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.
Servings: 1 liter
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.