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Learning how to make vanilla extract is the easiest thing ever. It requires only 2 ingredients andmakes all of your baked goods taste and smell incredible. Homemade vanilla extract will be your secret ingredientfor baking!Once you make your own homemade vanilla extract,there’s just no going back to the store-bought version. As a bonus,you can refill real vanilla extract with more vodka as it runs out so it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
These make for darling and thoughtful DIY Christmas gifts (see tutorial below). My cousin’s wife, Alla, shared this awesome idea with me for gifting homemade vanilla extract and now all my sisters and friends know exactly what they’re getting for Christmas! lol.
I included links to all of the tools and resources that I used to make these from the sweet little glass bottles on Amazon to the free labels I designed which you can print at home. There’s also a full visual tutorial on wrapping these in kitchen towels. I really enjoyed making these and I will enjoy giving them away even more!
Vanilla Extract Ingredients (makes 10 (4oz) jars):
20 vanilla beans
40 oz plain vodka* (80 proof works great)
It’s easy to scale this recipe up or down, the proportions are 4 whole vanilla beans per 1 cup (8 oz) vodka, or 2 vanilla beans per 1/2 cup (4 oz) vodka.
*It’s not necessary to get themost expensive brand of vodka; something middle of the road like Smirnoff triple distilled 80 proof will work just fine. I found this at the liquor store and paid $25 for a giant jug. I’ll be refilling my vanilla a long time :).My cousin used the Vodka sold at Costco (Washington Costco’scarry liquor, but Idaho’s don’t).
Tools you’ll need for Homemade Vanilla Extract:
Small funnel or measuring cup with pouring lip
10 (4oz) clear bottles with lids (avoid cork lids – alcohol evaporates through the cork)
Labels (click here to save and print the labels I designed FREE!)
Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
How to Make Vanilla Extract:
1. Wash and sanitize bottles and lids. I washedwith mild soapy water, rinsed then swirled with boiling hot water to sanitize them.
2. Cut beans in half then Split beans. I found this is easiest with kitchen scissors. Cutting them about halfway down the stem. If the beans are too dry to split, cut them into 1″ pieces. Place a total of 2 whole beans in each jar (or 4 split halves).
3. Use a funnel or measuring cup to pour vodka to the top of the jar. Cover tightly with lid and let them brew for 2 months, shaking occasionally.
Apply the FREE vanilla extract labels by printing them on label paper or by gluing them onto the bottles. If printing on the labels, make sure your printer is set to 100% and not “fit to page” which make shrink or stretch labels.
You should give the vanilla a little shake every now and then for the next couple of months as it sits. It will turn a beautiful amber color when it’s ready to use. The instructions are right on the label so you don’t have to wait that long to gift them ;).
For Creative Gifting:
12 yards of yarnorkitchen string
12 kitchen towels for gifting, preferably tea towel style
12 small/medium cookie cutters
How to Wrap a Gift With a Kitchen Towel:
Fold a kitchen towel in half lengthwise and then in half again lengthwise. Place vanilla in the upper left corner, fold over the bottom flap, roll into a log and tie the top with a string or ribbon directly over the next of where the bottle is sitting inside the towel.
How to Store Vanilla Extract
Keep your homemade vanilla extract in a cool dry place. Heat and light can cause it to turn cloudy.
If it does turn cloudy, murky, or muddy-looking, do the smell test and if it still smells good, it should be fine to use. Using 80 proof vodka, it is highly unlikely there is bacterial growth.
Sometimes the type of beans you get can leach pulp into the alcohol and you can strain out sediment if desired.
Vanilla Extract Recipe
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
How to make Homemade Vanilla Extract - it's so easy and only requires 2 ingredients! This will become your secret ingredient for baking.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins
Ingredients
Servings: 12 (4oz) jars
Vanilla Extract Ingredients (makes 12 (4oz) jars):
- 20 vanilla beans, I used Grade B Bourbon
- 40 oz plain vodka*, 80 proof works great
Tools you'll need for Homemade Vanilla Extract:
Instructions
Wash and sanitize bottles and lids: Wash with mild soapy water, rinse, then carefully swirl with boiling hot water to sanitize them.
Cut beans in half then Split beans (it's easiest with kitchen scissors), cutting them about halfway down the stem. If the beans are too dry to split, cut them into small 1" pieces so they don't stick up above the surface of the extract as you use it. Place a total of 2 whole beans in each jar (or 4 split halves).
Use a funnel to pour vodka to the top of jar. Cover tightly with lid and let them brew for 2 months, shaking occasionally.
Notes
It's easy to scale this recipe up or down, the proportions are 4 whole vanilla beans per 1 cup (8 oz) vodka, or 2 vanilla beans per 1/2 cup (4 oz) vodka.
