How To Make Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract

If you’ve ever looked at the outrageous price of pure vanilla extract at the grocery store, you’re not alone! Plus, the rate at which we consume vanilla in our house is excessive. Thank goodness making Homemade Vanilla Extract is incredibly easy, requires just TWO simple ingredients, and tastes way better than store-bought versions. While it does take a little patience, the hands-on time is only about 5 minutes to combine vanilla beans and vodka. Then, you tuck the bottle away in a cool, dark place, and let time do the work. Six months later, you’ll have rich, flavorful vanilla extract that’s perfect for all your favorite baking recipes and makes great Christmas gifts too! Once you start making your own, you’ll never want to buy vanilla extract again!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Vanilla Extract

This is one of the easiest homemade pantry staples you’ll ever make. It uses 2 simple ingredients, takes about 5 minutes to make, creates amazing homemade gifts especially for the holidays, and it’s WAY more affordable than buying pure vanilla extract from the store.

How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Extract Last?

The best part about homemade vanilla extract is that it lasts for years. As long as the vanilla beans remain in the alcohol, the flavor continues to develop. You can simply keep adding a little more vodka as you use it and replace the beans every year or two. I still wonder why we all haven’t been making it ourselves to begin with!?

What You Need:

• Vodka or bourbon of choice, whatever you have on hand: You can use cheap or expensive alcohol, but make sure it’s at least 80 proof. Vodka brands I’ve used are Costco’s Kirkland, SKYY, Titos, and Grey Goose. Bourbon brands I’ve used are Woodford Reserve or Wild Turkey 101.
• Vanilla beans: I love the Vanilla Bean King brand of Madagascar Vanilla Beans or if I’m in a pinch I grab the Vanilla Beans at Costco.
• Bottles: I love using these little amber bottles or these clear bottles for gifts, otherwise I just use mason jars.

Let’s Talk About Beans!

There are different varieties of vanilla beans and the three main types are Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican vanilla beans. There are also different grades of vanilla beans. Grade A beans are longer and more moist. Grade B beans typically aren’t as pretty, recommended for making extract, and less expensive. I love the flavor of Madagascar vanilla beans and the brand Vanilla Bean Kings are my favorite. I use these Madagascar Vanilla Beans or even grab the Vanilla Beans at Costco.

Give It As Gifts!

Homemade vanilla extract makes the BEST gifts for the holidays. Simply pour it into small glass bottles, tie on a ribbon, and add a cute, handwritten label and BAM! All of those neighbor, coworker, teacher, friend, family gifts are done!! I love using these little amber bottles or these clear bottles.

Anywhere a recipe calls for vanilla extract, your homemade version will shine.

Tips for the Best Homemade Vanilla Extract

• Label the bottle with the date you started it.
• Use Grade B vanilla beans (also called extract-grade beans) for the best value.
• Make sure the beans stay fully submerged in the vodka or bourbon.
• Shake the bottle weekly while it infuses.
• Once you use some extract, you can top it off with more vodka or bourbon to extend its life.

More Recipes You’ll Love:

• Redhead’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Milkshake Cupcakes
• Chewy Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies
• Double Chocolate Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread
• Gluten-Free Sourdough Guide