How to Make Vanilla Extract
It’s time to ditch the store-bought vanilla extract and take the DIY route. Making vanilla extract is simple and cost effective! Two ingredients and two steps for incredible quality without the cost of retail extract. Store a jar for later or gift it to friends or family.
What is Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract is used in many different recipes ranging from desserts to breakfasts and even flavoring yogurt or smoothies. Frosting, muffins, whipped cream, cookies, plus oatmeal, and pancakes. The list goes on and on! Vanilla extract is great for adding depth of flavor to recipes. It doesn’t have to be the front runner, it can support the flavor profile with a light aromatic vanilla finish.
Vanilla beans are typically grown in Mexico, Tahiti, or Madagascar. The location of where the beans are grown can result in slightly different flavors. The flavor is effected by soil, climate, and growing methods.
Pure vanilla extract is simple, it is vanilla beans soaked in a form of ethanol (alcohol). When soaked for a long-period of time the vanilla beans bloom and rehydrate releasing the beans and vanilla flavor creating the tasty vanilla extract liquid we know and love.
Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?
Purchasing vanilla extract can be quite expensive because vanilla beans do not naturally grow in many parts of the world.
It is simple.
It makes a great gift. Homemade vanilla extract is a great gift for new neighbors, or friends and family throughout the holidays. Print a cute label and wrap the bottle with a ribbon, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
You can reuse the vanilla beans for up to 3 batches, just add more alcohol and allow it to sit for at least 12 weeks.
You can control the flavor profile of the vanilla.
Ensure that your vanilla extract is pure vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla extract. Thus, better quality and flavor.
How to Make Vanilla Extract
Vanilla Beans: (5-6) I have found great beans available on Amazon. Your grocery store will likely carry them too.
Alcohol: (1 cup) Vodka is the classic preparation yet, a dark rum will add more depth of flavor. This is a great way to use up older bottles on your bar. After our wedding I made so much vanilla extract to use up Spiced Captain Morgan and the vodkas because we typically don’t drink them.
Funnel: A silicone funnel or a traditional plastic funnel is a must for less clean-up.
Glass bottles: with an air-tight close. I purchase these via Amazon or hobby lobby, sometimes you can find them at Homegoods too. Be mindful to purchase the proper sizing to fit into your cabinet. It’s easy to get excited and make a huge bottle, but think through where you will store it.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 5-6 Vanilla Beans
- 1 cup Alcohol (Vodka)
Instructions
- Using a sharp pairing knife split the vanilla beans length-wise. Exposing the belly of the beans to show the tiny beans.
- If the length of the vanilla beans will not fit into your glass jar, cut them in half. Insert the cut beans into the glass jar.
- Pour vodka using a funnel into the jar fully submerging the beans.
- Seal and shake the glass jar.
- Store the vanilla extract out of direct sunlight, give it a few shakes ~once per week, and allow to soak.
- Soak for at least 3 months, ideally 6 months for optimal flavor. 12+ months is great too.
How Long Will It Last?
Homemade vanilla extract can last for a very long time! Here are some options for a long lasting extract:
As you use your vanilla extract, you can fill the jar little by little with more vodka. If you don’t plan on adding little by little, remove the beans once they are not fully submerged, otherwise they become slimy.
After about 1 year of using the vanilla extract and adding alcohol little by little, remove the beans, add new beans and shake to continue on.
Unused, fully submerged beans vanilla extract will last many years. If it smells good, it is good.