Homemade vanilla extract is a natural ingredient that gives an amazing flavor to sweet recipes. It only requires vanilla beans and vodka and it’s ready in 15 minutes.
Vanilla extract is essential in baking. It’s a basic pantry ingredient everyone should have at home, as its flavoring properties truly make a difference when cooking sweet recipes.
Most of the store-bought vanilla extracts are full of chemicals, and those that are not, are much more expensive. This homemade version is made with only natural ingredients and it’s also additive and preservative-free.
This is a very simple and easy-to-make recipe and it only requires 2 ingredients. It will last for months so you’ll be able to save quite a lot of money. Besides, it’s so flavorful and delicious, especially if you use good quality vanilla beans.
Making vanilla extract is so easy, healthier and way more inexpensive than buying it. You only need vanilla beans and vodka to make it, and a glass bottle or jar to store it. In just 15 minutes you’ll get an extract that will last for so long!
How to make homemade vanilla extract - Step by step
- Split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise (photo 1).
- Put the vanilla beans in a glass bottle or jar and cover with vodka (photo 2), making sure they are completely submerged.
- Close the bottle or jar and store in a dark, cool place.
Pro tips
- Low-quality alcohol works just fine for this recipe.
- I’d wait for at least 3 months before using this vanilla extract, but it’s also okay to let it rest for 1 month. The more time it spends infusing, the more vanilla flavor it will have.
- You can keep the beans inside the bottle or discard them once the extract is ready. I usually replace them for new ones every 6 months because they don’t have any more flavor after that. You can also add more beans and vodka when the jar is half empty.
How long will this homemade vanilla extract last?
Vanilla extract can last for months or even years. It’s important to keep it in an airtight container placed in a dark, cool place. If it smells good, tastes good and looks good, you can consume it.
Can I use other alcohols to make homemade vanilla extract?
Vodka has a more neutral flavor and that’s why it works best for this recipe. If you don’t like it, don’t have it on hand or want to try a different type of alcohol, you can use rum, bourbon or brandy.
How can I use this homemade vanilla extract?
Homemade vanilla extract works wonderfully well with any kind of baking. It gives a delicious taste to sweet recipes such as vegan brownies, vegan banana bread and even drinks like soy milk or matcha latte. Feel free to add it to all your favorite recipes.
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Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 1 cup vodka
- 6 vanilla beans
Instructions
- Split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
- Put the vanilla beans in a glass bottle or jar and cover with vodka, making sure they are completely submerged.
- Close the bottle or jar and store in a dark, cool place. Give the bottle a good shake every once in a while. The vanilla extract will last indefinitely at room temperature.
Notes
- Low-quality alcohol works just fine for this recipe.
- I’d wait for at least 3 months before using this vanilla extract, but it’s also okay to let it rest for 1 month. The more time it spends infusing, the more vanilla flavor it will have.
- You can keep the beans inside the bottle or discard them once the extract is ready. I usually replace them for new ones every 6 months because they don’t have any more flavor after that. You can also add more beans and vodka when the jar is half empty.
- Feel free to use rum, bourbon or brandy if you don’t like vodka, although I think it is the best option because of its neutral flavor.
- Use it with sweet recipes such as vegan brownies, vegan banana bread and even drinks like soy milk or matcha latte. Feel free to add it to all your favorite recipes.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in March of 2014, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions and tips in April of 2020.
Martin Evans says
I may be being a bit ignorant rn but Vodka? So how is this good to use in a kids milkshake? Is it because such a small amount is used? Also, how is this ‘ready in 15 minutes’ when it has to soak for 1 to 3 months? I’m hopelessly confused rn 🤷♂️
Julia says
You need to weigh your beans. A true extract is 1oz of beans to 8oz of alcohol for a single fold,which is what you get if you bought vanilla extract in the store.