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!
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Table of contents
- How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
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 make 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!)

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Ingredients for How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
- 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.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
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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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
- Did you make this recipe? Tag @lifeslittlesweets and hashtag it #lifeslittlesweets
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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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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