VANILLA EXTRACT RECIPE

This easy vanilla extract recipe will have your kitchen smelling of vanilla after just a few minutes. I love cutting the vanilla beans and watching them infuse the vodka over several months, creating a delicious flavor bomb to be added to all sorts of dishes later on. Make this in large batches and save money from store-bought extract, and enjoy a strong, custom tasting homemade vanilla extract in all your cooking and baking.

Making vanilla extract at home is so easy! And now is the perfect time to start – it will be ready in the fall when you want to get baking! Read on to learn how to make your own vanilla extract, what are the best beans for vanilla extract, and more!

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WHY MAKE YOUR OWN VANILLA EXTRACT?

I’ve experimented with making so many foods from scratch, like sourdough bread, lattes, and even homemade ketchup.

Some foods (like the ketchup) I would say are not worth the effort of doing them homemade. But others, like the bread and this vanilla extract recipe, are so easy to make homemade that it’s silly not to!

It saves you money, and makes a really rich, dark, vanilla extract that is customizable and better than store-bought.

Next time you see a nice bottle of vanilla extract for $15-20 at the grocery store, you’ll think of this tutorial and realize it’s just better to buy the beans and make way more of it from scratch.

How much money does homemade vanilla save you?

Many people don’t know how easy vanilla extract is to make.

It hardly needs its own article because it is so easy.

But when I started making DIY vanilla extract a few years ago, I realized that people do need someone else to just say “hey, if I can do this you can too!”

And here’s how much money you’ll save. A pack of 10 Madagascar vanilla beans on Amazon is under $15. Then purchase your alcohol of choice (we buy Burnett’s Vodka for $8!) and make about 30 ounces of vanilla extract for under $25. Alternatively, 32 ounces of vanilla extract from Amazon costs about $100.

So, with this homemade vanilla extract recipe, you’re saving money, which is a win in my book.

WHEN SHOULD YOU MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT?

Homemade vanilla extract from beans is wonderful to have any time of year, but my favorite is the fall.

I throw a little vanilla in just about everything, from homemade lattes to pancakes to cookies and more. And when it’s sitting on your countertop in a pretty bottle, you’re more likely to use it and enjoy it.

This vanilla extract recipe takes 5 to 6 months to finish, so springtime is the perfect time to get started if you do a lot of fall baking with vanilla.

This would also make a great homemade Christmas gift for someone this holiday season! I personally would love to receive a bottle of homemade extract.

WHAT ALCOHOL IS BEST FOR MAKING VANILLA EXTRACT?

You do not need to buy fancy alcohol for this. Vodka is generally preferred because of its simple flavor profile, so you can taste the pure vanilla extract. However, if you like bourbon, rum, or prefer another flavor with the vanilla, you’re welcome to get fancy here. The alcohol should be at least 80% proof. 

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission off items you buy at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here.

Vanilla Extract Ingredients

makes 20-30 ounces of vanilla extract

about 10 vanilla beans (I like the Madagascar ones from Amazon)

Vodka (or other 80 proof alcohol)

Tools Needed

Sharp, small paring knife

Glass bottle or jar that seals (I use a flip top glass bottle) 

Cutting board

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Start by placing the vanilla beans on a cutting board. With a sharp paring knife, slice down the middle of each vanilla bean, starting at the top and going down toward the bottom.

You don’t need to cut the vanilla bean completely in half. Just slice them open to expose the center of the bean. You’ll notice a beautiful vanilla smell in your kitchen now!

Once you’ve sliced the vanilla bean, use your fingers to pry it open a bit, like you’re opening a book.

You want to get the middle exposed as much as possible.

Repeat this for all beans. 

Place the opened beans in your glass jar or bottle. 

Fill the bottle with vodka, making sure to completely cover any vanilla beans. If some beans are too long, just cut them in half. Seal the bottle with a lid or cap.

Place the bottle in a cool, dark place and let it sit for 5-6 months.

Every couple of weeks or so, check on the bottle and gently shake it to make sure everything is mixing together.

Also, make sure there are no beans sticking up out of the vanilla. They should always be completely covered in alcohol to prevent bacteria from forming.

You will see the vanilla extract get darker and darker as the weeks go on (this is my favorite part!).

Now, it is tempting to dive into your vanilla extract after about 3 months, and I have done it.

But I’m telling you, it’s better to wait for the full 5 or 6 for the strongest flavor! 

FAVORITE RECIPES FOR BAKING WITH VANILLA

Any recipe that uses vanilla extract will be better with homemade. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Chocolate chip cookies with sourdough discard and einkorn flour

Homemade vanilla lattes or mochas

Einkorn carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Einkorn chocolate chip brownies

Sourdough chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting

FAQ

How long does homemade vanilla extract need to sit?

Generally, 5-6 months until it is fully infused. You may try the extract before then, though, and see how you like it. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s a very dark brown color, and only the slightest amount has a strong taste. If you do need to use some of it early, you can also double the amount in recipes since it won’t be as strong as a store-bought extract.

What are the best vanilla beans for making homemade vanilla extract?

One thing you want to stray away from is buying the cheapest possible beans. I’ve found they generally aren’t as good at infusing the vodka.

I like these Madagascar vanilla beans from Amazon.

What are the vanilla beans to alcohol ratio?

I recommend 10 vanilla beans per 20-30 ounces of vanilla extract.

That means 10 beans per glass bottle, if you are following this tutorial.

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