Homemade Vanilla Extract is the richest and not-so-secret ingredient that makes baked goods smell and taste so delicious. Yes, vanilla extract is the key to the wholesome flavor and aroma found in almost all of our favorite baked products.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

So what if we tell you that it takes just two ingredients to make homemade vanilla extract? Yes, that’s right – vanilla beans and alcohol, that’s all!

4 Easy Steps for Simple Vanilla

(Start now as homemade vanilla needs to “age” for approximately 2 month but 3 to 4 months is even better!)

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1. You will need 3 to 5 Vanilla Beans:

Vanilla beans are available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find them there, look for them online. I have found buying vanilla beans in bulk to be the most economical way when making your extract. Vanilla beans can be expensive. I put the range at 3 to 5 bean pods per 8 ounces of vodka so you can add what you can afford.

Three vanilla beans will produce a more commercial grade of vanilla extract, whereas five beans per cup of alcohol will give you a professional baker’s quality.

Vanilla beans come labeled as Grade A or Grade B; both can be used to make homemade vanilla extract. Grade A beans are more expensive, softer, and more pliable and are usually used in cooking. Grade B beans are firmer and a little drier and are used in making the extract, and they make excellent vanilla extract.

The 2 types of beans recommended are:

• Madagascar vanilla beans (traditional, rich, and creamy extract)
• Tahitian vanilla beans (floral, cherry-chocolate flavor and aroma)

2. You will Need: 8 oz Plain Vodka (80 proof alcohol)

To make the best vanilla extract, use vodka. You can also try bourbon, brandy, or rum, but these will add extra flavors instead of just pure vanilla.

The good news is that cheaper alcohol works well for making vanilla extract.

You can save money on alcohol and invest it in better-quality vanilla beans.

Stay away from flavored vodkas because they have artificial ingredients. This could ruin your pure vanilla extract.

3. Glass Bottles or Jars

(Must have screw-on lids. Avoid cork lids.)

2-ounce bottles

4-ounce bottles

8-ounce bottles

Step 2: Slit the Beans

Place the vanilla beans on a cutting board and carefully make inch-long slits in them. I like to make several slits in each bean to allow the vodka to seep in and to draw out the rich vanilla flavor. Some of the small vanilla bean seeds will work their way out of the bean pods and will dot your homemade vanilla extract.

These seeds inside each bean add a wonderful rustic appeal to your homemade vanilla extract.

Keep the ends of each bean intact so they hold together nicely in the bottles. Place the slices in the jars.

Step 3: Pour the Alcohol

Add 8oz of 80-proof vodka to your vanilla beans in your jar or bottle. Make sure that the vanilla beans are completely covered in vodka. Screw on the cap or lid. Reminder: Do not use cork-topped bottles.

Step 4: Allow Vanilla to Age

The last step is to gently shake the vanilla beans and alcohol in the bottles or jars. Then, wait at least 8 weeks. The best vanilla can age for up to a year.

Store the bottles at room temperature, away from sunlight. Shake each bottle gently once a week.

Your homemade vanilla extract will be ready in two to three months!

You can make 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz bottles of vanilla extract to give as gifts. It’s perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or housewarming parties! If you want to make larger batches, see the number of beans and vodka needed below.

These are amounts you will need for your homemade vanilla.

• 4 Beans and 8 oz of Vodka
• 8 Beans and 16oz of Vodka
• 12 Beans and 24oz of Vodka
• 16 Beans and 32oz of Vodka

The Case for Homemade Vanilla

Yes, we know vanilla extract is a readily available product in the market, but we can’t ignore the fact that it is highly costly. With the increasing cost of packaged vanilla extract, isn’t it more feasible to make it at home? It will also save you from substitute products that are being sold under the name of vanilla extracts.

If you find a product that claims to be a natural imitation of vanilla extract, don’t be fooled as it will have artificial flavors and colors. Pure vanilla extract is dark brown and only has two ingredients: vanilla beans and alcohol.

Homemade vanilla extract is super easy to make, so why not make it yourself? Experiment with different alcohols and vanilla beans to add a unique flavor to your baking. I think you’ll be happy with the results!

Tips and Pointers:

• The little black specks are from the natural vanilla seeds in each pod. These are normal and show the authenticity of your homemade vanilla.
• Brown glass bottles help protect the extract from light.
• Always use 80-proof vodka.
• Allow your homemade vanilla extract to age for at least 2 months and possibly longer if you have the time.
• If you have an extra vanilla bean or two, place the bean pod in a bowl of raw sugar for a fragrant vanilla-flavored sugar topping!

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