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5.0 from 18 votes

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade vanilla extract couldn’t be simpler. All you need are two ingredients: vodka and vanilla beans. And of course, time. This vanilla extract is delicious, easy and makes the perfect gift. 

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Extraction Time
180 d
Total Time
180 d 6 mins
Servings: 7
Calories: 83 kcal
Course: Cake
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 Vanilla Beans (from Madagascar, Tahiti or Mexico)
  • 8 ounces vodka (or bourbon or rum)
  • bottle
  • funnel

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small saucepan, set over medium-low heat, add the vodka. Warm it up until it’s warm to the touch. No need to take it to a boil. You just want it a bit warm.
  2. Using a paring knife, split open the vanilla bean pod to expose the beans. Add them to the bottle you’re using.
  3. Pour the vodka over the beans and close the lid. Label the bottle with the name and date. Store in a dark place. Every few days, in the beginning, you want to give it a shake. After those the first week, you can just give it a shake every week or so.
  4. Store in a dark cool place and in 6 to 8 months, you’ll have beautiful homemade vanilla extract.

Notes

  • Equipment: 
  • Bottles | Madagascar Vanilla Beans (Pack of 10) | Madagascar Beans (Pack of 25) | Funnel | 
  • Tips and Tricks:
  • Making Alcohol-Free Extract
  • Food-grade Glycerin can be substituted 1:1 
  • Jars - You can use a big mason jar and just double or triple the recipe if you like. I I found these jars to be great with an attached lid.
  • Funnel - I find funnels to be a super useful thing to have in the kitchen. I've had these for a few years and they come in handy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 83kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Fat 1g (2%) Sodium 0.3mg (0%) Potassium 0.3mg (0%) Iron 0.003mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 7Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 83

% Daily Value*

Calories 83kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Fat 1g 2%
Sodium 0.3mg 0%
Potassium 0.3mg 0%
Iron 0.003mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.