Homemade Vanilla Extract – Making your own homemade DIY vanilla extract is so easy! Time does all of the work and you get the benefit of an amazing vanilla extract!
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Make Your Own Vanilla Extract
Once you see how easy it is to make your own homemade vanilla extract, you are going to lament not doing it sooner. I used to buy those small costly bottles. I love the flavor of vanilla, so I went through a lot of those bottles.
Then I read about making your own vanilla extract. It sounded ridiculously easy. So easy, that I thought there was no way it was going to be good.
Well, I am here to report that the homemade vanilla extract is wonderful! I’ve been making it (keeping a batch going) for over 10 years now!
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
All you need to make vanilla extract is vodka, vanilla beans and a jar to store it in. Now, I know what you’re thinking…vanilla beans are expensive! Yes, they are, that’s why vanilla extract is so expensive! But with my method, your beans will do double duty. They will make a delicious extract and when you need vanilla bean seeds for a recipe, you simply take one out, cut off the tip and squeeze out the plump moist seeds!
This is how I store my vanilla beans. It keeps them moist, no more dried out vanilla beans, and they are busy making vanilla extract! I store mine in a Weck Jar.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Your batch of homemade vanilla extract should be ready in about 2 months. Just give it a little taste. Then just keep it going forever! Add a little more vodka or more beans as you go along. This also makes a wonderful gift for friends or family who love to bake. They will appreciate a big jar of this!
You can use some of your delicious vanilla extract in this Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Candied Walnuts or this Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Vanilla Bean Flecks.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade Vanilla Extract is so easy and you get to use the vanilla beans for other recipes too!
Ingredients
- 10 vanilla beans
- 2 cups vodka
Instructions
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Place vanilla beans in a jar with a lid.
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Pour in vodka, give it a little shake and tighten the lid.
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Let sit at room temperature for about 2 months before tasting.
Recipe Notes
Note - you can start tasting this at one month. Just leave the beans in indefinitely, using them as you need to for recipes. Top off the vodka and add new beans when necessary.
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Update Notes: This was originally published in 2011 and has been updated for 2018.
Carmella says
Making my own vanilla extract is truly one of my goals in life. I don’t even know why I haven’t done it yet, it’s so simple to make! Tito’s gives me bad memories but in this case I should be fine since I’m not drinking it, right? 😂
Pam Greer says
You need to make happier Tito memories! 🙂
Darlene @ Dip Recipe Creations says
Wow, I’ve never thought about making vanilla extract before! This is such a great idea. I also love the Tito’s vodka 🙂
Pam Greer says
It’s so easy and it’s perfect for storing vanilla beans!
Adriana Lopez Martin says
Tito’s is my favorite vodka, and I use it to make libations and extracts too. Love homemade vanilla extract makes such a difference on my baking, and it is great for gifting too.
Pam Greer says
My favorite vodka too!
Matt @ Plating Pixels says
Mind blown. I had no idea this was even possible!
Pam Greer says
I know and it’s crazy easy!
Mary says
I’ve been making homemade vanilla extract like this for years! It’s so easy and good!
Pam Greer says
Once you start, you never stop!
Taylor Kiser says
Making vanilla extract is really this easy!! Love it and it will make wonderful holiday gifts!
Pam Greer says
I know, I don’t think people realize how easy it is!
Allison says
Why have I never made this before?! Thanks for sharing this recipe – I’m definitely giving it a try. 🙂
Pam Greer says
You should, it’s so easy!
Bella Rum says
Great idea for me. Great gift idea.
Kat says
I love this idea! Thanks.
Chris says
Perfect, I have a load of beans coming my way.
Kyle says
I’m impressed!
Marjie says
I like that your vanilla beans have the brand name Singing Dog. Do the kittycats approve?
Pam says
What a great idea!!!
Barbara says
My daughter’s going to love the kale pesto. Can’t wait to make it for her!
Never have made my own vanilla extract…and I am a vanilla bean paste convert and use it for everything that calls for extract OR a vanilla bean. Sure looks easy though.
June says
Why am I not surprised you make your own. I do too but double the amount of vanilla beans and as I’m using it, I top it off with more booze every once in a while and let it brew. I make one using vodka and 1 with bourbon…it’s kinda’ yummo!
leilani says
Pam, I’m confused (not an unusual state of mine for me)– if you don’t like to bake, how do you use so much vanilla extract?
Kathy says
How simple is that? I have to try making my own vanilla right away. And the gift idea is priceless.
Betsy from Tennessee says
Hi Pam, Like your new blog look… Nice!!!!
I’ve never made or even thought about making my own Vanilla Extract… Bet yours is really good….
Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
Betsy
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
Believe it or not, I have never made my own vanilla extract. Shame on me! It sounds so easy, even I can do it.
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
I keep saying I’m going to do this and and for some reason never do. I’m one of your readers that needs a reminder.
Sam
Joanne says
I really need to do this instead of spending my life’s savings on vanilla every month. Thanks for the reminder!