in your alcohol and make sure it covers the beans completely. So if you are keeping the beans whole, keep that in mind; you need enough alcohol to cover them.
Put on the lid and give it a good shake. Now comes the patience. Store the jar in the pantry or other dark, cool place for at least 6 months. Give it a shake about once a week or every two weeks. You can’t rush it, it just takes at least this long to be the best vanilla extract that it can be.
TIP: Add a label to the jar with the date that you make it.
And then after 6 months, you will have amazing homemade vanilla extract that you can use in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract.
If you want, you can buy little bottles and fill each of them with this extract, and then add little labels and give them as gifts or even sell them!
How long does homemade vanilla extract last?
It will be the most potent for 12 to 24 months, but after that, it will still be good and last several years.
Do I have to strain it?
Nope. Just keep it stored in the original container with the beans in there. However, if you want it to be clear and smooth like the kind you get at the store, then yes, you will want to strain it.
Save those pods! You can squeeze out the vanilla paste on the inside and use it as well in your baked goods or ice cream. Or you could make vanilla sugar with it.
Here are other recipes you may like that you can use this vanilla in:
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Equipment
- Jar with a lid like a mason jar or other bottle
- Knife
Ingredients
- 26 to 30 Vanilla beans
- approx. 3 cups or 24 oz of Vodka or other 70 to 100 proof alcohol. approx. 750ml
Instructions
- Slice the beans in half, then slit them down the middle, and then slice them in half again and place them in your jar. The jar should hold 4 cups total (800ml) is the mason jar I use. (this step is optional, you can just place the whole beans in the jar if you want)
- Add the vodka or other alcohol. If you only want to make a small batch use 8 to 10 beans per 1 cup of vodka.
- Give the jar a good shake. Then store it in the pantry for at least 6 months before using it. Shake it once every week or two weeks.
- Then it will be ready, the patience has paid off! Use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract. Enjoy!
Video
