Pure Vanilla Extract will elevate everything you bake, and you can make your own in just 5 minutes. It’s great for gifting with my free labels, and can even be re-filled when you run out.
There are certain basic essentials I always make from home to save money, and they’re just way better, like Taco Seasoning, Healthy Granola, Playdough, and Protein Bars.
Homemade Vanilla Extract is the inexpensive baking upgrade you need.
Homemade Vanilla Extract is the inexpensive baking upgrade you need. I’ve been making our Vanilla Extract recipe for many years and it’s my favorite way to save money while still getting high quality, pure vanilla extract for baking. The best part is, once your vanilla runs out, you can refill the bottle with vodka, using the same used vanilla beans (they last for two batches). It’s makes a great gift, using our free labels, bottles, and label paper, for neighbors at Christmas or a housewarming gift to a friend.
What you’ll need:
- Vanilla Beans: Use high quality Grade B Vanilla Madagascar Beans (or Tahitian or Mexican beans, if you prefer). You need 4-5 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of vodka. Find vanilla beans in the baking aisle or online (I’ve bought them from Costco, too).
- Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka–any cheap brand will work. Brandy, rum, or bourbon also work, for different flavor variation.
- Glass jars to put the vanilla in. A basic Mason jar works for personal everyday use, or these 4oz or 8oz glass jars are perfect for gifting to friends and neighbors.
- Funnel
About the Vanilla Beans:
Which Beans to use for Vanilla Extract?
There are Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans. Grade A beans have above 25% moisture (water) so they’re easy to split open for desserts like ice cream or crème brûlée. Grade B vanilla beans have less than 25% moisture, so they’re perfect for vanilla extract where they brew for a long time, can produce a stronger flavor ,and are usually less expensive. Grade A vanilla beans will work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Madagascar Vanilla Beans: The most common flavor used in vanilla extract.
- Tahitian Vanilla Beans: Has hints of cherry and anise.
- Mexican Vanilla Beans: Has hints of clove and nutmeg.
How to make Vanilla Extract:
Score Vanilla Beans: Gently cut slits lengthwise in the vanilla beans with a sharp knife then place beans in a jar. (You may need to cut them in half to fit in the jar). You need 4-5 Vanilla bean per 8 ounces (1 cup) alcohol.
Add Vodka: Using a funnel, carefully fill the bottle with Vodka. Make sure the vanilla pods are fully submerged in alcohol. Secure lid tightly and shake gently. Rest/brew for 6 months in a cool dark place. Use it in your favorite cakes, cookies and other desserts.
Free Printable Labels for Vanilla Extract:
Vanilla extract is the perfect gift, so I’ve provided these FREE Printable Labels that are 2” squares, to stick on your bottles for gifts. I use my regular printer to print them off on this label paper.
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Recipe
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Equipment
- Glass Bottles or jars
Ingredients
- 10 Vanilla Madagascar beans, Grade B , (or Tahitian or Mexican beans, if preferred)
- 2 cups Vodka , 80 proof
- Vanilla Extract Printable Labels , optional
Instructions
- Gather ingredients and jar(s). You will need 4-5 beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of alcohol.
- Gently cut slits, lengthwise down the vanilla beans, using a sharp knife. Place the vanilla beans in jar (cut them in half if needed, to submerge them in alcohol).
- Fill jars with vodka. Secure lid tightly on the bottle and shake gently.
- Allow to steep/brew for at least 2 months, or ideally 6-12 months for best flavor. Shake bottles occasionally. Write date on jars or use our labels.
- When running low, add more vodka to the bottle and brew again, reusing the same beans for up to one more batch.
Notes
- Vanilla Beans: Use high quality Grade B Vanilla Madagascar Beans (or Tahitian or Mexican beans, if you prefer). Find vanilla beans in the baking aisle or online (I’ve bought them from Costco, too).
- Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka–any inexpensive brand will work. Try brandy, rum, or bourbon for different flavor variation.
- Containers: A basic Mason jar works for personal everyday use, or these 4oz or 8oz glass jars are perfect for gifting to friends and neighbors.
Nutrition
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I originally shared this post May 2020. Updated July 2024.
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I brought home 4 kg Madagascar vanilla – can’t wait
Please review FDA requirements for Vanilla extract. You need to weigh your beans (0.83 oz of beans for 8 oz of 70-100 proof alcohol). It takes 6 months to fully extract the beans if you split in half and chop into 1-2” pieces and shake daily. Finally, there is no such thing as everlasting gobstopper vanilla beans. Once extracted, the only flavor left is exactly the same as in the extract. Adding more alcohol just dilutes the strength and makes it vanilla infused alcohol.