Homemade vanilla extract has amazing flavor, saves money, and makes a wonderful gift. Plus, it allows you to have complete control over the ingredients, adjusting the taste to suit your preferences, or even make it completely alcohol-free!
When I found out you could actually MAKE vanilla extract, my mind was blown. As a longtime DIYer, I have no idea why the idea hadn’t crossed my mind before. I guess I probably thought that special equipment was needed. It turns out that not only do you need zero special equipment, making homemade vanilla extract is one of the easiest homemade things to make in my entire kitchen!
Health Benefits of Vanilla Extract
Did you know that there are benefits to using vanilla besides the wonderful taste? These health benefits of vanilla extract will have you convinced that you need more in your life! Unfortunately, studies on humans are lacking. However, several of the compounds in vanilla have shown promising effects in both animals and cells. Studies have shown that compounds in vanilla may have the ability to do the following:
- Work as an antioxidant
- Provide some protection against cancer
- Act as an anti-inflammatory
- Protect against neurodegenerative diseases
- Provide calming effects (One study showed the smell even reduced crying in newborns!)
- Reduce startle reflexes
- Help decrease episodes of sleep apnea
Additionally, vanilla increases a food or drink’s perceived sweetness. This means it reduces the amount of sugar needed in recipes!
What do you need to make vanilla extract?
How to Make Vanilla Extract
Step 1: Use 0.8 ounces of vanilla beans per 8 ounces of liquid that you will use, depending on the size of your container. Depending on the size and hydration of your beans, this will equal between 6 and 10. Slice or cut the vanilla beans lengthwise. Then, cut them to fit inside the jar.
Step 2: Place the sliced vanilla beans into the jar.
Step 3: Add your alcohol of choice to the jar until it fully submerges the vanilla beans. Unflavored vodka will give you the purest flavor. Some people, however, prefer the flavor of rum. If you are looking to make alcohol-free vanilla, you can substitute vegetable glycerine. Before choosing glycerine over alcohol, you should know that glycerine will give the vanilla a sweeter taste and will also have a thick and sticky consistency, rather than being a thin liquid-like store-bought vanilla.
Step 4: Place the lid tightly on the bottle or jar and shake well.
Step 5: Store in a dark cool place, and give it a little shake every few days. I keep mine in my baking cabinet so that I think of it often. It should age for a minimum of 3 months, but the best flavor is achieved after 6 months. If you are using vegetable glycerine, it needs to age a minimum of 5 months, as the glycerine takes longer to extract the flavor.
Note: If you are using alcohol, you will know it’s done when it smells sweet of vanilla and not like alcohol.
Isn’t that easy?! Now I’m itching to try making other extracts too!
Homemade Vanilla Extract Makes a Wonderful Gift
Now that you know how easy it is to make homemade vanilla extract, you might want to consider giving jars as gifts. I’m thinking that even the person who has “everything” would enjoy a cute dish towel, a wooden spoon, and a bottle of homemade vanilla as a housewarming gift or Christmas gift!
Want to snag those cute printable gift tags shown below? Sign-up for our Homesteading Community and get instant access to this + easy access to our resource library filled with every ebook, resource, and printable we EVER put out!
Note: Tags can be printed on cardstock and used alone. Or, to make them exactly as shown below, print them on white sticker paper and attach them to tags that can be made using this Kraft cardstock. Alternatively, you can stick the sticker paper directly to your bottles!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
This homemade vanilla extract takes only 5 minutes to make and just 2 ingredients! Not only does homemade taste better and cost less, it makes a great gift as well!
Ingredients
- A small glass bottle or jar with a lid. One that is easily poured from is preferred!
- A funnel that fits inside your container.
- 70-80 proof (35-40%) alcohol, such as vodka, bourbon or rum, or for an alcohol-free version, food-grade vegetable glycerine. Vodka is the most commonly used choice due to its neutral flavor. Also, cheap alchohol is just fine for this recipe!
- 0.8 ounces (6-10) whole Madagascar vanilla beans / 8 oz. of liquid used. Grade B beans are preferred.
Instructions
Step 1: Use 0.8 ounces of vanilla beans per 8 ounces of liquid that you will using, depending on the size of your container. Depending on the size and hydration of your beans, this will equal between 6 and 10. Slice or cut the vanilla beans lengthwise. Then, cut them to fit inside the jar.
