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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.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

A two-ingredient homemade vanilla extract with deeper flavor, lower cost, and better results than store-bought.
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Course: Ingredient
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baking Pantry Staple, DIY Vanilla Extract, holiday gifts, Homemade Extract, Make Vanilla at Home
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Aging Time: 180 days
Total Time: 180 days 15 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Author: Jennifer Locklin

Equipment

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Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Beans

  • Using a sharp knife, make a slit in each vanilla bean down the middle, lengthwise.
    10 whole vanilla beans

Combine Ingredients

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

Age the Extract

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

Bottle the Extract (Optional)

  • When ready to use or gift, place a funnel over clean bottles
  • Pour the extract into smaller jars if desired
  • For continued flavor development, cut used beans to fit the jars
  • 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

*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.