- Full Nutrition Label
- Nutrition Disclosure
Course: Condiments, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vanilla Extract
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$$
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Natasha Kravchuk
Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.
Read more posts by Natasha
FAQs
The standard for pure vanilla extract is 1 oz. of vanilla beans (by weight) per 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) of alcohol.
How to make high quality vanilla extract? ›
You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. Homemade vanilla is more cost efficient than store-bought options. You can try homemade vanilla sugar too.
How many vanilla beans for 8 oz of vodka? ›
For best flavor you'll want 4-5 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of vodka. The quality of the vanilla beans is more important than the quality of the alcohol, so you don't need to buy an expensive bottle. Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka, (or brandy, rum, or bourbon, if preferred, for different flavor).
What is the best alcohol to make vanilla extract? ›
Choosing an Alcohol
- Vodka will give you the smoothest, purest, most unadulterated and well-balanced vanilla flavor and is my preference.
- Grain alcohol has more of a bite to it and typically pulls the flavor from the beans faster than vodka. ...
- Bourbon will yield a smooth, warm extract with caramel undertones.
Remember that all "Pure" extracts are required to have a minimum 35% alcohol content, which is just as much alcohol that is in hard liquor. Alcohol is needed for extraction. Since this may be your first time making extract, you may notice characteristics that you didn't before in your store-bought "pure" extract.
How much alcohol should be in pure vanilla extract? ›
By FDA standards, pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35 percent alcohol, the same proof as Captain Morgan rum. You can't buy it in liquor stores, but it's sold in grocery stores and for many, it is a household staple.
Is homemade vanilla worth it? ›
Going from vanilla bean to vanilla extract is economical and delicious. Compared to store bought vanilla, making vanilla extract is much cheaper. On average it costs $5 per ounce at the grocery store, but you can make it for $1.65 per ounce. That's 60% cheaper than what you'd buy at the store!
What gives the best vanilla flavor? ›
Tahitian vanilla beans are the most expensive type of vanilla bean, but don't let that deter you. These vanilla beans have a superb flavor and aroma.
What is the best proof for making vanilla? ›
Anything over 80 proof is fine and makes a lovely extract. It's true, though, that the higher the proof, the more vanilla essence will be extracted into the liquid.
How many times can you reuse vanilla beans to make extract? ›
It is up to you when you want to discard the old beans and start fresh. I choose to use them 2-4 times, depending on the quality of the beans, how long the extract has been sitting and if I've been careful about making sure the beans stay submerged at all times.
With Vodka, you get the taste of the pure vanilla bean, as the alcohol is completely tasteless. With Rum, you get a very sweet taste and the maximum vanilla taste. With Bourbon, while you do get a wonderfully enhanced vanilla taste, there are specific smoky notes that emanate through the extract.
How long does homemade vanilla extract last? ›
When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening. What is the shelf life of my vanilla beans? When stored properly, two years.
What alcohol is used in Mexican vanilla? ›
To make your own Mexican vanilla extract, you'll need:
12 ounces of vodka (at least 35% alcohol content) A clean, airtight glass bottle for storage.
Can you use Everclear for vanilla extract? ›
If Everclear 189/190 isn't available in your area, Everclear 151 or 120 will do the trick. If you cannot purchase Everclear at all, the highest proof vodka you can find will work. You'll need to infuse much longer (closer to the 12 months mark) and use more vanilla beans per bottle of extract.
Why is vanilla extract in a brown bottle? ›
Many bakers recommend choosing brown or darkly colored bottles to minimize the amount of light hitting the extract. We've found that clear bottles are fine as long as they are stored in a cool/dark place.
How many vanilla beans does it take to make a gallon of vanilla extract? ›
FDA standards call for at least 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of liquid. This equates to approximately . 9 oz of beans per 8 ounces of alcohol! Many people really like to use rum, bourbon, or brandy.
What is the ratio of vanillin to vanilla extract? ›
Vanilla extract contains about 1–2% of vanillin along some 60–100 other flavor chemicals. In contrast to vanilla extract, vanillin is a single chemical compound which can be synthesized either chemically or biologically. Synthetic vanillin is most widely used due to its low cost.
How much does 1 vanilla bean equal to vanilla extract? ›
As far as substitutions go, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is equal to one 2-inch piece of vanilla bean, so 1 typical vanilla bean will equal 3 teaspoons extract. As for vanilla paste, there are usually directions on each jar indicating proper equivalencies, so consult that first as the concentrations can differ.
Is it cheaper to make your own vanilla extract? ›
A bit of simple math reveals that homemade vanilla extract is the more economical choice. Say you buy two 4-ounce bottles of the good vanilla extract from the grocery store every year. If each jar costs $18, that's $180 over a five-year span.
