This Homemade Vanilla Extract is delicious, easy to make, and perfect for gifting. Just two ingredients—vodka and vanilla beans—and 10 minutes of prep are all you need to make Vanilla Extract.
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We've used our homemade extract in our gingerdoodle cookie recipe and vegan vanilla ice cream recipes. Use in cookies, cakes and french toast recipes too.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Two ingredients - no extra ingredients like: water, corn syrup, caramel color, glycerin and artificial flavorings - like synthetic vanillin.
- Simple to make - just two ingredients and a sanitized container. It’s really about the ratio’s and time to let Mother Nature do her magic.
- Cheaper - good quality extract like Nielsen-Massey can be expensive. Spice House sells a 4 oz Pure Vanilla Madagascar extract for $29.99 and Penzey’s sells a 4 oz bottle for $32.49; so if you use a lot of vanilla or just use vanilla for cookies then this recipe is cost-effective and produces a high-quality vanilla.
Is vanilla vegan?
Vanilla extract itself is typically vegan since the only two ingredients needed are vanilla beans and alcohol.
However, some vanilla extracts might contain added ingredients like glycerin or sugar, which can be derived from animal sources. It's essential to check the ingredient list to ensure that the vanilla extract you choose is free from any animal-derived ingredients.
A good vanilla extract makes all the difference in the world; especially in recipes with only a few ingredients in them. We use homemade vanilla extract any where we would use store-bought extracts.
Equipment
Glass Bottles - or jars with tight sealing lid. Clean sterile 8 ounce container (darker bottles are great to protect the extract from light and heat).
Alternatively (Tito’s has a 200ml and 375ml bottle) you can repurpose the glass bottle of the vodka you just purchased to make this recipe. Remove a small amount of vodka from bottle to make room for vanilla pods.
Ingredients
Vanilla Beans - some types of vanilla beans are Mexico, Tahiti, and Madagascar. This is an in-depth article about everything you need to know about selecting your vanilla beans.
Vodka - alcohol is used as a base for all extracts because it is colorless, flavorless, easy to infuse with flavors and alcohol also doesn’t spoil. You can also use different types of alcohol for substitutes like: bourbon, brandy, or rum, for a richer, darker flavor and aroma.
Expert Tip
Plan ahead. When making homemade vanilla extract, it's essential to plan ahead. While it can be used after three months. Aim for a longer infusion time of 6 months to a year. Allowing for optimal flavor development.
It’s a good idea to have two bottles in rotation. As one depletes, you'll always have a steady supply of homemade vanilla extract on hand. Remember, patience is key to achieving the best results.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Place the vanilla beans in a clean jar or bottle. Cover them with spirits, making sure they are completely submerged. Cover the jar or bottle and give it a good shake.
Step 3: For optimal flavor, store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6 months to a year, shaking occasionally. Taste periodically for desired strength. Let it infuse for at least 12 weeks at room temperature before using, ideally waiting 6 months to a year for a rich, dark amber color and robust vanilla flavoring.
Vanilla FAQ’s
Use the same amount of homemade vanilla extract as you would store-bought in recipes.
A 40% organic alcohol base is ideal for making vanilla extract, removing the need for top-shelf or high-proof alcohol. Opting for an affordable 40% (80 proof) alcohol mirrors the alcohol content found in store-bought vanilla extracts. I prefer using a mid-tier alcohol, striking a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality, without compromising on flavor.
Vodka has the most neutral flavor, but you can also use bourbon, brandy, or rum to make extracts.
1. Make vanilla sugar: after drying spent vanilla. Place beans in a jar of sugar to infuse it with vanilla flavor for baking and sweetening beverages.
2. Add to maple syrup: add spent vanilla beans to a jar of maple syrup, let seep for a month.
3.Add to non-dairy milk: add one to a quart of vegan milk or cream and let it steep for a week before using it in coffee.
4.Make vanilla-scented potpourri: dry spent vanilla beans and mix them with dried flowers, herbs, or citrus peels to create a fragrant potpourri.
5. Create vanilla more extract: you can leave the beans in the alcohol and top off the bottle as you use the extract. Eventually all the flavor will be extracted from the original vanilla beans, so you can periodically add fresh beans as well as leftover pods that you've scraped for other recipes. Ina Garten's homemade vanilla extract is 37 years old lol.
Single fold vanilla extract typically uses a ratio of 1:1 vanilla beans to alcohol, while double fold vanilla extract uses a higher ratio of 2:1 vanilla beans to alcohol for a more concentrated flavor profile.
For single fold vanilla extract, a common ratio is about 1 ounce (30 ml) of vodka per vanilla bean. So, for example, if you're using 5 vanilla beans, you would use approximately 5 ounces (150 ml) of vodka.
Simply doubles the FDA's required minimum with 2 beans per ounce for double fold extract.
Adjust the ratio based on personal preference for intensity of flavor.
The nice thing about making your own vanilla extract is that you can add more or less beans as you'd like. You can try different beans with different flavors. You can try different spirits and or blend beans.
Yes, vanilla beans can mold when exposed to moisture or humidity, typically appearing as fuzzy or powdery spots on the surface of the bean.
To determine if vanilla beans have mold or are at risk of molding, inspect them for any visible signs of fuzzy or powdery growth on the surface. Additionally, check for any soft or slimy texture, unusual discoloration, or off-putting odor, which are indicators of mold development or imminent spoilage.
Pure vanilla extract, with its high alcohol content, is less prone to mold or spoilage compared to other liquids. However, improper storage conditions such as exposure to heat, light, or air can degrade its quality over time. It's essential to store vanilla extract in a cool, dark place and ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Yes, absolutely. First off you can’t get any simpler than 2 ingredients. It allows you to control the quality of ingredients, customize the flavor intensity, and potentially save money in the long run compared to purchasing store-bought options. Additionally, homemade vanilla extract often has a richer and more complex flavor profile than store-bought varieties.
Grade A vanilla beans are typically preferred for their higher moisture content and plumpness, making them ideal for recipes where the appearance of the vanilla bean is important, such as when using the whole bean for decoration or infusing liquids. Or split them open with a sharp knife and depending on the recipe, scrape out the oily seeds inside (sometimes called “caviar”) to use in recipes.
Grade B vanilla beans, on the other hand, are drier and contain fewer seeds, but they are favored for their intense flavor, making them perfect for extracting vanilla flavor in recipes like vanilla extract or when making vanilla sugar.
Grade A beans are also expected to be visually pleasing with no blemishes, and have excellent lengths compared to their less pleasing Grade B "extract-grade" counterparts.
Storage
How Long Will Homemade Vanilla Extract Last?
Store vanilla extract in a cool, dry, and dark place to maintain its flavor. Avoid extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight to prevent flavor degradation. Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life when stored in an airtight jar at room temperature. Vanilla extract improves with age due to its alcoholic base, ensuring it lasts indefinitely.
Note: Make sure the beans are always covered with vodka to avoid mold.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract
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Ingredients
- 6-8 beans Vanilla beans (preferably grade B) - about ½ ounce
- 8 ounces Vodka
Instructions
- Split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
- Place the vanilla beans in a clean jar or bottle. Cover them with spirits, making sure they are completely submerged. Cover the jar or bottle and give it a good shake.
- For optimal flavor, store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6 months to a year, shaking occasionally. Taste periodically for desired strength. Let it infuse for at least 12 weeks at room temperature before using, ideally waiting 6 months to a year for a rich, dark amber color and robust vanilla flavoring.
Notes
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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