DIY Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract, an easy recipe to make for yourself or gift for others. The best for baking, drinks, and other dishes. Plus, it’s cheaper than store-bought and simple to make.
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If you’ve never made Homemade Vanilla Extract from scratch before, you won’t believe how simple it is to make, not to mention delicious. You only need two ingredients: vanilla beans and some type of alcohol such as vodka. That’s it!
If you haven’t noticed, vanilla prices are crazy expensive right now. I had put together this long list of vanilla extract substitutes, but if you can swing it, try making your own vanilla.
Not going to like, making your own vanilla extract isn’t cheap, BUT it is generally cheaper than buying. It’s so easy to make as well. My daughter and I make a big bulk batch of vanilla extract every year or so just to have on hand.
Not only is it great to have on hand for yourself for baking, making drinks and cocktails, and other dishes, it also makes a simple homemade gift idea. Even if you’re not a DIY kind of person, you can make a nice gift with this extract in a mason jar or glass jar, some ribbon or string, and a gift tag. EASY!
What is Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is made with vanilla beans (pods) and alcohol. There is also artificial vanilla extract that contains artificial vanilla flavoring.
The vanilla beans might be from anywhere including Madagascar, Tahiti, Uganda, Indonesia, Mexico, or even the United States. Mexican vanilla extract is quite popular.
Vanilla extract is great in baked goods such as cookies, cakes, brownies, and more! But also delicious in drinks and cocktails and even savory dishes such as salad dressings and marinades.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Vanilla Extract Ingredients
- Vanilla Beans – Inexpensive vanilla beans such as grade B are just fine. You can buy beans in bulk on Amazon, or other online sources. I have found buying in bulk is quite a bit cheaper than buying just a few beans at your local grocery store.
- Vodka – Choose an inexpensive plain flavored vodka. No need to buy the good stuff! A lot of people also like rum or even brandy or bourbon.
Vanilla beans can vary in size and flavor so you might have to experiment for what you like. You could even mix beans!
You’ll also need some type of glass jar (or mason jar) with a lid to store the vanilla. A dark tinted glass bottle is also a good option. Just make sure whatever you use, that it’s graded as food-safe just to be on the safe side.
How to Make Pure Vanilla Extract
- Place the chopped vanilla beans in a glass jar with the vodka. Top with lid.
- Place the jar in a cool dark place away from light and heat.
- Gently shake the jar every day (or every few days) for about 30 days.
Uses for Vanilla Extract
- Use in baked goods like cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. for a little vanilla flavor.
- Also great in smoothies, drinks, or even cocktails.
- Delicious in salad dressings such as vinaigrettes.
- Add a little for flavor in marinades or other savory dishes.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use a plain flavored inexpensive vodka. The vanilla flavor should shine through.
- You don’t have to chop the vanilla beans into small pieces but I find it helps expedite the process rather than using whole beans. You can also cut a slit down whole vanilla beans and add that to the alcohol instead.
- 30 days is a bit of an estimate, 2-3 months would be even better. You could even use it after a few weeks but the vanilla flavor won’t be as strong.
- Be sure the shake the jar occasionally during the 30 days. I say every day, but let’s be real, it’s easy to forget. A few times/week would be fine.
- Store the jar covered in a dark cool place away from light and heat.
Vanilla Extract FAQ
How should I store vanilla extract?
Store the vanilla extract in a dark cool place away from light and heat. You could also use a dark-tinted glass bottle to help keep light out. Be sure the bottle is graded as food safe.
Can I freeze vanilla extract?
If you’d like to keep the vanilla cold to add to drinks or cocktails, you could store in the freezer I guess, but otherwise, no need to freeze it.
Does vanilla extract go bad?
Vanilla extract can in theory last indefinitely unless exposed to a lot of light, heat, moisture, or other conditions. The flavor may change over time and become more intense the longer you let the beans steep in the alcohol. Some people like to add a little more liquor such as vodka to the extract with the beans as they use some of the extract. In that case, the extract may not be as strong depending on how much and how often you top off the vodka.
Substitutions?
Instead of vodka, you could use bourbon, rum, or brandy.
What else can I add to this recipe?
You can mix different vanilla beans. Or for a fun flavored vanilla extract, you could add spices such as a cinnamon stick, star of anise, etc. Some people add a little water or sugar, but I would not really recommend it.
Can I make alcohol free vanilla extract?
You can make vanilla extract without alcohol by making a combination of glycerin and water. I haven’t tried it, so can’t say for sure how it compares.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – It’s vegan.
Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian.
Low-Carb – It’s low-carb.
Gluten-Free -Be sure to use a gluten-free vodka.
Vanilla Recipes You May Enjoy
- Vanilla Honey Butter (Snappy Gourmet) – Delicious on biscuits, muffins, and more.
- Peaches & Vanilla Cream Smoothie (Snappy Gourmet) – Easy peach smoothie with vanilla flavor.
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (Food Network) – Full of vanilla flavor, yum!
- Yellow Vanilla Cake (Scientifically Sweet) – A classic for sure.
Hope you enjoy this homemade pure vanilla extract. Tell me in the comments what you used it in!
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If you like making homemade ingredients like this, you might also like this Homemade Ranch Seasoning!
Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vanilla beans chopped to half inch pieces (see notes below)
- 8 ounces vodka (a plain inexpensive vodka)
Instructions
- Place the chopped vanilla beans in a glass jar with the vodka. Top with lid.
- Place the jar in a cool dark place away from light and heat.
- Gently shake the jar every day (or every few days) for about 30 days.
Notes
sarah johnson says
I didn’t realize how easy it is to make vanilla extract. Thank you for the well written instructions.
Angela says
I have never made my own vanilla but after reading this I am definitely going to give it a try.
Dannii says
We get through lots of vanilla extract, but I never thought to make it myself. I will definitely be trying it.
Denay DeGuzman says
Over the last two years the cost of vanilla has skyrocketed! I usually purchase large bottles in Mexico, then pack them in my suitcase when heading back to California. Now that traveling has been halted, I’m looking forward to using your helpful recipe to make my own vanilla extract. Thank you so much for sharing this!