Get the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
This easy homemade vanilla extract recipe requires just TWO ingredients: vanilla bean pods and vodka! Learn the best tips for making your own vanilla.
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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