This Homemade Vanilla Extract comes together in about 5 minutes and needs virtually no cooking for a quick and delightful addition to your baking that your family will love! Simply toss a few ingredients into a jar, and you’ll have a versatile vanilla extract that amps up the flavor of anything from cookies to cakes to even a morning coffee! Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up any extra vanilla beans you may have lying around. Let’s dive in!
Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?
Homemade vanilla extract is not just a recipe; it’s a little treasure. It’s incredible how simple it is! Plus, store-bought vanilla can be pretty pricey, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached for that little tiny bottle and gasped at the price tag. With just a couple simple ingredients, you can create a high-quality product at home that’ll last you for months (or make for a lovely gift!).
The Basic Ingredients
Vanilla Beans
Fresh, high-quality vanilla beans are the star here! You can find them at specialty spice stores or online. Look for plump beans with a strong aroma. You’ll typically need about 5-7 beans per cup of alcohol, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with adding more.
Alcohol
You’ll need vodka (my go-to!), but if you want a deeper, more complex flavor, bourbon works wonders, too. The higher the proof, the quicker the extraction, but 80 proof is perfect for a balanced vanilla flavor.
Optional Add-ins
If you really want to get creative, consider adding a bit of sweetener or spices. A couple of cinnamon sticks or a few cloves can elevate the profile of your vanilla extract.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Slice the vanilla beans. Carefully split each bean down the middle to expose those beautiful little seeds. This is where all that fragrant magic is waiting to come alive! (5 minutes)
Place the beans in a jar. Pop those split beans into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. You might want to use a mason jar, super handy!
Add your alcohol. Pour vodka (or your choice!) over the beans until they’re completely submerged. Let’s be real, we don’t need any floaters here! (1 minute)
Seal and shake. Put the lid on tight, and give it a gentle shake, think of it as giving those beans a little spa day! (1 minute)
Store it. Stick that jar in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard or pantry) for at least 2 months. Yep, patience is key here! Give it a good shake every couple of weeks to keep those flavors mingling. (Set a calendar reminder, maybe?)
Enjoy! Once your extract reaches that perfect flavor profile (2 months or more), you can start using it in all your baking endeavors! Or, get all Pinterest-y and transfer it into smaller bottles for gifts. Fun fact: Homemade vanilla extract can last for years if stored correctly.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m in the middle of a baking spree or just need a dash of vanilla magic to liven up my morning coffee! I mean, who doesn’t love that smell wafting through the house as it brews? The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile, you can tweak it however you like, using whatever you’ve got on hand!
I’m a real sucker for homemade gifts, and let me tell you, gifting a jar of this vanilla extract is like gifting a hug in a jar. Friends and family love it, and it’s just so satisfying to know you made it yourself!
If you loved this homemade vanilla extract, be sure to check out my Toasted Marshmallow Creamer, my Homemade Coffee Creamer, or my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Homemade vanilla extract comes together in under 5 minutes with a couple of ingredients and zero cooking required. Perfect for busy weeknights and last-minute gift ideas!
Customizable
What’s great is the ability to use whatever alcohol or spices you have on hand. Love the idea of a bourbon vanilla extract? Go for it! Want to add a touch of cinnamon for warmth? Yes, please!
Budget-Friendly
This recipe is sleek and wallet-friendly. A small bottle of store-bought vanilla can cost you an arm and a leg, while making it at home might set you back just a few bucks. Those high-end vanilla beans are an investment that’ll keep on giving!
Make-Ahead Friendly
As it develops flavors over time, you’re actually encouraged to make it in advance! Imagine the joy when you realize you have homemade vanilla at your disposal already ready for your next holiday baking marathon!
Storing and Using Your Homemade Vanilla Extract
Serving Suggestions
You can use homemade vanilla extract in a variety of baked goods cookies, cakes, pancakes, or even a splash in smoothies and oatmeal. Oh, and don’t forget sauces and marinades! There’s truly no limit.
Storage
Keep it in a cool, dark place, and it’ll last for years if you leave the beans in. The flavors just continue to develop over time, which is just perfect!
Reheating Instructions
There are no reheating instructions needed here; simply use it straight from the jar in whatever delicious concoction you’re creating.
Is it Freezer Friendly?
Not really. Vanilla extract doesn’t need to be frozen since it can last so long when stored properly, but if you want to, you can freeze small portions in ice cube trays for a fun and easy use later!
Final Thoughts
Homemade vanilla extract is such a joy to make! It’s fun, it’s convenient, and it’s a rewarding endeavor that’s a win-win for any home cook. Remember to let it infuse, and you’ll end up with something crafted with love.
Food not only nourishes our bodies; it creates a sense of home. That warm hug of flavor, surrounded by family, is what life is all about. Enjoy your homemade vanilla extract journey, you absolutely won’t regret it!
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Remember to check out my other recipes and keep cooking delicious meals for your family! Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Total Time: 60 days
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Homemade Vanilla Extract comes together in about 5 minutes, a fantastic addition to your baking that enhances flavors.
Ingredients
- 5–7 high-quality vanilla beans
- 1 cup vodka (or bourbon)
- Optional: cinnamon sticks or cloves
Instructions
- Slice the vanilla beans down the middle to expose the seeds.
- Place the split beans in a clean glass jar.
- Add vodka over the beans until completely submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake gently.
- Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months, shaking every couple of weeks.
- Use once flavors have developed.
Notes
Vanilla extract can last for years if stored correctly. Ideal for baking cookies, cakes, smoothies, and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Infusing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
