Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract made with real vanilla beans has a rich, complex flavor and incredible aroma. It will enhance your baking and makes a prized gift. There is no substitute! This recipe is for one 8 oz. bottle of extract, but it can be doubled, tripled, etc. as needed.
Servings 1 8 oz. bottle
Cost $12
Equipment
- 1 Bottle w/Seal (for 8 oz. use an 8.5 oz. bottle)
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Vanilla Beans (app. 7 beans)
- 8 oz. Vodka (35% + ABV)
Instructions
- Sterilize your bottle(s), allow it to dry thoroughly, and add beans. Many recipes instruct you to slit the beans, but I don't. Grade B beans have splits and cracks anyway, and I like to slit and use the beans later (after extraction is finished) in recipes. Also, if you slit the beans it will give you a cloudier extract.
- Pour the vodka into your bottle, submerging the beans completely. Seal the bottle with the lid or cap.
- Store your extract at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Shake once or twice per week.
- The vanilla extract can be ready in as little as eight weeks, but six months is better for the best flavor.
- If gifting, add a pretty tag and bow!
Notes
- If gifting and the extract is only eight weeks old, I like to include vanilla beans (app. 7 per each 8 oz. of extract) in the gift bottle. They will continue to enhance the flavor for up to a year.