Step 2: Place the sliced vanilla beans into the jar.
Step 3: Add your alcohol of choice to the jar until it fully submerges the vanilla beans. Unflavored vodka will give you the purest flavor. Some people, however, prefer the flavor of rum. If you are looking to make alcohol-free vanilla, you can substitute vegetable glycerine. Before choosing glycerine over alcohol, you should know that glycerine will give the vanilla a sweeter taste and will also have a thick and sticky consistency, rather than being a thin liquid like store-bought vanilla.
Step 4: Place the lid tightly on the bottle or jar and shake well.
Step 5: Store in a dark cool place, and give it a little shake every few days. I keep mine in my baking cabinet so that I think of it often. It should age for a minimum of 3 months, but the best flavor is achieved after 6 months. If you are using vegetable glycerine, it needs to age a minimum of 5 months, as the glycerine takes longer to extract the flavor.
FAQs
Does it matter what kind of vanilla beans you use for extract?
Yes! While I have not personally tried other types, Madagascar vanilla beans will give you the traditional vanilla flavor you know and love. Other options include Tahitian and Mexican vanilla beans. Tahitian is said to have undertones of cherry, licorice, and caramel. Mexican beans are known for having more of a kick with undertones of nutmeg and cloves. You can certainly experiment to see what flavors your family enjoys!
Also, if you are given the option, go with Grade B beans. These are not only cheaper, but they are also better for extracting flavor. Grade A are generally for cooking with. However, if you get a great deal on Grade A beans, they will work just fine.
Is it cheaper to make your own vanilla extract?
Yes, homemade vanilla is cheaper than store-bought! Store-bought pure vanilla extract will vary in price depending on your location, but at my local Walmart, it is $6.44 per fluid ounce. In comparison, I purchased 1 oz. of Madagascar vanilla beans from Azure Standard for $35.37. So, 0.8 ounces would be a cost of $28.30. Then, vodka is $0.19 per ounce. So, the total cost per ounce of vanilla is only $3.73! But wait… there’s more! If you take into consideration that the vanilla beans can get reused, this cuts the cost significantly. See more on reusing vanilla beans below!
Can vanilla beans be reused?
Absolutely! You can reuse vanilla beans for a second batch of vanilla, and many people will tell you that they have used the same beans for several batches. They do lose potency after each batch, so you will need to either age the extract longer before use or add a few new beans along with the reused beans for the best flavor.
THEN, after their vanilla-making days are over, the vanilla beans can be used to make vanilla sugar. To make vanilla sugar, just scrape out the beans and blend in a food processor with 4 cups of sugar until the beans are just specks mixed throughout the sugar. You can also leave the pods in the container of sugar for extra aroma and flavor. Vanilla sugar is great in coffee, tea, or to add extra flavor to your baked goods.
What is double-fold vanilla?
Double-fold vanilla is a more concentrated extract created by using more vanilla beans per ounce of fluid. In order to be classified as “double-fold” the vanilla must have been made using 23 ounces of beans per gallon, versus the 16 ounces normally used in single-fold. Many professional bakers prefer this stronger flavor, however, the added expense may not be worth the extra flavor for home bakers.
Can you make double-fold vanilla at home?
Yes! Read the explanation above to understand the difference between single and double-fold vanilla. Then, if you want to make double-fold, just increase the 0.8 ounces of vanilla beans per 8 ounces of fluid called for in the recipe above to 1.5 ounces of beans per 8 ounces of fluid.
Whether you choose to make single or double-fold vanilla, homemade will still save you money compared to purchasing the equivalent at a store!
How long does homemade vanilla extract last?
When stored in a cool dark place, homemade vanilla extract will last indefinitely. However, for optimal flavor and aroma, it is best used within 5 years.
Is vanilla extract gluten-free?
Yes, vanilla is made with distilled alcohol which is free of any gluten.
Is vanilla extract keto?
Yes, you can have pure vanilla extract on the keto diet.
Is vanilla extract vegan?
Yes, pure vanilla extract is completely vegan. Artificial vanilla used to be made from a substance produced by the glands of beavers. However, nowadays most artificial vanilla is made with refined petrochemicals and contains zero animal products.
