I love the smell and taste of a quality vanilla extract. It makes all the difference in the taste of baked goods. I discovered this after asking my husband to “pick up a large bottle of vanilla” while on vacation in Mexico. I expected the typical American size of two or three ounces. He returned with the largest bottle of vanilla I’d ever seen. “Um, honey,” I asked, “Do you know how long it will take to use 48 ounces of vanilla?” Sadly, with my baking addition, not nearly as long as I thought.
During my quest to find more quality vanilla, a friend informed me, “I know how to make homemade vanilla extract from scratch.” I was intrigued, especially after she said it only required two ingredients.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
I can make my own homemade vanilla extract for a fraction of the cost of purchasing pure vanilla extract? Yes, please. My friend uses vodka in hers. I found-and tried- an extremely old family recipe that called for moonshine. At the time, I had no idea where to purchase moonshine. When we visited the George Dickel Distillery Tour I snagged a bottle “Pure White Corn Whiskey.” Learn from my mistakes and don’t use pure corn whiskey. It gives the extract a “unique” flavor.
Making your own homemade vanilla extract is easy, but it does require time and patience. The recipe must set 30 days before use.
Ingredients You Need:
- alcohol (any type as long as it is 80% proof)
- 2 good quality vanilla beans– I used a Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla bean from Nielsen Massey.
What Kind of Alcohol Can Be Used To Make Vanilla?
Any type of alcohol can be used to make the vanilla as long as it is 80% proof. The alcohol has to be strong enough to extract the flavor of the bean.
Pro-Tip: Different types of alcohol will create different flavor profiles in the extract.
- vodka – This is the most popular choice. Vodka is tasteless and colorless and allows the flavor of the bean to shine through.
- rum
- bourbon
- brandy
Can I Make a Second Batch Using the Same Beans?
Yes! Just refill the bottle with the alcohol of your choice when you’ve used the first batch.
After you’ve prepared and used the second batch, discard the used vanilla beans.
How to Make the Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean in half. Scrap any seeds from the split beans.
- Place the beans in an airtight container and cover with 2 cups of the alcohol of your choice.
- Seal the container and store in a cool, dry place, shaking occasionally, for one month before using. I placed mine in my pantry and shook it whenever I remembered. It still turned out well.
- Transfer the vanilla to smaller airtight containers if desired. Prepare another recipe using the same beans, if desired.
Can I Make Non-alcoholic Vanilla Extract?
Technically, no. The alcohol is the base used to extract the flavor. You can, however, make your own non-alcoholic vanilla flavoring. Here’s how:
- Prepare the vanilla beans as directed above.
- Instead of using 2 cups of alcohol, substitute 1 1/2 cups food grade vegetable glycerin and 1/2 cup warm water.
- Place the vanilla beans in an airtight container, cover with the glycerin and water, and seal.
- Store the mixture in a cool, dark place, shaking occasionally, for one month before use.
- Pro-tip: This mixture will be thicker than traditional vanilla extract and have a milder flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Vanilla Extract?
There’s several ingredients that can be substituted, although it will change the taste and sometimes the texture of a recipe.
- alcohol- good choices rum, brandy, bourbon
- almond extract- this has a stronger flavor so use 1/2 the amount of vanilla extract required
- seeds from 1/2 of a vanilla bean (this equals 1 teaspoon extract)
- maple syrup
- vanilla flavored milk (can use vanilla almond or soy milk)
How Long Will Homemade Vanilla Extract Last?
- When properly stored, homemade vanilla extract can last up to five years.
Printable Recipe:
How To Make Vanilla Extract From Scratch
16
servings15
minutesIngredients
2 cups alcohol of choice (80% proof vodka, rum, brandy, or bourbon)
2 good quality vanilla beans
Directions
- Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean in half. Scrap any seeds from the split beans.
- Place the beans in an airtight container and cover with 2 cups of the alcohol of your choice.
- Seal the container and store in a cool, dry place, shaking occasionally, for one month before using.
