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One of my all-time favorite gifts for friends and family is always Homemade Vanilla – this recipe is my favorite simple and super-flavorful vanilla to use as a gift or for special treats!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
How to Make Vanilla Extract at home
Vanilla extract is one of those things you just can’t go back to store-bought after you’ve made your own at home.
There is nothing like making your own vanilla extract – it is fresh, packed with flavor, and can be customized to your preferences – it is my favorite thing to make for teacher and friend gifts.
I designed this recipe to be super-simple and incredibly flavorful – so you can enjoy the best vanilla right at home!
How to Make Vanilla Extract at Home
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Vanilla beans (8 or 20 grams) – Vanilla beans provide the rich, aromatic flavor and natural oils that infuse the extract with deep, sweet, and floral notes.
- Vodka (1 cup 80 proof) – Vodka acts as a neutral solvent that extracts the flavor compounds from the vanilla beans, creating a smooth and well-balanced vanilla extract.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:
Prep Beans. Split the vanilla beans right down the middle with a knife so that the beans in the middle are exposed.
Assemble. Place the vanilla beans in an 8oz jar or container with a tight fitting lid. Pour vodka into the container until the beans are submerged. Mark the date on the container and shake a few times.
How to Store. Store the vanilla at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Shake one a week or whenever you remember to.
Wait. In 6 months it will be ready to use. The vanilla will get stronger the longer you leave it, 1 year later or more is ideal. If it still smells good then use it.
Continue Using. Once you begin using the extract simply add more vodka to replace the extract you used. Replace the beans when you find that the smell of vanilla isn’t as strong anymore and keep going!
Tips and Tricks for Vanilla Extract
Use High-Quality Vanilla Beans – Grade B beans are best for extract, as they have a higher concentration of oils and flavor compounds.
Choose the Right Alcohol – Use 80-proof vodka for a neutral flavor, or experiment with bourbon, rum, or brandy for a richer taste.
Slice or Split the Beans – Cutting the beans lengthwise exposes more surface area, helping the flavor infuse faster.
Use a Dark Glass Bottle – Amber or dark-colored bottles help protect the extract from light, preserving its potency.
Shake Regularly – Shake the bottle once a week to help distribute the vanilla essence evenly.
Be Patient – The best vanilla extract takes at least 8–12 weeks to develop but is even better after 6–12 months.
Don’t Skimp on Beans – A ratio of at least 1 ounce (28 grams) of vanilla beans per cup of alcohol ensures a strong extract.
Label Your Bottles – Note the date you started the extract so you know when it’s fully developed.
Strain for Clarity (Optional) – If you prefer a smooth extract, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth before use.
Reuse the Beans – After straining, dry the beans and place them in sugar to make vanilla sugar or reuse them for another batch of extract.
Make It Alcohol-Free – Substitute food-grade vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol for a non-alcoholic version.
Customize the Flavor – Try mixing different vanilla beans (Madagascar, Tahitian, Mexican) for a unique taste.
Use Small Bottles for Gifting – Homemade vanilla extract makes a great DIY gift; pour it into small bottles with a label and ribbon.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place – Keep your extract away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve its flavor.
The Longer, the Better – Vanilla extract only gets better with time, so let it sit as long as possible before use.
FAQs
Homemade vanilla extract takes at least 8–12 weeks, but for the best flavor, let it sit for 6–12 months before using.
No, Grade B vanilla beans are ideal for extract because they have less moisture and more concentrated flavor than Grade A beans.
Yes! While vodka is neutral and lets the vanilla shine, you can use bourbon, rum, or brandy for a richer, more complex flavor.
The standard ratio is 6–8 whole vanilla beans (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) per cup of alcohol for a strong extract.
Splitting the beans exposes more surface area and helps the flavor infuse faster, but you can also leave them whole for a milder extract.
No, imitation vanilla is already a flavored extract and won’t work for making homemade vanilla extract.
Yes, you can substitute food-grade vegetable glycerin for alcohol, but it will take at least 6 months to infuse and won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Yes! After the first batch, refill the bottle with more alcohol as you use it – it may be weaker, but still flavorful. Add new beans once the flavor weakens.
This is optional! Some people like the vanilla specks, but if you prefer a smoother extract, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Use more beans per cup of alcohol or let it steep for a longer period—the longer it sits, the richer the flavor.
It takes time for the vanilla to infuse. If it’s still clear after a few months, you may need to add more beans or let it sit longer.
Homemade vanilla extract lasts indefinitely if stored properly, as the alcohol preserves it.
Absolutely! Pour it into small bottles, add a custom label, and include a note with the date it was started for a thoughtful gift.
What to Use Vanilla Extract In
Cakes & Cupcakes – Enhances the flavor of vanilla, chocolate, and fruit-based cakes.
Cookies – Essential in chocolate chip, sugar, and shortbread cookies.
Brownies & Blondies – Adds depth to chocolatey and buttery treats.
Muffins & Quick Breads – Great in banana bread, pumpkin bread, and blueberry muffins.
Pancakes & Waffles – A splash in the batter gives a warm, sweet aroma.
Frostings & Glazes – Enhances buttercream, royal icing, and simple sugar glazes.
Pies & Pastries – A key ingredient in fruit pies, tarts, and pastry creams.
Custards & Puddings – Adds a classic vanilla flavor to crème brûlée, flan, and tapioca pudding.
Cheesecake – Brings out the richness in classic and flavored cheesecakes.
Try in these recipes:
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Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 8 vanilla beans, or 20 grams of them
- 1 cup vodka, 80 proof
Instructions
- Split the vanilla beans right down the middle with a knife so that the beans in the middle are exposed.
- Place the vanilla beans in an 8oz jar or container with a tight fitting lid. Pour vodka into the container until the beans are submerged. Mark the date on the container and shake a few times.
- Store the vanilla at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Shake one a week or whenever you remember to.
- In 6 months it will be ready to use. The vanilla will get stronger the longer you leave it, 1 year later or more is ideal. If it still smells good then use it.
- Once you begin using the extract simply add more vodka to replace the extract you used. Replace the beans when you find that the smell of vanilla isn’t as strong anymore and keep going!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
