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Homemade vanilla extract is so easy to make, and it tastes amazing! This simple DIY tutorial will show you how you can make your own with a few easy steps.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
I’ve been making homemade vanilla extract for over 10 years now.
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Homemade Vanilla Extract Supplies
In order to make vanilla extract, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and supplies.
- vanilla beans
- alcohol (vodka yields a more “traditional” vanilla flavor)
- kitchen shears or knife
- Mason jar or other glass container (I used jars similar to these)
- flip-top jar to store completed vanilla extract (this is optional, but it’s easier to pour)
In the past, I always used vodka to make my vanilla extract, but then a friend suggested that I try rum.
I decided to put the vanilla beans right in the bottle of rum.
This worked out well, and it was very easy, but we all decided we prefer vanilla made with vodka. The rum gives it a different flavor. Not bad, just not our favorite.
How to Make Vanilla Extract
The two halves of the bean will still be connected, like this:
You can also cut the beans smaller than this. Just make sure they stay covered in the alcohol the entire time, with none of the vanilla beans sticking out.
So, if you’re using a smaller/shorter container, I would recommend cutting the beans in 1″ pieces.
After slicing the beans down the center, put them in a glass jar. I use approximately 1 ounce of beans for every cup (8 ounces) of alcohol.
Sometimes I’ve used fewer beans, but this is a general rule of thumb.
Add vodka to your jars, leaving enough head space for shaking.
Add the lid and shake the jar/bottle to mix everything up.
Store the jars tightly closed in a cool, dark place for 4 months or longer. Occasionally give them a good shake.
On the left (below), you can see the vanilla I just started, and on the right is some completed vanilla that has been transferred to a flip-top bottle.
After a day or two, your vanilla extract should be looking darker, like this:
That’s all there is to it!
Homemade vanilla extract will last for a very long time in your pantry.
Homemade Vanilla for Gift-Giving
Supplies Used in This Post
In order to make vanilla extract, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and supplies.
- vanilla beans
- alcohol (vodka yields a more “traditional” vanilla flavor)
- kitchen shears or knife
- Mason jar or other glass container (I used jars similar to these)
- flip-top jar to store completed vanilla extract (this is optional, but it’s easier to pour)
Pin it for Later:
I think that I am going to have to try this. (Your pictures make are so great they make the whole process look beautiful!
Tara @ https://simplymadehome.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for visiting and leaving such a nice comment, Tara! I think you'll love making vanilla!
Thanks for the tutorial…I have been wanting to do this for a while now….I am going to check out your link for vanilla beans!
Thanks!
Deanna
Thanks, Deanna!
I heard about how to do this last year, but never got around to making it. I think I'm going to give it a go this year!
It's so easy that I'm sure you'll love it!
I would really like to do this.. but wonderwhat people would think if I bought vodka at 8 months pregnant LOL
My Mama Moments is here: https://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2012/05/extended-breastfeeding.html
Yes, that might be interesting to know what people were thinking! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I can smell it looking at the picture. I really like vanilla. I think I will try this soon. Thanks you
It's so fun to make…enjoy!
yum! I made a huge batch straight in the vodka bottle, lol. i had to pour some of it out first, but it worked. I was going to ask how long you thought it would last but i see you already answered. i would think if it is in vodka it is good (for shelf life anyway, lol). Thanks
That's a great idea! And I imagine it would pour out easily from the vodka bottle. I read somewhere that it can last for years, but we always use ours up faster than that. 🙂
Thank you Joy for the beautiful tutorial. This has always been on my list to try – I have to get brave and go buy the vodka – lol.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Marci! I know what you mean about buying the vodka…it's always fun to have a shopping cart full of groceries and children and bottles of vodka–I'm sure the checkout people wonder what I'm going to do with it! 🙂
I have always wanted to know how to do this! Thank you for sharing!
You're welcome, Emily!
I made vanilla extract, starting in December. I used one full bottle of vodka and 15 pods. I found that leaving it for 4 months was best, the taste was far stronger. I plan to make up another bottle to let it sit much longer to strengthen the flavour. It is far nicer than the bought version.
Thanks so much for sharing how you make vanilla, Joluise! I think you're right about letting it sit longer and imparting a stronger flavor. I know ours just gets stronger and better the older it gets.
And I would agree…it's so much nicer than store bought (as most homemade things seem to be)!
Thanks for sharing this. I'm going to try it and it's a great idea to give as gifts. I'll be pinning this post to my Pinterest file. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting, Gail!