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    Home » Recipes » Spreads & Syrups

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Published: Jul 6, 2022 by Michelle · 2 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract is super simple to make with only 2 ingredients. Make it in batches and store year round for a continuous supply of this flavourful baking staple.

    Homemade vanilla extract in a glass jar.

    What is vanilla?

    Vanilla is regarded as the world's most popular flavour.

    It is a very fragrant spice from vanilla orchid plants and is considered to be the 2nd most expensive spice, after saffron.

    The vanilla pods are about the size of a long bean and are dark brown/black in colour.

    They contain vanilla seeds which provide the flavour in vanilla extract.

    Vanilla flavour/scent is a commonly used Western baking, perfumery, and cosmetics.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    This recipe for pure vanilla extract literally only uses 2 ingredients.

    However you'll need a little patience as it takes some time for the vanilla to infuse the alcohol.

    By placing the vanilla beans directly into the alcohol, there's less risk of contamination, and it streamlines the process. *(Note: for the photos, I used a smaller, different bottle).

    Splitting the vanilla beans in half lengthwise exposes the vanilla seeds into the extract, concentrating the flavour.

    It's a cost-efficient way to make a lot of vanilla extract, especially if you're a baker.

    You can easily give these as gourmet Christmas gifts during the holidays.

    How to choose vanilla beans

    When choosing vanilla beans, select beans that are long, plump and full of seeds with a thin skin.

    The beans should not be dry or brittle.

    There are many different varieties:

    • Mexican vanilla beans: have a flavor profile of clove and nutmeg
    • Madagascar vanilla beans: have a sweet, creamy mellow flavor
    • Tahitian vanilla beans: have a cherry-like aroma and flavor

    You can use whichever you prefer.

    Different forms of vanilla

    • vanilla paste: has a thicker consistency than vanilla extract, and usually contains an invert sugar such as corn syrup, vanilla extract and vanilla powder
    • vanilla powder: is ground up vanilla beans with starch and sugar
    • vanilla sugar: is just granulated sugar infused with vanilla beans, which adds an flavourful aroma to the sugar

    Homemade vanilla extract in a glass jar with vanilla beans on the side.
    Ingredients you'll need

    • vanilla beans: choose long, plump vanilla beans (Mexican, Madagascar, Tahitian or a combination will do)
    • pure alcohol (with at least 40% alcohol by volume): you can use any alcohol but 80 proof alcohol vodka will give you a neutral, pure flavor

    Other types of alcohol

    For flavored vanilla extract, try using other alcohol such as:

      • brandy
      • spiced rum (my personal favourite)
      • bourbon whiskey

    How to make homemade vanilla extract

    Wash your hands well.

    Open a brand new bottle of alcohol.

    Remove by pouring out approximately 30 ml (1 ounce [oz]) of alcohol (to help with the displacement).

    Carefully split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise with a small sharp knife, cutting only to expose the seeds.

    Use a pair of tongs or chopsticks and take the split vanilla beans and place them right into the bottle of alcohol.

    Place the cap back on and give it a few gentle swirls.

    Store in a dark, cool location and give it a shake every few weeks.

    When is it ready to use?

    Homemade Vanilla Extract is ready to use when the alcohol turns a golden hue.

    It's ready to use at the earliest by 3 months, or wait until 1 year.

    Over a period of time (about 1 year), the extract will deepen in colour, turning a darker brown.

    However, the longer the vanilla extract sits, the flavour will develop and become richer in tone.

    An open jar of vanilla extract on marble trivet.

    How to use vanilla

    You can use vanilla extract in any baking, such as cakes, cookies, and desserts.

    Add it to drinks such as coffee, or tea.

    Use it in ice cream.

    Vanilla pairs well with other flavours such as coffee, chocolate, matcha, and caramel.

    How to store vanilla extract

    You can store the vanilla extract in the alcohol bottle that you used to make it.

    Give the bottle a shake every few weeks to evenly distribute the vanilla and alcohol.

    Store Homemade Vanilla Extract in a cool, dark place for up to 10 years, or longer if stored properly.

    How to give them as gifts

    If you're giving homemade vanilla extract as gifts, prepare clean glass mason jars by sterilizing them first.

    Add a small funnel and carefully pour the vanilla extract into the glass jar.

    Seal with the lid.

    Add a label to the jar and tie a ribbon or string.

    You can also include a recipe using the vanilla extract (such as a cake or cookie recipe).

    What to do with the used vanilla beans?

    Don't throw away those used vanilla beans.

    You can add more vanilla beans to another batch of vanilla extract.

    Or you can grind them up (using a coffee grinder) into a powder and make Vanilla Powder.

    You can also tuck the vanilla beans into a jar of granulated sugar to make Vanilla Sugar.

    What is double-fold vanilla extract?

    It is twice the amount of vanilla beans used in the same amount of volume in a single-fold extract.

    Basically, it is doubly-concentrated vanilla extract that bakers use to impart strong vanilla flavour.

    FAQs

    Should I store homemade vanilla extract in the fridge?

    No. Don't store vanilla extract in the fridge -- it may cause it to become cloudy.

    How do I know if the vanilla extract has gone bad?

    Give it a smell or taste test -- if there's any off scent or flavour, then don't use it.

    Can I reuse vanilla beans?

    Yes, you can reuse the vanilla beans to make vanilla sugar or vanilla powder, or simply add to another batch of vanilla extract.

    Recipes to try with your own vanilla extract

    Creamy Vanilla Ice Milk (Only 4 Ingredients)

    Homemade Ice Cream Waffle Cones (Vanilla and Chocolate)

    Funfetti Cake

    Matcha Hojicha Vanilla Angel Cake Slices

    Strawberry Whipped Cream Cake

    Other recipes you may like

    Be sure to check out these recipes:

    Rose Syrup

    Homemade Lychee Syrup

    Pandan Simple Syrup

    Purple Lavender Simple Syrup

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    A bottle of vanilla extract on marble trivet.

     

    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    This recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract is super simple to make with only 2 ingredients. Make it in batches and store year round for a continuous supply of this flavourful baking staple.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 50
    Calories: 35kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • 10 whole vanilla beans split in half lengthwise
    • 1 bottle (750ml) alcohol (vodka, rum or bourbon whiskey)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Wash your hands well.
    • Open a brand new bottle of alcohol.
    • Remove approximately 30 ml of alcohol (to help with the displacement).
    • Carefully split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise with a small sharp knife, cutting only to expose the seeds.
    • Use a pair of tongs or chopsticks and take the split vanilla beans and place them right into the bottle of alcohol.
    • Place the cap back on and give it a few gentle swirls.
    • Store in a dark, cool location and give it a shake every few weeks.
    • Ready to use at the earliest by 3 months, or wait until 1 year even better flavour.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      July 07, 2022 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      I have wanted to try homemade vanilla extract for a long time, but hesitated as I am not a huge of vodka. I didn't even think of other spirits. I love the idea of rum and especially bourbon whiskey! 🙂

      Reply
    2. David @ Spiced

      July 11, 2022 at 4:32 am

      5 stars
      World's most popular flavor, huh? That surprises me a little bit, but it makes sense. I mean it's probably my favorite flavor - either that or cinnamon! I almost always keep a bottle of vanilla extract in the pantry. I love making my own - so much so that I actually bought a bottle of vodka solely for the "baking shelf" in the pantry. Haha. Thanks for sharing the tips here about bourbon - yum!

      Reply

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