Homemade Vanilla Extract

Learn how to make a homemade vanilla extract that’s all natural and costs WAY less than store bought! Two, simple ingredients. Simply handmade.

I’ve been making this homemade vanilla extract for several years now. It’s one of the easiest, from scratch pantry items I make. It’s so simple that this post will be super short!

Vanilla is one of those flavor boosts that you want in everything. Like everything from baked goods, lattes and various hot drinks, smoothies, oatmeal, syrups, and the list goes on.

Video Homemade Vanilla Extract

Why make it at home?

Have you seen the price of vanilla extract? Prepare to take out a loan. OK, maybe not that bad. Besides, those of us who LOVE living debt free and are followers of the Ramsey lifestyle (ya know that radio personality, Dave; and his adorable daughter, Rachel?). So, of course, being the frugal-minded gal that I am, I would naturally budget for it: plan, save, create an extra line-item in the EveryDollar budgeting app. Just the type-A kinda gal I’m known to be. 😉

Beyond the exaggeration, I do like to make my own because it’s a little more frugal, and because I control the ingredients. I don’t want to buy extract that has less than quality ingredients. Nor do I want to buy it when it’s made with sugar and sugar alcohols. Yep, you read that right. Sugar. And sometimes certain brands will use corn syrup. Gasp!

Since I am conscience of what we put in our bodies, especially because we have a child with epilepsy, and ingredients DO matter AND make a difference for her, I’d just rather stay away from any of the extra processes that are unnecessary.

How to use your Homemade Vanilla Extract

I do a lot of baking around this homestead. Vanilla extract is the perfect flavor boost for all kinds of goodies. We like it in breads, cookies, cakes, and desserts. Ever add it to smoothies? How about your hot bowl of oatmeal? Don’t forget about that cup of hot cocoa, chai tea lattes, and mochas!

Another favorite of mine is to bottle it up in a cute little jar with a label, and gift it someone. Think themed gift baskets for Christmas, Mother’s day, birthdays, housewarming, or hostess gift. A caring gift that’s Simply Handmade.

Ingredients

All you need to make this vanilla extract is a few items, and some time.

• 1 liter organic vodka
• 10-20 vanilla beans, or here

Instructions

1. Using a pairing knife, pierce the vanilla bean down the middle but not splitting it in two. You just want to open up the bean to access the seeds.
2. Scrape out the vanilla seeds with the back of your knife and place them into the bottle of vodka.
3. Once most of the seeds have been scraped out, place the whole bean inside the bottle of vodka.
4. Store in a cool, dark place like your pantry and let steep for 6 weeks. Shake periodically when you see it in your pantry. When the vodka has a deep, dark color and you smell more vanilla than alcohol, you know it’s ready to use.
5. Use as you normally would in recipes that call for vanilla extract!
6. Share with loved ones and friends!

Notes:

I’ve used as little as one package of beans (8-10) for a whole liter. Especially if I’m not out of extract and I have plenty of time to let it steep. I’ve had success with just as much flavor with a minimal amount of beans.

I poor out a little of the alcohol from the bottle before adding my vanilla beans to make room for them. Then I poor it back in when all the beans have been added. If doesn’t all fit, Man Cub can usually find a use for it. 😉

If you don’t want your extract cloudy or with the seeds floating about, simply don’t scrape the seeds out, but still pierce the bean. I personally don’t mind the cloudy, seedy goodness.

As you use the extract and the liquid falls below the beans, remove them. As long as they’re covered in alcohol there’s no concern of expiration.

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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Learn how to make a homemade vanilla extract that’s all natural and costs way less than store bought! Two, simple ingredients. Simply handmade.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Course: DIY

Cuisine: American

Keyword: extract

Servings: 1 liter

Author: Amy | Our Amyable Farmhouse

Materials

• 1 liter organic vodka
• 10-20 organic vanilla beans

Instructions

• Using a pairing knife, pierce the vanilla bean down the middle but not splitting it in two. You just want to open up the bean to access the seeds.
• Scrape out the vanilla seeds with the back of your knife and place them into the bottle of vodka.
• Once most of the seeds have been scraped out, place the whole bean inside the bottle of vodka.
• Store in a cool, dark place like your pantry and let steep for 6 weeks. Shake periodically when you see it in your pantry. When the vodka has a deep, dark color and you smell more vanilla than alcohol, you know it’s ready to use.
• Use as you normally would in recipes that call for vanilla extract!
• Share with loved ones and friends!

Notes

I’ve used as little as one package of beans (8-10) for a whole liter. Especially if I’m not out of extract and I have plenty of time to let it steep. I’ve had success with just as much flavor with a minimal amount of beans.

I poor out a little of the alcohol from the bottle before adding my vanilla beans to make room for them. Then I poor it back in when all the beans have been added. If doesn’t all fit, Man Cub can usually find a use for it. 😉

If you don’t want your extract cloudy or with the seeds floating about, simply don’t scrape the seeds out, but still pierce the bean. I personally don’t mind the cloudy, seedy goodness.

As you use the extract and the liquid falls below the beans, remove them. As long as they’re covered in alcohol there’s no concern of expiration.

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Do you have a favorite vanilla extract?

Have you found a more frugal option without questionable ingredients? If so, do share!