Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract

Made with only two ingredients, Homemade Vanilla Extract is one of the easiest recipes for a staple ingredients in almost everything you bake.  Vodka and vanilla bean are the two ingredients that make this famous flavor so perfect!

Homemade Vanilla Extract is truly the gift that keeps on giving.  This is one of my absolute favorite edible gifts that is a beautiful as it is useful and can be used throughout the season.  Although we have some time and we don’t want to rush the holidays away, this is one recipe you will need to start now in order to have ready by Christmas.  Homemade vanilla extract is a simple recipe and one of the most used ingredient in holiday baking.  

Vanilla extract is used in almost every recipe I make, but especially our favorite Classic Vanilla Cake, Vanilla Buttercream Frosting and our go to Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe. Homemade Vanilla Extract will take about a month to make, but I promise you, it is not as much work as you might think.

Ingredients You Need To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Bean
To start, you need to choose a vanilla bean and there are several varieties to choose from.  Madagascar and Tahitian are the two most common regions to find vanilla beans from.  The vanilla bean from each region gives off different flavors and characters that will make your extract extra special.  Madagascar Bourbon is the most common and has a strong, sweet and creamy flavors, the Mexican bean is the strongest of all and very dominating in flavor, and the Tahitian Vanilla Bean has a unique floral and fruity flavor.  If you are familiar with the different types of vanilla bean, pick your favorite, but if this is all new to you, you cannot go wrong with any of these beans.

Alcohol
The next most important ingredient in making your own Vanilla Extract is the alcohol.  Vodka is the most common alcohol that is used while making your extract because is has a very neutral flavor.  If you prefer to experiment with other flavor profiles, rum, bourbon or brandy are also great options as well.  While choosing your alcohol, an inexpensive 40% alcohol is the best chose for making your vanilla extract.

Jars
Start out with a large 16 ounce glass jar to infuse the vanilla extract. Once the vanilla extract is ready to go you can keep the extract in this jar or dividing up into smaller 4 ounce jars for gifting.

Directions

Split the Vanilla Bean 

• Using a small paring knife, carefully split the vanilla bean lengthwise right down the middle cutting halfway through the bean so you can see the beans 

Combine Ingredients in a jar 

• Place the vanilla beans in a glass jar, submerge the vanilla beans in vodka so that they are fully covered and seal the jar 

Store the Vanilla Extract 

• Gently shake the jar and store it in a cool and dark area for at least 4-6 weeks and until the liquid turns a dark amber color (for a stronger flavor, keep infusing them for longer)

Use and Enjoy! 

• Once the extract is ready, you can use the vanilla extract straight from the large jar or pour it into individual 4 ounce jars (perfect for gifting) 
• Using your mini funnel, pour extract into 4 ounce glass jars, seal and decorate with label and twine

Tips and FAQS to Making Homemade Extract

Refill The Vanilla Extract
The best part about making homemade vanilla extract is that you can continuously refill the jar with vodka to keep your vanilla extract always on hand. Once the vanilla beans are in the jar, you can add more vodka if you starts to get low. You can repeat this 2-3 times using the same vanilla beans before you want to start new.

My Favorite Recipes Using Homemade Vanilla Extract 

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