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4.7 from 9 votes

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Add a burst of sweet delicious flavor with this homemade vanilla extract. If you use vanilla flavoring often, you’ll love making your own homemade version. 

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 16 people
Calories: 36 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 6-8 whole vanilla beans cut in half lengthwise (Click for where to buy)
  • 1 cup vodka or bourbon

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the vanilla beans to a clean jar or bottle with an airtight seal. Optional: Scrape the vanilla caviar from the beans with a pairing knife and add it to the jar separately. This can speed up the process a little bit.
  2. Add your alcohol of choice to completely cover the beans and attach the lid.
  3. Place the vanilla in a cool, dark place for at least 6 months before using. Periodically add more alcohol and/or beans as you use it up.

Notes

  • Storage: Store homemade vanilla extract in an airtight container in a cool, dark place indefinitely. 
  • This recipe makes 1 cup of vanilla extract
  • Buying vanilla beans online or at spice shops can help you save a lot of money-- they’re much more expensive in the grocery store. Here is what we bought.
  • For a more pure vanilla taste, I opt for vodka. For a richer, well-rounded flavor, I opt for Bourbon-- but I always have one of each on hand!
  • I usually give my vanilla extract a good shake every month but that is really optional-- I just like to check on it to make sure it’s moving along nicely. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1tablespoon Calories 36kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Fat 1g (2%) Sodium 1mg (0%) Potassium 1mg (0%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 36

% Daily Value*

Serving 1tablespoon
Calories 36kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Fat 1g 2%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%
Iron 1mg 6%

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