Posted by Making your own vanilla extract is incredibly simple and yields a rich, fragrant product that can elevate any recipe. This homemade version uses real vanilla beans and high-quality vodka (or your preferred alcohol), and the result is far superior to store-bought versions. The longer you allow the vanilla beans to infuse, the deeper and more intense the flavor becomes. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful homemade vanilla extract.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus 6-12 months of infusion time for optimal flavor)
Ingredients:
- 6 vanilla beans (approximately 1/2 ounce or 15g total)
- 1 cup (8 ounces or 240ml) 80-proof vodka (or bourbon, brandy, or rum)
- 8-ounce bottle or jar with a tight seal
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vanilla Beans:
Use a sharp knife to slit the vanilla beans lengthwise. You don’t need to completely split them in half; just make a small slit to expose the seeds inside. If the length of the vanilla beans doesn’t fit in your bottle or jar, you can cut them into smaller pieces to fit. - Add Vanilla Beans to the Bottle:
Place the slit vanilla beans into your bottle or jar. You want them to be able to infuse the alcohol properly, so ensure there is enough room for them to move around. - Pour in the Alcohol:
Using a funnel (to avoid spills), pour the vodka (or your chosen alcohol) over the vanilla beans. Make sure the beans are fully submerged. If needed, you can add a little extra alcohol to ensure the beans are covered. Give the bottle a gentle shake to mix the contents. - Store and Shake:
Seal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Shake the bottle gently about once a week, or once every couple of weeks, to help the vanilla beans infuse the alcohol. - Wait for the Flavor to Develop:
Your homemade vanilla extract can be ready to use in as little as 8 weeks, but for the best flavor, allow it to infuse for at least 6 months. If you have the patience, waiting 12+ months will yield an even more robust flavor. - Refill as Needed:
As you begin using the vanilla extract, you can refill the bottle with more vodka. After refilling, give the bottle a shake to mix the alcohol with the remaining vanilla essence. Shake the bottle before each use to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed. - Long-Term Storage:
If you’re gifting the vanilla or don’t have any more alcohol to refill, remove the vanilla beans after the first use. Otherwise, if the beans are submerged in alcohol, your vanilla extract will last for several years. The extract without the beans can last indefinitely.
Tips & Tricks:
- For Stronger Vanilla Flavor:
Most commercial vanilla extracts are single-fold, which means they are weaker. To achieve a stronger, double-fold flavor, you need more vanilla beans. If you prefer a stronger vanilla, add a bit more than the recommended 1/2 ounce per 8 ounces of alcohol. A great balance is 6 beans for every 8 ounces of alcohol, but feel free to experiment! - Use of Vanilla Seeds:
The slit vanilla beans will release their seeds into the alcohol, adding even more flavor to your extract. These seeds will also show up in your baked goods, giving them that authentic “vanilla speck” look. - Perfect for Gifting:
If you’re gifting the vanilla extract, consider removing the beans if the bottle has been infusing for less than 6 months. This will prevent the recipient from needing to refill the bottle immediately. If the extract is older, keep the beans in for maximum flavor. Just let the recipient know to remove the beans once they begin using the extract. - Alcohol Choices:
Vodka is the most common choice, but feel free to use bourbon, brandy, or rum for a unique twist. If you’re making this for someone with gluten sensitivities, ensure that the alcohol is certified gluten-free. Avoid flavored vodkas, as they may contain artificial ingredients that could affect the purity of your homemade vanilla extract. - Sterilizing Bottles:
Although sterilizing the bottles isn’t strictly necessary, it’s a good idea to do so, especially if the jars have plastic pieces. You can sterilize by soaking the bottles in hot soapy water and thoroughly drying them before use.
Notes:
- Vanilla Bean Quality:
The quality of the vanilla beans you use will have a significant impact on the final product. Opt for high-quality, plump vanilla beans for the best results. You can purchase vanilla beans online or from specialty stores. - Flavor Depth:
If you’re patient, the longer you allow the beans to infuse, the richer the flavor will become. Many people find that after 6 months, the flavor is deep and robust, but 12+ months will provide the most intense vanilla flavor. - Shelf Life:
Homemade vanilla extract, as long as the beans are submerged in alcohol, can last for several years. If you start to notice the flavor weakening after frequent use, it’s time to replace the beans with fresh ones.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different alcohol besides vodka?
A: Yes! You can use bourbon, brandy, or rum instead of vodka. Each type of alcohol will give the vanilla extract a slightly different flavor profile. Bourbon and rum, for example, will add a warm, sweet undertone to the extract.
Q: How do I know when my vanilla extract is ready to use?
A: While vanilla extract can be used after 8 weeks, the flavor improves with age. For optimal flavor, wait at least 6 months, but 12 months or longer will give you the most robust, full-bodied flavor.
Q: How do I store the vanilla extract?
A: Store your homemade vanilla extract in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Just shake it occasionally to ensure the vanilla beans continue to infuse the alcohol.
Q: Can I reuse the vanilla beans?
A: Yes! You can reuse the vanilla beans for another batch of extract. Just add fresh alcohol and let the beans infuse again. Over time, the beans will lose their potency, so you may need to replace them after a year of frequent use.