Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
You can make the most amazing, aromatic, 2-ingredient, vanilla extract right at home. It’s less expensive than store-bought and it makes a wonderful edible gift! Plus, we have a new free, printable label that you can download!
Table of contents
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Hi Friends, did you know that you can make your own Homemade Vanilla Extract? It’s so easy!
All you need are 2 ingredients: Vanilla beans and vodka and time (6 weeks).
I have been making it for years now and it’s hard to imagine not making my own Homemade Vanilla Extract now.
If you are a baker, make this for yourself or know a baker, this makes a wonderful edible gift – right on time for the holidays!
I love this Vanilla Extract in coffee, drinks, baked recipes, or any recipes requiring vanilla extract (there are so many!)
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links which means I earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only recommend brands and products that I 100% like and enjoy using. Thank you in advance for your support!
Ingredients
- vanilla beans, grade A, I usually get ones from Madagascar *I linked to the kind that I got in the recipe card below
- vodka (you can use a cheap variety for this recipe, 70-90 proof is fine)
I always like to keep extra vanilla beans in the kitchen pantry because you never know when you will need them.
Kitchen Tools
Here are some helpful kitchen tools for making this Homemade Vanilla Extract:
- bottles
- funnel
- measuring spoons and cups
- 2-cup wet measure
- swing top glass bottles
I linked to the kitchen tools that I used for this recipe in the recipe card below.
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If you like this How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract recipe tutorial and like it, please give this recipe a rating and let us know in the comments below, thank you for reading and following along!
Homemade Vanilla Extract Label
- Get the free, Homemade Vanilla Extract label download, HERE.
This post was originally published on 12/22/2019 and updated and republished on 9/2/2021
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
You can make the most amazing, aromatic, 2-ingredient, vanilla extract right at home. It’s less expensive than store-bought and it makes a wonderful edible gift!
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vanilla beans, split lengthwise, grade A* (optional, if you want the vanilla seeds to float around)
- 8 ounces vodka, 70-90 proof (you can use the cheapest kind, no need to use expensive vodka for this recipe)
Instructions
- In a lidded glass bottle, add the vanilla beans, put a funnel on top and add the vodka to the bottle. Put the lid on and shake.
- Shake daily for 4-6 weeks. Optionally, you can filter the finished vanilla extract with a cheesecloth, if you want (I never do) before using.
- When the vanilla extract is at the color you desire, you can then, transfer it to amber color glass bottles for storing or gift-giving.
Notes
- *I usually get vanilla beans from Madagascar
Recommended Products
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Norpro Stainless Steel Funnels, Set of 3 -
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Nakpunar Swing Top Glass Bottles, 8.5 Ounce - Set of 4
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Vivaplex, 12, Amber, 2 oz Glass Bottles, with Lids
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Vanilla Products USA 5 Grade A Prime Gourmet Bourbon Madagascar Vanilla Beans 5~6"
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Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Red Graphics, Clear
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Homestia Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 8 PIECE for Dry and Liquid Ingredients Engraved Measurement Heavy Duty Baking & Cooking Utensils
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1 teaspoonAmount Per Serving: Calories: 12Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best.
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I wish people would actually do their research!! Vanilla actually takes 12 to 24 months to extract and actually be a good decent extract for baking and such! Why is people feel the need to tell people that 4to 6 weeks will give them a good vanilla? That only gives you vanilla flavored vodka. Before you post you should actually have a really good base. This suggestion is BS! I make my own vanilla and have been rather educated on it. I have done my research. If someone is going to spend money on an ounce of beans they need to know they aren’t going to have vanilla in 4 to 6 weeks.
Thank you for leaving a comment with your opinion on the recipe. The vanilla definitely gets better with age. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Grade B vanilla beans are for extract, not grade A. Grade A have a higher water content.