Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry staples to make at home, and the flavor is so much better. With vanilla beans, alcohol, and time, you can keep a jar ready for baking, gifting, and all those recipes where vanilla extract is a key ingredient.
Servings: 3 cups
Equipment
- 1 glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (cleaned and sterilized)
Ingredients
- 3 oz vanilla beans (soft and flexible)
- 3 cups vodka (80-proof)
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: In a tall airtight glass container, place the vanilla beans. The beans can be sliced open or left whole. If sliced, the beans will allow flecks of vanilla to be present in the resulting extract. Personally, I do not slice my vanilla beans, but instead leave them whole for the cleanest extract.3 oz vanilla beans (soft and flexible)
- Add liquid: Pour the vodka over the beans, making sure they are completely covered.3 cups vodka (80-proof)
- Seal and store: Add the lid and place in a cool, dark place. Once per week, agitate the jar to incorporate the vanilla essence into the vodka. For optimal flavor, it's best if the extract sits for 1 year before use.
For optimal flavor, it's best if the extract sits for 1 year before use. But you can let it sit for a minimum of 6 months before use, especially if you split open your beans.
Video
Notes
Use a cleaned and sterilized jar to make the vanilla.
Nutrition
Serving: 1tsp | Calories: 3kcal