Learn How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract with just two ingredients! It’s rich, aromatic, budget-friendly, and perfect for baking or gifting.
I have been trying to bake more and increase my baking skills. I heard that making batch of vanilla extract really improves the vanilla flavor and makes all your baked goods taste even better.
After I tried it, I was definitely a believer! Making your own homemade vanilla extract gives your recipe a strong vanilla flavor. You can be certain that there is not any synthetic ingredients (chemicals) in it. Now, I keep a few jars going at all times, and I love giving small bottles as gifts around the holidays. It’s one of those DIY kitchen projects that’s truly worth the effort.
Use this homemade vanilla extract to make Baked Pancakes, Coffee Cake Cookies and Christmas Bundt Cake for delicious vanilla flavor.
Ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Native Vanilla – I purchased the Extract Vanilla Beans used in this recipe from Native Vanilla.
- Bottle of Vodka – You can also substitute with Rum or Bourbon.
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Making homemade vanilla extract is definitely easier than I thought. It’s only 4 steps and then some waiting time. It’s worth it to have delicious vanilla extract in your home to use in your favorite baking recipes.
Step 1 – Thoroughly wash your bottle or jar that you will be using to store this vanilla extract recipe.
Step 2 – Then cut the whole vanilla beans in half lengthwise to expose the seeds. I used my kitchen scissors for this step and it was easier than I thought it was going to be! You can also use a sharp knife if you don’t have any kitchen scissors.
Step 3 – Add the split vanilla beans in the jar or bottle that you have choose to store your vanilla extract. You might need cut the beans in halves or thirds to get it to fit into your bottle.
Step 4 – Then you add the vodka to the bottle by pouring the vodka over the beans in the glass bottle. You may need to use a funnel depending on the size of the opening in the container that you have chosen. Make sure that the beans are completed submerged in the vodka.
Step 5 – The ratio for this recipe is 6 vanilla beans per cup of vodka. If you would like a stronger vanilla flavor, then feel free to add 2–4 extra beans. Pastry chefs call this a double-fold extract.
Step 6 – Store in a cool dark place, I put mine in the pantry. This allows the vodka to extract the vanilla flavor from the beans. You’ll want to shake the bottle at least once a week to ensure that it’s thoroughly combining. You will need to way at least 8 weeks to use the vanilla.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 6 Native Vanilla Extract Vanilla Beans
- 1 cup Vodka
- 1 8 ounce glass bottle or jar
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and sanitize one 8-ounce glass bottle or jar. Allow it to dry completely.
- Using a sharp knife, split vanilla beans lengthwise to expose the seeds inside.
- Place the split vanilla beans into the bottle or jar. If necessary, cut the beans into halves or thirds so they fit below the liquid line.
- Pour vodka into the bottle, using a funnel if desired.
- Seal the container tightly and gently shake to distribute the vanilla beans.
- Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.
- Allow the extract to steep for at least 8 weeks, shaking the bottle every week or two. The vodka should gradually turn a rich golden-brown color.
- For the best flavor, let the extract age for 3 months or longer before using.
- As you use the extract, you can top off the bottle with additional vodka and continue aging the beans to extend its life.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Tips
- Wash Bottle – I washed my jar in a mild dish soap and rinsed and dried thoroughly. You could also boil the container as well to ensure that it’s sterile.
- Choose Quality Beans – Madagascar for classic flavor, Tahitian for floral notes, Mexican for bold richness.
- Allow to Soak – The longer it sits, the stronger and smoother the flavor. For the best results, you’ll want your homemade vanilla extract to soak for 3 months.
- Reusable Beans – After a few months, top off with more vodka to refresh the batch.
- Gift Idea – Pour into small bottles with labels and give for holidays or birthdays tied with a ribbon.
FAQ’s
Homemade pure vanilla extract if stored correctly can have an indefinite shelf life. Make sure you store it in a glass jar or container that has a secure lid.
Keep you vanilla extract in a cool dark place. If it’s exposed to heat or moisture, this can definitely cause it to lose some of it’s flavor.
Single-fold vanilla extract is the most common type of vanilla extract. If you purchase a store bought pure vanilla extract, it is likely a single fold vanilla extract.Â
To create a single fold vanilla extract, combine 6 vanilla beans with 8 ounces of vodka as outlined in this recipe.
Double-fold vanilla extract is what is generally used by professional bakers. It provides a much stronger flavor without having to use more of the extract.Â
With this recipe to create a double-fold vanilla extract add 2-4 more beans to this recipe. It creates this delicious and strong homemade vanilla extract.
Vodka is needed for this recipe. However, you can use the cheapest kind that is available in your area. This is probably the only time in your life that someone has told you to use the cheap stuff!
This recipe does not require a brand specific vodka so to save even more money used the cheapest one available. All the flavors comes from the Tahitian vanilla beans. So I recommend spending more on good quality vanilla beans and saving money on the vodka.
Recipes to try with your Homemade Vanilla Extract
We love hear from you! If you make this Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe, please leave us a comment.
Prior to vanilla prices shooting sky high we bought several bottles of pure vanilla from Costco, l only have one bottle left so it’s time to make my own. My friend’s birthday is at the end of March & will give her home made vanilla ?. I’ve seen shaking bottles every so often in other recipes, do you find it necessary?
If it becomes slightly separated when store I do gently shaking it before using it.