How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

5- min easy Vanilla Extract Recipe

Homemade Vanilla Extract tastes distinctively better than store bought Vanilla Extract. But don't take my word for it. Try yourself!

Benefits of homemade Vanilla extract:

You control the vanilla content: Yes, you can add as many Vanilla beans as you wish. The more beans you add, the more potent and concentrated the extract will be. Personally, I always add more than what's required in the recipe.
Cost-savings: You can save up to 60% by making your own Vanilla extract.
No additives: Some store natural vanilla extracts have preservatives and water. With homemade vanilla extract, there are only two ingredients: Vodka and Vanilla Beans
Great Gifts: Homemade vanilla extract is a great gift for wedding favors, birthdays and Christmas.

Vanilla Extract is like fine wine. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. I suggest to let it stew for at least 3 months. Place it in a dark corner in your pantry and shake it every week or so.

Ingredients:

1 c. Vodka
8- 10 Vanilla Beans

Step 1: Place all your ingredients on the table

All you need is Vodka, 8-10 Vanilla Beans and a jar. The rule of thumb is 8-10 beans for a cup of vodka. Here, I am using a jar of 250 ml.

Step 2: With a knife, split your vanilla bean in half lengthwise, starting from the tip

Step 3: Repeat step 2 for the remaining Vanilla beans (split the bean in half)

Step 4: Insert the vanilla beans in your jar

Step 5: Fill the jar with your cup of Vodka

Step 5: Et Voila! You are done. Add a label if you wish (especially if you intend to make it a gift)

Within few days, your Vanilla extract will become brownish. The more it sits, the more brownish-dark it gets.

Did I say Vanilla extract makes for a great gift?

Last note: Let the Vanilla extract sit for at least 3 months. Yes, I said it- at least 3 months. Some people suggest as little as 2 months, but I think it's a bit premature. There is no way around it - Great Vanilla extract takes time.

Try something:

Open the bottle after 1 month and smell the vanilla. The smell of vodka will still be strong. Open the bottle after 3 months and smell the vanilla. You will smell less of the alcohol and more of the Vanilla. This is a great way to test the potency of vanilla extract: Less "alcoholy" smell and more "vanilly" smell.

I strongly suggest you label your Vanilla extract to indicate either: The date the Vanilla extract was made or the date the Vanilla extract will be ready (especially if you intent to give it away as a gift)