Homemade Vanilla Extract
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Additional Time
56 d
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Total Time
56 d 5 mins
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Servings
48 servings
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Calories
12 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Description
The Homemade Vanilla Extract recipe involves splitting vanilla beans to expose their seeds and immersing them in high-proof alcohol within sterilized jars. The mixture is aged for about 8 weeks, during which the alcohol extracts the beans' flavor, resulting in a deeply aromatic liquid. Variations include adding orange peel, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, lemongrass, or lemon zest to infuse different flavor notes. The vanilla extract can be used once the beans have steeped sufficiently, and keeping the beans submerged preserves and even intensifies the flavor over time.
Because this extract is made from whole vanilla beans and alcohol, it captures the true vanilla essence and allows control over the presence of additional flavorings. The slow infusion requires little daily effort beyond occasional shaking. This makes it a useful pantry staple for baking and cooking when true vanilla flavor is desired.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces alcohol such as Everclear, 70-proof
- 4-6 Vanilla Beans
Instructions
- Clean and sterilize one 8-ounce jar or bottle or two 4-ounce bottles or jars. Using bottles with lids or stoppers is suggested.
- Split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. This will expose the seeds.
- Add the vanilla bean and any loose seeds to the container. If you are using a 4-ounce container, you may need to cut the beans in half to fit them into the jar/bottle.
- Add the alcohol to cover the beans, then seal the jar or bottle tightly with a lid. Gently shake each container to distribute the beans. Place the jars or bottles in a cool, dark place to infuse the flavors. Shaking the bottle occasionally.
- The extraction process usually takes about 8 weeks. The longer you wait, the more intense and complex the flavor will become. At this point, the vanilla is ready to use, and the vanilla beans can be removed. If the vanilla beans are left in the bottle, the flavor will continue to evolve, just like a fine wine. Just be sure the beans are always submerged in alcohol.
Notes
- Use a clean, sterilized jar with an airtight lid to prevent contamination during infusion.
- Shake the jar occasionally to help distribute the vanilla flavor evenly throughout the alcohol.
- Allow at least 8 weeks for the extract to mature to a standard flavor intensity, but longer aging deepens complexity.
- Submerged beans can remain in the jar to continue flavor development; just ensure they do not dry out above the liquid.
- For variations, add small amounts of flavoring ingredients such as orange peel, cinnamon stick, or lemongrass when starting the infusion.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 48servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 12 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 12kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sodium | 0.05mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.002mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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