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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
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean or sterilize your glass container.
- Split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise to exposure the beans.
Place the beans in the bottle or jar. You can cut the beans in half or thirds to get them to fit if needed. - Add the vodka to the bottle or jar and use a funnel if needed.
- Allow the vanilla extract to sit in a cool dark place for a minimum of 8 weeks until the vodka changes to a golden brown color.
- Wait for 3 months before use for the best results.
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.
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.
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.
Also, if you’re not comfortable using alcohol for this recipe. Check out how to make this easy vanilla extract recipe without using alcohol here.
Recipes to try with your Homemade Vanilla Extract
Non Alcoholic Drink
Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Recipe
Easy Cake
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake
Easy Cake
Best Vanilla Cake Recipe
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.
And do you use Grade A or Grade B to make your vanilla?
Thank you!!
I used Grade B vanilla bean for this extract but either will work to make homemade vanilla extract.
Do you put the lid on the bottle during the process?
Yes, I do put the lid on the bottom. Thank you!
One thing not mentioned with all your instructions is that making your own vanilla extract provides you with a perpetual supply. As you use your extract and the beans are exposed, all you have to do is refill the bottle with fresh vodka or rum, once again submerging the beans in the alcohol. I suppose there could come a point in time when the beans no longer provide a strong flavor, but that would take a very long time.
Yes, great tip Suzie! I usually keep adding additional vodka until the extract is no longer returning to a dark color and then I know it’s time to replace the beans.
Do you remove the vanilla beans after it’s achieved the standard vanilla extract color/flavor? Mine is currently in a vodka bottle (and smells HEAVENLY ?) but I’m wanting to put it in a smaller bottle so I can keep it in my pantry. Thanks!!
I leave the beans in mine as it continues to extract flavors from the beans. However, I think you can move it once it get to the color/flavor you prefer.
After using a tablespoon or so of the vanilla extract can I add a tablespoon or so of vodka to keep it going?
Yes, you can for awhile but the vanilla flavor eventually will be extracted from the beans. I watch the color of the extract and when it’s no longer returning to the dark color than the beans likely need to be replaced.
I noticed in the pictures of your jars, the vanilla beans are sticking out of the vodka. The beans have to be completely covered in the vodka. You can cut them into halves or thirds if necessary.
This was a super fun project! I made 16 eight ounce bottles for around $100. My advice is to make the vanilla extract and forget about it. The longer it ages the better. My vanilla has aged about three months now and it is starting to smell like vanilla rather than alcohol. So make it now and then gift it next holiday season ?
I never read your page before but i love it. I will try to do this thank.
Where did you get the cute bottle?
I got this from Native Vanilla as well – They have an entire kit on their website and it includes the bottle as well. I agree…It’s adorable!
I made this extract however I forgot to cut the beans. I just put them in. They have been on the party now for about 3 weeks. Wonder now if it’s ok to pull them and cut them. Lol. The vodka is a light amberish color currently.
I think it’ll be ok to pull them out, cut them and put them back in. Thanks!