- Transfer the vanilla to smaller airtight containers if desired. Prepare another recipe using the same beans, if desired.
This tastes great in baked goods and is economical to prepare. Â Best of all, it takes seconds to prepare. That’s my kind of recipe. Have you ever made your own vanilla? What is your favorite alcohol to use in the recipe?
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I have been wanting to do this but have never ventured out and tried it yet. Love how you pulled out just a bit and made smaller portions.
So awesome. Even I could make this at home – have to try this soon!
Wow! Who knew making vanilla was so simple and easy. I want to try this. I love Vanilla to add flavor to desserts.
I actually thought about adding my vanilla to bourbon. I think it would be a great addition for desserts like bananas foster
How awesome! I am definitely going to try this. We always use vanilla and this would make it much cheaper.
I have never tried this. I prefer to buy it to make my life easier 🙂
This is something I just have to do. I usually buy it in store but had no idea I could make my own. Thank you.
I have a few friends who make their own vanilla. They give it away as gifts.
I have not made my own vanilla. But it does sound easy and inexpensive.
Oh wow this is so easy to make. I’m bookmarking this to save money!
What a great idea! I never knew that we could make our own vanilla extracts at home. Anything homemade is what I love & I would like to try this for sure. Thanks for sharing this.
This is all new to me. Looks like it is worth making my own. Thanks for sharing the how to
I’ve never made my own vanilla and wouldn’t have known where to start. Very cool!
That’s it. That sounds so easy to make and cheaper than a store bought one
Yum! No I have never made my own vanilla but I sure want to! Thanks for the easy to follow recipe.
This is one of those things that I have been dying to try but just forget about it every time I go out and about. I just dont think to pick up the vanilla beans.
I have never made my own vanilla. I didn’t think it was something you could do at home. I’d love to try it to see how it comes out.
I always come home with a big bottle also. Never lasts as long as I think. I will have to make some.
I had no idea it was Vanilla bean an alcohol! No wonder the stuff is so expensive! This is so much better
This is so cool, homemade vanilla extract sounds amazing; would love to try it!
Wow!That is really simple! And way less expensive than paying $8 for a tiny bottle at the grocers!
I’ve been wanting to make my own vanilla extract for awhile now…..totally going to try this!
I’ve always wanted to make some. I had no idea this is how you would make some. I’ll have to try it.
Wow, who knew you could do this? Bet it tastes so much more flavorful than storebought.
This is new to me but I love it! I love vanilla and to be able to make your own, that is wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
My mother in law was making some at our home. I love the idea of making it yourself and seeing how it turns out.
I love this. I am going to try it. I think it would be cool to say you made your own vanilla extract. Didn’t know it would be that simple.
We make our own! It’s the only way to go.
This is such a great idea. Such a money saver. I have to try this one.
I honestly never thought of making this on my own! Anything home made is better in my book.
Wow, I never knew you could make your own vanilla. It sounds so easy too!
Our neighbors have made vanilla extract and gifted us jars of it. It’s been great! I wasn’t sure how they did it!
I’m sure this is the best vanilla extract ever. Such an easy recipe too, this would make a great gift.
This is the best recipe I’ve ever seen! I use vanilla extract all the time, and that stuff is expensive! I’d much rather make my own.
I never knew that Vanilla Extract was made from alcohol. I guess that explains a lot of what I’ve heard of people drinking (addicts) straight vanilla.
I have never made my own vanilla exact. I can’t wait to make some. Thanks for the recipe.
I never knew you could make vanilla extract at home with just two ingredients! I really want to try my hand at this now.
I know, right? It’s way easier than I ever would have thought.
I have NOT, but this is a good idea! As long as I don’t forget that’s what I’m doing with it hidden in a dark spot LOL
I didn’t know you could make your own at home. This is a cool idea, we use it from time to time here too.
I have to make this sometime. I have the stuff, but never think to put it together. Actually, I’ll go do it now. THANK YOU for the reminder!
I never knew I could make anything like this at home. I use vanilla extract all the time, so I am definitely trying this.