Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making homemade vanilla extract is so easy, and you only need 2 ingredients: Vanilla Beans and Vodka

I have been making my own vanilla for years, and you can too! The price of vanilla beans has skyrocketed in the last few years, so now is the best time to start making your own vanilla. The process is super simple!

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Vanilla is a key ingredient in almost any baked goods recipe. Our Sugar Cookie Bars and Brookies (that perfect combo of a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie) would be lost without vanilla!

Ingredients Needed:

Yep, just 2 ingredients!

• Vanilla Beans - Any beans will work, but I generally buy Grade B beans for extract, rather than Grade A, because it's more economical. Grade A vanilla beans are prettier and longer but pricier.
• Vodka - Any brand will work. We use Tito's because it's in the medium price range and it's naturally gluten-free. You can also use rum or bourbon (see more on that below)
• You'll also need small bottles to store the vanilla in - see below for our favorite type.

How long does it take to make the extract?

• It only takes about 5 minutes to prepare; however, the extract needs to "marinate" for about 2 months before it's ready to use.
• If you want to give it as a gift for the holiday season, make it by October so it's ready by December, or you could just prepare it and remind the recipient to wait a few months before using.

How to make Homemade Vanilla Extract:

• Sterilize the bottles and caps before using
• Cut your vanilla beans in half (do not slice open), so that they fit in the small bottles.
• Place the cut beans in the bottles. Use 1-½ to 2 beans for each 4-ounce bottle.

• Using a funnel, pour the vodka into the bottle until almost full
• Seal tightly and shake vigorously
• Store bottles in a cool, dry place and shake the bottles every day or two for about 2 months
• At the end of 2 months, your vanilla should be ready to use, but you can let it sit longer for a more intense flavor

How long can I store homemade vanilla?

• Vanilla extract lasts forever, as long as you keep adding more alcohol and beans.
• Be sure to store it in a cool, dark place. Give the bottles a shake every day or two while it's "marinating."
• The beans should be fully submerged at all times

• Eventually, you will want to add new beans and remove the old beans
• If you like your vanilla double-strength, just double the number of beans
• The beauty of homemade vanilla is that you can keep the same bottle going for years! As you use up your vanilla, you simply top it off with more vodka and let it marinate again.

Best alcohol to use for vanilla extract:

• Vodka, rum, or bourbon can be used to make delicious vanilla, but make sure it is 80-proof.
• The flavor profile changes slightly, depending on the type of alcohol you use

Packaging and labeling vanilla to give as a gift:

• Once the vanilla is fully marinated, you can add your own label and a ribbon to make the perfect gift

• You can easily order these jars on Amazon. I made my labels on the Avery website, which makes it easy to customize them.

• I also order my vanilla beans on Amazon and use grade B beans to make the extract.

I use this extract in all my baking recipes. Here are a few recipes using vanilla extract to try:

• Buttermilk Banana Bread
• Easy Drop Sugar Cookies
• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Make your own vanilla Simple Syrup