Homemade Vanilla Extract

By Kaleb WyseLast modified on Jul 05, 2024

4.95 from 34 votes

Making vanilla extract at home is a pretty simple process with two ingredients! Combine vanilla beans and a strong alcohol and in about a year, there will be plenty of vanilla extract to go around!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 365

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I have a love-hate relationship with vanilla extract. The smell is amazing, and I always end up adding more to every recipe. The little bottles drain much quicker than they should, and I’m left with the realization that I buy a lot of vanilla extract. Imitation vanilla works and has some flavor, but I have issues with the “synthetic” flavors and would rather be able to control the strength of my vanilla. This extract is super easy to make as you can control all the ingredients as well as the strength.

What is vanilla extract?

True vanilla extract is made by macerating vanilla beans in alcohol and extracting their flavor. The dark color and deep fragrance come from the vanilla beans themselves. After months of sitting in the alcohol, they leech into the liquid and create the extract we use in most baked goods.

Vanilla extract is probably the easiest thing that can be made at home. It just takes some time and patience. Making vanilla extract at home allows you to create the optimal ratio of beans to alcohol, giving the best flavor. Your baked goods will have never been better!

Large narrow bottle filled with clear alcohol sitting on wood board with vanilla beans inside of bottle

What alcohol is used to make vanilla extract?

Traditionally, vodka is used to make vanilla extract. Vodka is neutral-flavored and allows the vanilla bean flavor to shine.

The important part is the alcohol content. The alcohol should be 70 to 120 proof. Anything less and the beans could spoil. Anything more and the beans could dry out from a high amount of alcohol content.

You can use other alcohols in the same proof range, such as rum, if a slightly different flavor is desired.

Close up view of white bottle filled with vanilla beans and clear alcohol sitting on wood board

Once you try this homemade vanilla, you’ll stop spending so much money on “premium” vanillas and only use this!

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Watch how to make this homemade vanilla extract:

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How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

By Kaleb

4.95 from 34 votes

Making vanilla extract at home is a pretty simple process with two ingredients! Combine vanilla beans and a strong alcohol and in about a year, there will be plenty of vanilla extract to go around!

Prep: 5

Cook: 0

Total: 365

Servings: tsp

Large bottle filled with brown liquid sitting on wood board with vanilla beans sitting beside with crock filled with wooden spoons in background

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Ingredients

▢ 3 cups vodka
▢ 3 oz vanilla beans

Instructions

Place the beans in a tall glass airtight container. Pour the vodka over the beans, making sure they are completely covered.
3 oz vanilla beans, 3 cups vodka
Place in a cool, dark place, agitating once per week to incorporate the vanilla essence into the vodka. For optimal flavor, it's best if the extract sits for one year before use.