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5.0 from 30 votes

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Learn How to Make Vanilla Extract from scratch, a key ingredient in many baking recipes. All it takes is 2 ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka. Start using the vanilla in as little as 8 weeks, but for the best flavor, wait at least 6 months.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
12 mins
Servings: 48 servings (1 tsp each)
Calories: 12 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French , American

Ingredients

  • 6 Vanilla Beans (about 1/2 ounce, see note 1)
  • 8 ounces vodka or other 80 proof alcohol (see note 2)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In an 8 ounce (or slightly larger) clean glass bottle, add vanilla beans (cut the beans into small pieces if needed to make them fit).
  2. Top with 8 ounces vodka or other 80 proof alcohol (or slightly more so beans are completely submerged). Close the bottle completely and give it a shake.
  3. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 8 weeks, ideally 6 to 12 months for the best flavor.
  4. As you use the vanilla extract, you can top off the bottle with more vodka for a year or more. If the vodka still smells good, it's still safe to use. Or, remove the beans and strain the vanilla extract. The flavor will stop intensifying at that point, but the vanilla extract will be good indefinitely.

Notes

  • Vanilla beans: There are two grades of vanilla beans: A and B. Buy the B! Grade A beans are more expensive and are primarily used for cooking and pastry making. Grade B beans yield the most flavor since they are specifically meant for extracting. I recommend these Tahitian vanilla beans or these Madagascar vanilla beans.
  • 80 proof alcohol: Most vanilla extract is made with vodka and I prefer it for it's neutral, pure flavor. But you can use bourbon, brandy, or even rum. Feel free to buy the cheapest alcohol you can find and save "the good stuff" for cocktails.
  • Yield: This Vanilla Extract recipe makes about 8 ounces of vanilla extract.
  • Storage: Store vanilla extract in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1teaspoon Calories 12kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 0.1g (0%) Fat 0.04g (0%) Sodium 0.05mg (0%) Potassium 0.05mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 48servings (1 tsp each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 12

% Daily Value*

Serving 1teaspoon
Calories 12kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 0.1g 0%
Fat 0.04g 0%
Sodium 0.05mg 0%
Potassium 0.05mg 0%

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