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4.8 from 12 votes

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Learn how to make vanilla extract, the most popular flavor in baked goods. All of your questions are answered in our complete guide.

Prep Time
5 mins
Extract Time
120 d
Servings: 48
Calories: 11 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce whole vanilla beans
  • 8 ounces 80-proof vodka*

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. This recipe makes a single fold vanilla. I prefer a double fold vanilla, which means you would use 2 ounces of vanilla beans to 8 ounces of vodka.
  2. Cut the vanilla beans down the middle. You can slice them completely in half lengthwise, or simply cut a slit down the center to expose the middle of the bean.
  3. Cut the beans in half the opposite way so that they are now half the original length.
  4. Use a funnel or measuing cup with spout to pour the alcohol into a food grade glass bottle.
  5. Then add the split vanilla beans to the alcohol.
  6. Seal the jar or bottle with a tight lid.
  7. Give the jar a shake, then place it in a dark cupboard or out of direct sunlight.
  8. Allow the jar to sit for at least 4 months, shaking the jar either daily or as you think of it. It's not 100% important to do this, but it can help the extraction process.
  9. Test the vanilla in some milk, whipped cream or on a sugar cube to see if it is ready to use.

Notes

  • There are 48 teaspoons in 8 ounces of vodka.
  • The calories shown are based on the recipe making 8 ounces of vanilla extract, with one serving being 1 teaspoon of extract. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**

Nutrition Information

Calories 11kcal (1%) Sodium 0.05mg (0%) Potassium 0.05mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 48Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 11

% Daily Value*

Calories 11kcal 1%
Sodium 0.05mg 0%
Potassium 0.05mg 0%

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