photo of two bottles of homemade vanilla extract

About This Homemade Vanilla Extract

This easy homemade vanilla extract recipe requires just TWO ingredients: vanilla bean pods and vodka! The recipe comes together almost effortlessly, too—just combine the two ingredients in a glass jar, give it a good shake, and store. Over time, the vanilla beans will infuse the vodka to create the extract. You can then use the resulting homemade vanilla extract in any baking recipe on Hummingbird High, vanilla flavored or otherwise!

@hummingbirdhigh because i know some of you are panicking out there #bakingrecipe #homemade #vanilla ♬ Treat Beats – DJ FUNexpected

Ingredients and Substitutions

Now that I’ve convinced you to make homemade vanilla extract, here’s your shopping list for the recipe:

Shopping List For Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

  • vanilla bean pods
  • vodka

And let’s talk about these ingredients, some potential substitutions, and relevant shopping tips.

Vanilla Bean Pods

You need 5 vanilla bean pods to make one (6-ounce) bottle of homemade vanilla extract.

The Best Place To Buy Vanilla Beans

Although you can buy individual vanilla bean pods at the grocery store, they’re pricey as heck! Just one single vanilla bean pod usually costs between $9.99 to $15.99 at your average grocery store.

So instead, I recommend buying vanilla bean pods in bulk from Beanilla.com. Although their prices have gone up recently (ugh, like everywhere else!), you can still find pretty good deals. I recently bought 10 Madagascar vanilla bean pods for $28.50. That’s $2.85 per vanilla bean pod!

What’s the difference between Madagascar, Mexican, and Tahitian vanilla?

Here’s a quick summary of the differences between Madagascar, Mexican, and Tahitian vanilla:

  • Madagascar Vanilla: Most readily available vanilla extracts and beans use Madagascar vanilla bean pods. It has a creamy, rich flavor, with subtle notes of chocolate.

  • Mexican Vanilla: Mexican flavor has a subtle, woodier flavor, with a spicy-sweet character similar to clove or nutmeg.

  • Tahitian Vanilla: Tahitian vanilla has a delicate floral, fruity flavor similar to anise and cherry. Because Tahitian vanilla is very susceptible to heat, it is more expensive and prized.

Vodka

You need ¾ cup (6 ounces or 170 grams) to make one (6-ounce) bottle of homemade vanilla extract.

The Best Vodka To Use For Homemade Vanilla Extract

Honestly, there’s no need to splurge on high-end vodka. The cheap stuff works just as well as the expensive stuff. Just be sure to avoid vodkas with artificial flavors and sugars added—these flavors and sugars will affect the taste of your homemade extract!

Can I use another alcohol besides vodka?

Yes! You can use any kind of alcohol you prefer, but vodka works best because it is neutral in flavor and will really make the vanilla beans shine. You can also pick an alcohol with a complimentary flavor like bourbon or rum.

photo of single bottle of homemade vanilla extract

How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Here are the basic steps to make homemade vanilla extract:

  1. Prep the vanilla beans. I like to slice the vanilla bean pods lengthwise before placing them in the bottle. Doing so allows vanilla beans to escape out of the pods more easily and infuse your extract with even more flavor!

  2. Add the vodka and shake. A metal funnel (like one from this set!) will make this process go by quickly and easily.

  3. Store at room temperature in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 8 weeks (but preferably 6 months). You can technically use the extract in 8 weeks. However, it will be much more flavorful if you wait a full 6 months!

Best Recipe Tips

  • For best results, store your homemade vanilla extract in an airtight glass bottle with a resealable stopper. Don’t use plastic—the alcohol will degrade the plastic overtime and cause it to leech chemicals into your extract.

    You can buy airtight glass bottles with resealable lids online. I like these ones from 5-ounce bottles from Ikea (which is what I used, and they store 6-ounces of liquid comfortably!), as well as these larger 8.5-ounce bottles from Amazon.com.

  • If you use a larger bottle, don’t be afraid to use more alcohol to make more extract! I recommend going up to 1 cup (8 ounces or 227 grams) of vodka for 5 vanilla bean pods. Don’t use anymore than that, though—if you use too much alcohol, your extract won’t be as flavorful as mine!

Use Your Homemade Extract In These Vanilla Recipes on Hummingbird High

photo of two bottles of homemade vanilla extract
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Get the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 4 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 (6-ounce) bottle
Author: Michelle Lopez
This easy homemade vanilla extract recipe requires just TWO ingredients: vanilla bean pods and vodka! Learn the best tips for making your own vanilla.
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Ingredients

  • 5 vanilla bean pods
  • ¾ cup (6 ounces or 170 grams) vodka

Equipment

  • 1 (6-ounce) airtight glass bottle with a resealable stopper
  • metal funnel

Instructions
 

  • Prep the vanilla beans. Use the tip of a sharp knife to slice each vanilla bean pod lengthwise. Working one by one, stuff the pods into the bottle—you may need to fold the pods to get them to fit.
  • Add the vodka and shake. Use a (preferably metal) funnel to pour the vodka into the bottle full of vanilla beans. Add more vodka if necessary to ensure that the beans are fully submerged. Shake vigorously for 15 to 30 seconds.
  • Store for a minimum of 8 weeks (but preferably at least 6 months) before using. Store the extract at room temperature in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 8 weeks, but at least 6 months for optimal flavor before using. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds on a weekly basis.
  • Remove the vanilla beans from the vodka after first use. After 6 months, remove the pods completely after first use. Use as instructed in a recipe.
    However, if using the extract before 6 months, keep the pods in the bottle and top the extract off with more vodka—the pods still have flavor that you can extract. Shake and store as instructed in the recipe. Only remove the beans after 6 months has passed.
    Homemade vanilla extract without the pods will store in the airtight glass bottle at room temperature for up to 3 years.

Notes

  • For best results, store your homemade vanilla extract in an airtight glass bottle with a resealable stopper. Don’t use plastic—the alcohol will degrade the plastic overtime and cause it to leech chemicals into your extract. You can buy airtight glass bottles with resealable lids online. I like these ones from 5-ounce bottles from Ikea (which is what I used, and they store 6-ounces of liquid comfortably!), as well as these larger 8.5-ounce bottles from Amazon.com.
     
  • If you use a larger bottle, don’t be afraid to use more alcohol to make more extract! I recommend going up to 1 cup (8 ounces or 227 grams) of vodka for 5 vanilla bean pods. Don’t use anymore than that, though—if you use too much alcohol, your extract won’t be as flavorful as mine!
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