Learning how to make vanilla extract is the easiest thing ever. It requires only 2 ingredients and makes all of your baked goods taste and smell incredible. Once you make your own vanilla extract, you’ll never go back to store-bought vanilla extract again. Plus, when the real vanilla extract runs out, you can just add more vodka to it. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving.
These make for darling and thoughtful DIY Christmas gifts (see tutorial below). Alla, the wife of my cousin, gave me this great idea for giving homemade vanilla extract as a gift. Now all of my sisters and friends know what they’re getting for Christmas! lol
I put links to all the things I used to make these, from the cute little glass bottles I bought on Amazon to the free labels I made that you can print at home. There’s also a full visual tutorial on wrapping these in kitchen towels. I really enjoyed making these and I will enjoy giving them away even more!.
Vanilla extract is a versatile ingredient that can elevate everything from baked goods to beverages. But store-bought vanilla extract can be pricey and lack the depth of flavor that comes from real vanilla beans. Making your own vanilla extract at home using whole vanilla beans is surprisingly easy, affordable, and rewarding.
Keep reading for a complete step-by-step guide to making rich homemade vanilla bean extract from scratch.
Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?
Here are some of the key benefits of making DIY vanilla extract with beans
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Better flavor – Homemade extract has a complex, nuanced flavor from the vanilla beans that artificial vanilla can’t match.
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No additives – You control the quality with only real vanilla beans and alcohol. Commercial extracts often have added sugar, corn syrup, etc.
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More economical – Making your own costs a fraction per ounce compared to store-bought.
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Customization – Craft your ideal flavor with different bean varieties, alcohol bases, bean amounts, etc.
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Long shelf life – Homemade vanilla extract keeps for several years when stored properly.
Ingredients Needed
Making vanilla extract at home requires just two ingredients:
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Vanilla beans – The star of the show! Use whole, premium quality beans.
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Alcohol – Vodka, rum, bourbon etc. Ideally 35% ABV or higher.
Step 1: Select the Vanilla Beans
There are a few key considerations when choosing beans:
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Bean variety – Bourbon, Tahitian, Mexican and more. Bourbon has the most classic flavor.
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Bean grade – Grade A or B. Grade B is optimal for extract.
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Quantity – Get 6-8 beans per 8 oz. of extract. Determine final volume needed.
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Freshness – Wrinkled, dried out beans lack flavor. Pick plump, oily, flexible beans.
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Price – Buy in bulk online to save. Or find beans in the international aisle of some grocery stores.
Step 2: Slice the Vanilla Beans Lengthwise
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Lay each vanilla bean flat on a cutting board. Using a small sharp knife, slice the bean in half lengthwise down the center.
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If desired, leave 1⁄2 inch uncut at the tip to keep the two sides together. This is optional.
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Further slice the larger beans into smaller pieces if needed to fit your jar.
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Add any remaining bean fragments stuck to your knife or board to the jar as well. Don’t waste any bean!
Step 3: Add the Beans and Alcohol to a Jar
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Next, add the sliced vanilla beans to a glass jar or bottle.
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Choose a container with an airtight lid and a size that fits your bean quantity. Dark glass blocks light.
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Pour in enough high-proof alcohol like vodka until all beans are covered.
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Leave 1⁄2 inch of headspace. Use a 35%+ ABV clear spirit for clean flavor.
Step 4: Seal and Store in a Cool, Dark Spot
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Seal the jar tightly with its lid to prevent evaporation.
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Give the mixture a gentle shake to distribute the vanilla.
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Store the jar in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry away from light and heat.
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Steady temps around 60-75°F are ideal for optimal extraction.
Step 5: Shake Daily at First, Then Weekly
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Shake the jar daily for the first week to kickstart infusion. The alcohol will begin pulling flavor from the beans.
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After the first week, shake the jar gently once a week as you remember. This continues the extraction.
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In just 2-3 months, your homemade vanilla extract will be ready to use! The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor.
Step 6: Strain and Decant the Finished Vanilla Extract
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After at least 2 months (4-6 is better), your vanilla extract is ready. Give the jar one final shake.
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Pour the extract through a funnel lined with cheesecloth to strain out the bean solids.
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Transfer your smooth, finished vanilla extract to smaller bottles for storage.
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Label bottles with the date so you know when it was made.
Usage and Storage
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Use your homemade vanilla extract just like store-bought! A little goes a long way.
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Stored in a cool, dark place in sealed bottles, it will keep for 2-3 years.
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Over time, you may see sediment but this is normal and safe. Simply shake before using.
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Consider gifting small bottles to share your handcrafted vanilla extract!
So there you have it – making your own vanilla extract with beans is incredibly easy and rewarding. Now go forth and vanilla-ify everything! Your baked goods will thank you.
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Tools you’ll need for Homemade Vanilla Extract:
1. Wash and sanitize bottles and lids. I washed with mild soapy water, rinsed then swirled with boiling hot water to sanitize them.
2. Cut beans in half then Split beans. I found this is easiest with kitchen scissors. Cutting them about halfway down the stem. If the beans are too dry to split, cut them into 1″ pieces. Place a total of 2 whole beans in each jar (or 4 split halves).
3. Use a funnel or measuring cup to pour vodka to the top of the jar. Cover tightly with lid and let them brew for 2 months, shaking occasionally.
You can print the free vanilla extract labels on label paper and then glue them on the bottles. When you print on labels, make sure that your printer is set to 100% and not 20%E2%80%9Cfit%20to%20page%E2%80%9D, which can cause the labels to shrink or stretch.
Every once in a while for the next two months, you should give the vanilla a little shake. It will turn a beautiful amber color when it’s ready to use. Right on the label are the steps, so you don’t have to wait long to give them as a gift;)
12 yards of yarn or kitchen string 12 kitchen towels for gifting, preferably tea towel style 12 small/medium cookie cutters
Vanilla Extract Ingredients (makes 10 (4oz) jars):
20 vanilla beans 40 oz plain vodka* (80 proof works great)
Four whole vanilla beans for every 8 ounces of vodka, or two vanilla beans for every half-ounce (4 ounces) of vodka. This recipe is easy to make more or less of.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | With a Speed Hack!
How do you make vanilla extract?
The first step to making vanilla extract is to prep your bean. Use the tip of a sharp knife to cut through the vanilla bean, exposing the tiny seeds inside. (This is sometimes called “vanilla caviar” because it’s the richest, most flavorful part of the bean.) Leave the vanilla bean attached at the top. This will make it easier to remove later. 2.
What is a substitute for vanilla extract?
The healthiest choice is vanilla blossom, but other good cooking options are almond extract, maple syrup, lemon or orange zest, and honey.
How do you make Mexican vanilla beans?
Mexican Vanilla Beans: Has hints of clove and nutmeg. Score Vanilla Beans: Gently cut slits lengthwise in the vanilla beans with a sharp knife then place beans in a jar. (You may need to cut them in half to fit in the jar). You need 4-5 Vanilla bean per 8 ounces (1 cup) alcohol. Add Vodka: Using a funnel, carefully fill the bottle with Vodka.
What makes a good homemade vanilla extract?
The most significant factor is the vanilla beans. When you make your own homemade vanilla extract you can choose the quality of vanilla beans you use. Premium grade vanilla beans simply have a richer, fuller flavor than any commercially produced vanilla extract. How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract at Home