I was always curious about making vanilla extract from scratch. I had heard from so many who would make their own that it was by far more flavorful and cheaper. But I never really put much effort into learning how until I read an article in our local newspaper. The whole article was about how easy it was to make your own! And I was completely blown away as to how easy it really was!
Jump to RecipeMaking your own vanilla extract will take your baking to the next level. The flavor is undeniably superior. Sure you can buy pure vanilla extract in the store, but it’s expensive and you have no control over what is in it and how it was made. Making your own, you have solid control to what’s in that bottle. AND it’s cheaper to make your!! While it may seem expensive to buy the vanilla beans, alcohol and jars at first, the yield is much greater and overall cheaper. Plus, homemade extracts make for great gifts!
What you will need for Vanilla Extract
- Quality Vanilla bean stocks
- Good spirits – vodka, rum, brandy or bourbon
- Glass jar with lid – wide-mouth mason jar works best – you can purchase at your local grocery or hardware store, or on Amazon here
- Small funnel
- Small glass bottles to store extract once it is ready – I personally use these bottles here
Rule of thumb is 1 vanilla bean to 2-3ounces of spirits (vodka,rum, brandy, bourbon)
- Vanilla beans – use good quality vanilla beans, grade A or B. Grade B is more dry and better for extracting as it yields more flavor. It’s also less expensive than grade A. Grade A is excellent to also use. Grade A beans are more moist, but are usually a bit more pricey. Use a sharp knife to slice the beans length-wise to reveal the inside seeds. This will help draw out the flavor over time.
- Alcohol/Spirits – vodka, rum, bourbon, or brandy can be used. Vodka has a more neutral flavor, and I am using that in this recipe. It’s also best to use a good quality 80 proof alcohol for best flavor and results.
- Glass jar – you want a jar that is large enough to cover the beans, and it’s easier if wide mouthed. If using making a small batch, you may want to go with a smaller jar and slice beans in half to fit in jar. In the pictures I sliced mine to fit in the jar.
- Small glass bottles for storage and gifts for when your extract is ready –
- Funnel – small funnel makes pouring into smaller bottles so much easier, less messy, and reduced spillage. The last thing I want is to waste any of my extract!
How to make Vanilla Bean Extract
Get a clean glass jar – as stated above – I use 16oz or 24 oz canning jars. If starting your first batch ever, I would go with a 16oz jar. Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans lengthwise to reveal tiny seeds inside. Scoop out some of the tiny seeds and add to jar. You don’t need to scoop all, just a few to enhance flavor. Then add sliced vanilla beans to the glass jar. If too tall, or the liquid will not cover the beans, slice the vanilla beans in half so that alcohol will completely cover the beans.
Then pour alcohol in glass jar to cover beans. Again, ensure beans are covered. If parts are sticking above alcohol, the exposed parts will become slimy over time and ruin the extract.
Now sit back and wait while your extract does it’s thing!
Store in a cool dark place. And give it a shake every now and then. I personally keep a batch in my glass cupboard. That way it stays in a closed cupboard, and I can see it’s progress every time I go to the cupboard. It also reminds me to give it shake every few days.
And don’t worry if you forget to swirl or shake the jar. The flavors will still blend and is less important when letting it sit longer. If using within 8 weeks, giving it some movement will help express the flavor of the beans.
The vanilla extract needs to age for a minimum of 8 weeks. 6 months is better for a more rich flavor. But, 12 months is where the superior flavor is found!
Patience is key with extracts!
Once you are ready to use – using small funnel, pour the extract into jars of your choosing. 2-4oz are best for daily use and to give away as gifts. Dark colored jars are also best as they block out the sunlight which will help preserve the flavor.
Nothing beats opening that jar and inhaling that delicious sweet vanilla aroma! Perfection!
How long will it last
Your homemade vanilla extract will actually last indefinitely. However, it is best to use within 5 years for the best flavor.
What to do with used vanilla beans
Don’t throw those used beans away!! They still have a lot of life and use in them!
First – you can use those used beans in another batch. The old beans will not have as much flavor, but you can add new beans along with the old to enhance flavor of your batch.
Second – you can make Vanilla Sugar! Remove vanilla beans from the extract when ready. Let them dry thoroughly for a couple of days. Take a ziplock-type bag, add about 2 -3 cups of granulated sugar, add the beans to the bag. Shake it up and let it rest for about 3 weeks. Use in baking, on top of desserts, in drinks, and anything you would like a sweet vanilla flavoring!
Enjoy!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Equipment
- 1 Glass jar with lid
- 1 Small funnel
- 2 – 4oz glass bottles dark colored
Materials
- 8-10 Vanilla Beans, Grade A or B
- 2 cups Alcohol, 80 proof vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans lengthwise to reveal tiny seeds inside, this will help draw out the flavor. Scoop out some of the tiny seeds and add to jar – you don't need to scoop out all, just a few to enhance flavor. Then add sliced vanilla beans to the glass jar. If too tall, or the liquid will not cover the beans, slice the vanilla beans in half so that alcohol will completely cover the beans.
- Then pour alcohol in glass jar to cover beans. Again, ensure beans are covered. If parts are sticking above alcohol, the exposed parts will become slimy over time and ruin the extract. Cover tightly with lid.
- Store in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 8 weeks. For best results, store for 6-12 months. Give jar a swirl or shake a few times throughout the aging process.
- Once you are ready to use – using small funnel, pour the extract into jars of your choosing. 2-4oz are best for daily use and to give away as gifts. Dark colored jars are also best as they block out the sunlight which will help preserve the flavor.