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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Three glass swing-top bottles filled with amber homemade vanilla extract and whole vanilla beans on a marble countertop with loose vanilla pods and a striped kitchen towel.
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A two-ingredient homemade vanilla extract with deeper flavor, lower cost, and better results than store-bought.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Beans

  1. Using a sharp knife, make a slit in each vanilla bean down the middle, lengthwise.

Combine Ingredients

  1. Place the slitted beans into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid
  2. Pour the vodka over the beans, making sure all pieces are fully submerged
  3. Seal the jar tightly

Age the Extract

  1. Store the jar in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cabinet
  2. Shake gently once or twice a week for the first month
  3. After the first month, shake occasionally
  4. Allow to age for at least 6 months for good flavor
  5. For best results, age 12 months or longer

Bottle the Extract (Optional)

  1. When ready to use or gift, place a funnel over clean bottles
  2. Pour the extract into smaller jars if desired
  3. For continued flavor development, cut used beans to fit the jars
  4. Add about 8 bean pieces to 8-ounce jars

Notes

Substitutions

• Vodka may be replaced with bourbon, rum, or brandy for different flavor profiles

• Gluten-free alcohol may be used if needed

Aging and Flavor

• Flavor improves significantly with time

• Extract may be used after 8 weeks, but will be very mild

• Best flavor develops after 12 months

• Longer aging produces deeper, richer vanilla notes

Reusing and Refilling

• As extract is used, small amounts of vodka may be added to refill

• Shake after refilling and before each use

• Beans must remain mostly submerged to prevent sliminess

• After about 1 year of frequent use and refilling, flavor may weaken

• Replace old beans with fresh ones as needed

Seeds and Appearance

• Vanilla seeds will remain in the extract

• Seeds are natural and add flavor

• They may appear in baked goods and desserts

•Always shake the vanilla before using to disperse the seeds evenly

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

• Use in baking, desserts, beverages, and homemade syrups

• Ideal for cookies, cakes, custards, ice cream, and whipped cream

• Substitute one-for-one for store-bought vanilla extract

Storage

• Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place

• With beans fully submerged, extract will last several years

• Without beans, extract will last indefinitely

• If aroma remains clean and pleasant, it is safe to use

Freezing

• Freezing is not necessary and not recommended

• Alcohol-based extract remains shelf-stable at room temperature

Find it online: https://jennifercooks.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/