Homemade Vanilla Extract is about to take your baking up to a whole new level! Plump vanilla beans soaked in a spirit create a rich deep flavor every baker desires. Your cookies, cakes, and desserts will taste so amazing you will want to bake with it always. You will be shocked by how simple it is to make.
Vanilla is a Must-Have Ingredient in Baked Goods
I have been a long proponent of a certain brand of vanilla and vanilla bean paste because, well, it is so darn good in all my baked goods. Check out our Desserts page for more recipes!
BUT, this year I decided to challenge myself to make my own and you know what I discovered? It is SO SIMPLE to make vanilla extract!
I mean, really, really easy. With a few items, you can make homemade vanilla in 3 easy steps!
Good vanilla extract from scratch
This little experiment took hold after watching Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) onthe Food Network and her use of the term “use good vanilla.”
Here I always thought I was using good vanilla, but then I thought about it and wondered, what exactly made the vanilla good? The vanilla bean pods
? The vodka?
I determined, it requires both; and both are what the user- you and me- decide are “good” for our taste.
Related recipes: Nana's Sand Tarts, Classic Sugar Cookies, Cinnamon Swirl Bread, Avocado Chocolate Mousse, Cast Iron Skillet Cookie, Monster Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Pound Cake, Zucchini Carrot Muffins, silver dollar pancakes with vanilla bean butter.
What you need to make homemade vanilla extract
So, I set out to find a few glass jars
, Madagascar vanilla beans
from Penzey's Spices,and my preferred vodka, Grey Goose.
I combed Target for the jars and found a nice small decorative jar for $1 and a nice big Kilner canning jar
. I liked this one because of the shape and ridges and because it is so large, I will have homemade vanilla forever and ever!
I chose the vanilla beans
from Penzey's because they are ginormous, plump, and for the cost, you get your money's worth for sure.
Vanilla extract recipe
And, I've basically just shared what you will need for making homemade vanilla in3 easy steps! Yep. That easy.
- A glass (airtight) jar
. - Vanilla Beans.
- Vodka.
.
.
Crazy, right?!
Homemade Vanilla Extract Takes Time to Make
Of course, the only extra thing you will need is patience because once you put these items together, you need to wait at least 30 days for the flavors to brew intoa glorious amber liquid full of flavor every baker would be envious of having on their pantry shelf.
One question you may ask yourself is “How long does homemade vanilla extract last?” and my answer to that is forever, as long as you keep your beans rotated and covered with liquid, you are good for years to come!
What are the exact steps to make vanilla extract?
Here is the ratio I followed:
For the small jar
, I used 5-6 vanilla beans; for the large canning jar
, I used about 10 beans.
I used a sharp paring knife
and cut from the midpoint of the bean, cut it in half; so it looked like a “Y”. By splitting the pods, the minute beans fall out and filter into the liquid making it super good.
Shoved the split beansin the jars and then covered them completely with vodka.
Place the jars in a dark cool place and give them a gentle shake every so often. You will see the beans swirl and that is a good thing.
30 days later you have liquid gold! Homemade Vanilla Extract will never go bad- just be sure to always keep the beans covered with vodka.
If you take out a bean to use, replace it. Use a few tablespoons
for baking, top off the liquid.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Gifts
If you have a baker in your family or on your gift list, this will be a perfect gift for the holidays, or birthday, or any occasion really!
Just be sure to plan ahead so that you are ready when the time comes. If you run out of time, here are some great gifts to give a foodie!
- Pick from our 100 Kitchen Gadgets for stocking stuffers.
- Mix Box by Homemade bakers has a delicious baking schedule including Caramel Apple Poke Cake and Peppermint Bark Fudge Cookies!
- Create Your Own Scone Box
Looking for food and snack subscription boxes? Click here to find the perfect one for you!
Is Vodka the Only Alcohol I Can Use to Make Vanilla Extract?
Nope!! In fact, I encourage you to try different flavors! Our favorites are
- Vodka
- Bourbon
- Rum
Each brings a depth of flavor that is unique and so incredibly delicious!
We love using our homemade vanilla extract when making ourbaked goods!
Make homemade vanilla extract in 3 easy steps! Plump Madagascar vanilla beans and Grey Goose Vodka make a delicious amber extract perfect for baking.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Ingredients
- 5-15 Madagascar Vanilla Bean Pods
- Favorite Vodka
Instructions
- Find a clean, dry airtight glass jar (such as a sealed spice or canning jar)
- Split bean pods in half from mid-point down forming a "Y"
- Place in jar and cover completely with vodka
- Place in dark cool place and shake gently every few days.
- Allow to steep for 30 days.
- Replace used vanilla beans with fresh and always keep beans covered with vodka.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
50Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 2Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Original post : 12/19/18
Updated Post: 11/5/19
