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Made with just two ingredients this homemade vanilla extract makes an amazing, rich, flavor that’s perfect for cookies, cakes, and more. It’s a kitchen staple that every baker needs and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
Making your own vanilla extract is easier than you might think. With just a few minutes of prep and some patience, you will have a pure vanilla extract that is so much better than anything you can buy in the store.
The best part about making your own vanilla is that you can customize it by using different vanilla beans or alcohols to create even more unique flavors. Plus, the longer you let the beans and alcohol mix, the richer the flavor becomes.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Vanilla Bean Pods – beans like Madagascar, Tahitian, or Mexican for the best flavor.
- Alcohol – A neutral alcohol that doesn’t overpower the vanilla taste. You can use vodka, rum, bourbon, or brandy.
- Glass bottles or jars and labels – Small bottles with labels are all you need!
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
STEP 1: Prepare the vanilla beans by splitting them lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the seeds.
STEP 2: Place the beans in your glass bottle or jar. Cut them into smaller pieces if needed to fit.
STEP 3: Use a small funnel, and pour vodka (or your chosen alcohol) over the beans until fully submerged.
STEP 4: Tightly seal the bottle and shake well. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months, shaking every few days.
STEP 5: Once ready, use in your favorite recipes or transfer into smaller bottles for gifting.
Variations
- Try different alcohols: Try vodka, bourbon, rum, or even brandy, until you find your favorite!
- Use different vanilla beans or a blend: Combine beans like Madagascar and Tahitian for a unique taste.
- Add a cinnamon stick: For an extra subtle flavor, drop a cinnamon stick or two in when you first make it.
Types of Vanilla Beans
When I first started making my own homemade vanilla, I did a lot of research about which vanilla bean would be best. Of course the cost is also a factor, because if buying in bulk, certain beans can be expensive. Here’s what I learned about the most popular vanilla beans:
- Madagascar Vanilla Beans – The most popular variety, Madagascar vanilla beans have a rich flavor and is probably the most popular for making extract.
- Tahitian Vanilla Beans – These beans are more floral and delicate than Madagascar vanilla, and will also be great with this recipe.
- Mexican Vanilla Beans –Mexican vanilla has a warm flavor with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. I think this vanilla is mostly recommended with chocolate flavors in baking.
Tips for Making the Best DIY Vanilla Extract
- Use quality vanilla pods: Fresh beans will make the best vanilla.
- Be patient: It will be ready in 2 months, but the longer you can let it sit, the richer the flavor!
- Shake regularly: This will help release the vanilla flavor into the alcohol.
- Top off the bottle: Replenish with more alcohol as you use it!
- Avoid direct sunlight: Keep the vanilla in a cool, somewhat dark place, like a pantry, away from the sun.
FAQ’S
Yes! Once the extract is done, you can reuse the beans by adding fresh alcohol. However, the flavor won’t be as strong, so you just know the vanilla will be a little lighter.
Yes! Spiced rum or vanilla vodka can enhance the extract’s flavor.
A good rule of thumb is to use 8 vanilla beans per 8 ounces of alcohol. I like to make several batches at once, especially for Christmas gifts!
Not really. Vanilla extract develops its flavor over time, so patience is key for the best results.
More Easy Recipes
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Equipment
- Glass Bottles or Jars with Labels
- Small Funnel
Materials
- 8 Vanilla Bean Pods
- 8 ounces Vodka rum, bourbon, or brandy.
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla beans by splitting them lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the seeds.
- Place the beans in your glass bottle or jar. Cut them into smaller pieces if needed to fit.
- Use a small funnel, and pour vodka (or your chosen alcohol) over the beans until fully submerged.
- Tightly seal the bottle and shake well. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months, shaking every few days.
- Once the vanilla is ready, use in your favorite recipes or transfer into smaller bottles for gifting.
I love the flavor of homemade vanilla!