Making homemade extracts is an so fun and easy and should be a staple in your kitchen. We’ve made our own vanilla extract for years. At first we were looking for a cheaper option since vanilla extract is very expensive, but after makng our own homemade vanilla extract, we came to appreciety the flavor and control we have over the process.

Making homemade vanilla extract takes just a few ingredients and one a few minutes of actual work. You can find details below with everything you need to know. Looking for more information on making extracts at home? See

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Contents

What is Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla extract is a concentrated liquid flavoring derived from vanilla beans, the fruit pods of the vanilla orchid plant. It captures the rich and complex flavor profile of vanilla, known for its sweet, creamy, and slightly floral taste and aroma.

From baking cakes, cookies, and pastries to flavoring custards, ice creams, and beverages, vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to both sweet and savory dishes. It is a fundamental ingredient in countless recipes, prized for its ability to impart a comforting and familiar flavor that complements and elevates other ingredients.

Benefits of Making Vanilla Extract at Home

Making vanilla extract at home has a few benefits. First – it is usually cheaper. Vanilla extract is expensive at the grocery store. It’s so expensive that it is tempting to get imitation vanilla extract. Especially if you get your supplies (like vanilla beans) in bulk, it is generally cheaper to make your own homemade vanilla extract.

In addition, when you make your own extract, you have complete control over the ingredients and the process. You can make your vanilla more or less flavorfull and you know exactly what goes into your extract.

Ingredients and Equipment

You only need a few things to make homemade vanilla extract:

Equipment:

Extract Jars (find 4 oz bottles online)
Cutting Board and knife
Funnel

Ingredients:

For the base of extracts, vodka is commonly used, with rum occasionally being an alternative. While it’s feasible to create extracts without alcohol, the concern about alcohol content diminishes during baking as it typically evaporates. Thus, opting for a high-quality, neutral-flavored vodka is recommended for optimal results.
Vanilla Beans – When making vanilla extract, it’s best to use high-quality vanilla beans that are plump, moist, and aromatic. The most commonly used and preferred variety is Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans due to their rich and robust flavor profile. Tahitian vanilla beans are another popular choice, known for their floral and fruity notes, while Mexican vanilla beans offer a unique and spicy flavor profile. Ultimately, selecting fresh and fragrant vanilla beans is essential for achieving a flavorful and aromatic extract. I usually order my beans online although you can sometimes find them locally. These are the ones I’ve been using. I used 4 beans for a 4 ounce bottle.

homemade vanilla extract — Homemade Vanilla Extract

Step-by-Step Guide How to Make Vanilla Extract

Below you can see exactly a step by step guide to making vanilla extract:

Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Split each vanilla bean lengthwise using a sharp knife, leaving one end intact. This exposes the flavorful seeds inside the beans. I also cut my beans in half to fit in the jar.
Combine Ingredients: Place the split vanilla beans into a clean glass jar or bottle. Pour the vodka over the beans, ensuring they are completely submerged.
Seal and Store: Seal the jar or bottle tightly with a lid. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Infuse the Extract: Allow the vanilla beans to infuse in the vodka for at least 6-8 weeks, shaking the bottle occasionally to agitate the mixture and promote flavor extraction.
Check and Taste: After the initial infusion period, check the extract’s flavor. If desired, you can continue to let it infuse for a richer flavor.
Strain and Bottle: Once the extract reaches your desired strength, strain out the vanilla beans using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Transfer the infused liquid into clean, airtight bottles for storage.
Label and Date: Label the bottles with the date of preparation and store them in a cool, dark place. Your homemade vanilla extract is now ready to use in your favorite recipes! Enjoy!!

Remember, the longer you let the vanilla beans infuse in the vodka, the stronger and more flavorful the extract will become. Homemade vanilla extract can last indefinitely when stored properly, and its flavor will continue to develop over time.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality vanilla beans and a good-quality, neutral-flavored vodka. The better the ingredients, the better the final product.
Ratio of Ingredients: Aim for a ratio of about 5-6 vanilla beans per cup of vodka for a standard-strength extract. You can adjust this ratio based on your personal preference for intensity of flavor.
Storage Conditions: Store the extract in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. This helps preserve the flavor and potency of the extract over time.
Shake Occasionally: Shake the bottle of vanilla extract occasionally during the infusion period to agitate the mixture and promote flavor extraction.
Check Flavor Progress: Taste the extract periodically during the infusion process to gauge its flavor strength. If it’s not strong enough, you can let it infuse for longer.
Troubleshooting: Too Weak: If your extract turns out too weak, you can add more vanilla beans to the bottle and let it infuse for a longer period to strengthen the flavor.
Troubleshooting: Sediment: It’s normal for some sediment to form in the bottom of the bottle over time. Simply strain the extract through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before using to remove any particles.

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Create your own Vanilla Extract for Baking

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Equipment

Extract Jars (find 4 oz bottles online)
Cutting Board and knife
Funnel

Ingredients

4 ounces Vodka
3-5 Vanilla Beans

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Split each vanilla bean lengthwise using a sharp knife, leaving one end intact. This exposes the flavorful seeds inside the beans. I also cut my beans in half to fit in the jar.
Combine Ingredients: Place the split vanilla beans into a clean glass jar or bottle. Pour the vodka over the beans, ensuring they are completely submerged.
Seal and Store: Seal the jar or bottle tightly with a lid. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Infuse the Extract: Allow the vanilla beans to infuse in the vodka for at least 6-8 weeks, shaking the bottle occasionally to agitate the mixture and promote flavor extraction.
Check and Taste: After the initial infusion period, check the extract’s flavor. If desired, you can continue to let it infuse for a richer flavor.
Strain and Bottle: Once the extract reaches your desired strength, strain out the vanilla beans using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Transfer the infused liquid into clean, airtight bottles for storage.
Label and Date: Label the bottles with the date of preparation and store them in a cool, dark place. Your homemade vanilla extract is now ready to use in your favorite recipes! Enjoy!!

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract