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How to make homemade vanilla extract
Did you know that you can make the most amazing, 2-ingredient, vanilla extract right at home? It’s quite a bit cheaper than store bought and it makes a fantastic, thoughtful gift!
I finally made some homemade vanilla extract!! I had been meaning to make it last year for gifts, but…it never got done. It’s sooo easy too! I’m not sure why I waited so long!
All you need is some vodka and good quality vanilla beans. I used cheap vodka and Madagascar vanilla beans. While this only takes minutes to put together, you will need at least 8 weeks for the vanilla beans to work their magic.
If you use a lot of vanilla, learning how to make homemade vanilla extract will save you a bundle in the long run. Homemade vanilla extract also makes for a fantastic gift idea for teachers, neighbors, party hosts, and, well, pretty much anyone!
What you need for homemade vanilla extract:
- Vanilla beans – Grade A or grade B. You can find whole vanilla beans at most grocery stores in the spice aisle. However, they are considerably cheaper if you buy them online. These vanilla beans are a great choice.
- Vodka – You can buy a cheap bottle for this recipe, 70 – 90 proof.
- Glass jars – 8 oz glass jars like these would be great.
- Funnel
Vanilla beans may seem expensive, but when just a few of them make a whole cup worth of delicious vanilla, you’ll quickly see the cost savings of making homemade. Plus, you can actually reuse the vanilla beans by adding more vodka to the bottle!
How to make homemade vanilla extract:
- Using a sharp knife, slit 6 vanilla beans down the middle lengthwise so the beans are exposed. If the length of the vanilla beans don’t fit into your bottle or jar, cut the vanilla beans into smaller pieces. Place beans into bottle or jar.
- Pour enough vodka over top to cover the vanilla beans and fill your jar, using a funnel. Shake a few times with the lid on.
- Let sit in a cool dark place for as least 8 weeks. The longer it sits, the stronger it gets. Shake once a week.
Also to note:
- As you use your vanilla, you can refill with a little vodka each time. Give it a shake after you refill and give it a shake before each use too.
- If you are gifting the vanilla extract, remove the beans before you give it away. (But only once it has fully aged.) Reuse those beans in a new bottle.
- In recipes, use the same amount of homemade vanilla extract as you would store-bought vanilla.
For those of you that would like to make some Homemade Vanilla extract, I made some super simple labels that you’re welcome to download and print for your bottles or jars! (click on the picture to print the PDF)
If you have extra vanilla beans, you might want to try making some vanilla sugar! Vanilla sugar is a great addition to coffee, tea or baking!
Hi. Just wondering why you’re sharing US links to Amazon for vanilla beans when this is a Canadian site lol. I definitely would prefer to purchase in Canada!
The links should be going to Amazon.ca. I just checked them all and they do go to Amazon.ca for me. 🙂
It’s more expensive than vodka, but I use bourbon. It makes for a more rich, warm flavor.
I also use bourbon. I have some extract that is well over a year and a half old. It’s really good. After several months I replace the old beans with new ones. I have a jar in my craft room and small jars in my kitchen. Keep one of the bourbon and one of the vanilla going at all times.
I just watched a video where a lady makes vanilla extract with vodka and bourbon. She said to leave it set for a year. Just saying.
How much vodka do you use initially?
Can you use something else besides vodka.
This is what makes it pure vanilla
wow they now want over $175 for 25 beans at the vanilla food company
my how things have changed since 2012…
They sell highly rated vanilla beans on Amazon. We got 50 for about $25. 😉
Finally remember to get to this early enough before Christmas, for gifts!
6 months before. It takes that long.
Once made and rebottled for gifting, does it have to be sealed in any way and how long will it last once opened???
Thanks!
Regina
I tried reusing my vanilla bean in new vodka but was not strong enough. I made 58oz of vanilla for Christmas gifts everyone loved it I went to the dollar tree and bought small bottles with corks so cute I buy my vanilla from Amazon
Thank you for doing the homemade Christmas gifts again this year!
Just got mine started, so excited!