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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making your own homemade vanilla extract is surprisingly easy. You only need two ingredients-vanilla beans and alcohol-and then you just have to be patient while the vanilla infuses.

The hardest part about making homemade vanilla extract is the waiting. As the vanilla beans sit in the alcohol, they gradually release their flavor and color, creating a rich, fragrant vanilla extract that you can use in all of your favorite baking recipes.

Homemade vanilla extract is also a great way to save money if you use a lot of vanilla. Store-bought pure vanilla extract can be expensive, especially when you’re buying larger bottles. Making your own also makes a thoughtful homemade gift for bakers.

Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

There are several reasons to try making your own vanilla extract.

It’s easy. There are only two ingredients and just a few minutes of preparation.

It makes a great homemade gift. Start a batch several months before Christmas or another special occasion, and you’ll have a useful gift for anyone who enjoys baking.

You can keep it going. Once you have a batch started, you can continue adding alcohol as you use the extract, as long as the vanilla beans remain covered.

You control the flavor. Different types of vanilla beans and different alcohols can give your extract slightly different flavors.

It’s convenient. Once your vanilla is ready, you’ll have homemade vanilla extract available whenever you need it for cookies, cakes, breads, frostings, and other recipes.

What You Need to Make Vanilla Extract

You only need two ingredients:

Vanilla beans
80-proof vodka, bourbon, brandy, or rum

You’ll also need a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

You don’t need an expensive bottle of alcohol for this recipe. The vanilla beans are responsible for most of the flavor, so an inexpensive 80-proof alcohol works well.

How Many Vanilla Beans Do You Need?

For this recipe, use 5 to 6 vanilla beans for every cup of alcohol.

If you’re making a larger batch, simply increase both the beans and alcohol while keeping the same ratio.

For example:

1 cup alcohol = 5–6 vanilla beans
2 cups alcohol = 10–12 vanilla beans
4 cups alcohol = 20–24 vanilla beans

Using a larger bottle can be a convenient way to make a bigger batch if you bake frequently or want to have vanilla available for gifts.

What Kind of Vanilla Beans Should You Use?

There are several varieties of vanilla beans available, and each has a slightly different flavor profile.

Madagascar Vanilla Beans

Madagascar vanilla beans are probably the variety most people think of when they think of vanilla. They have a rich, classic vanilla flavor with creamy and slightly woody notes.

They’re an excellent all-purpose choice for homemade vanilla extract.

Tahitian Vanilla Beans

Tahitian vanilla beans tend to have lighter, more floral and fruity flavors.

They can make a delicious extract when you want something a little different from traditional vanilla.

Mexican Vanilla Beans

Mexican vanilla beans have a rich, mellow flavor with slightly spicy notes.

They are another good option for making homemade vanilla extract.

You can also experiment with blending different varieties of vanilla beans to create your own flavor combination.

What Alcohol Is Best for Vanilla Extract?

Vodka is one of the most popular choices because it has a relatively neutral flavor. This allows the flavor of the vanilla beans to stand out.

However, you can also use:

Bourbon
Brandy
Rum
Vodka

Bourbon, brandy, and rum will add some of their own flavor to the finished extract, which can be especially good in certain baked goods.

For this recipe, use 80-proof alcohol.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Beans

Using a sharp knife, carefully slit each vanilla bean down the middle lengthwise.

You don’t need to scrape out the vanilla seeds. Leaving the beans intact allows them to infuse the alcohol as they sit.

If your jar or bottle isn’t tall enough for the beans, cut them into smaller pieces so they fit inside.

Step 2: Add the Alcohol

Place the vanilla beans into a clean glass jar or bottle.

Pour 1 cup of 80-proof vodka, bourbon, brandy, or rum over the beans.

Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged in the alcohol.

If the beans aren’t completely covered, add a little more alcohol.

Keeping the beans submerged is important because exposed portions can eventually become slimy or spoil.

Step 3: Store the Vanilla

Close the bottle or jar tightly and store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Give the bottle a good shake about once a week while it ages. Minimum aging is 8 weeks.

Then comes the hardest part-waiting!

How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Extract Take?

Vanilla extract needs time for the flavor to develop.

You can begin using the extract after 8 weeks, but it will lack rich vanilla flavor. At 3 months, the vanilla will have a more pronounced vanilla flavor and be ready for gifting. But it will become darker and more flavorful the longer it sits.

For the best flavor, I recommend allowing your vanilla to infuse for at least 6 months.

If you can wait longer, that’s even better. Many homemade vanilla makers allow their extract to age for a year or longer.

You’ll notice the color gradually changing from clear to a deep amber or brown as the vanilla beans infuse the alcohol.

Making Vanilla Extract for Christmas Gifts

If you’re planning to give homemade vanilla extract as a Christmas gift, it’s a good idea to start your batch several months in advance.

Starting a few months ahead gives the vanilla plenty of time to develop before the holidays.

If you want to give it away before it has reached its full flavor, simply attach a label with the date it was started and when it should be ready to use.

Small glass bottles make a nice presentation for homemade vanilla gifts.

How to Store Homemade Vanilla Extract

Keep your vanilla extract in a tightly sealed glass jar or bottle at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

You don’t need to refrigerate it.

As long as the vanilla beans remain covered with alcohol, you can continue using the extract and adding more alcohol as needed.

Give the bottle a shake occasionally to help distribute the vanilla.

Can You Refill Homemade Vanilla Extract?

Yes! One of the best things about making your own vanilla extract is that you can continue to replenish it.

As you use the vanilla, add more alcohol to the bottle to keep the vanilla beans covered.

Try to maintain the same general bean-to-alcohol ratio. If you continually add alcohol without adding new beans, the vanilla will eventually become weaker.

If the flavor begins to lose its intensity, it’s time to add fresh vanilla beans.

When Should You Replace the Vanilla Beans?

Over time, the original vanilla beans will eventually give up much of their flavor.

If your extract starts tasting weaker, add fresh vanilla beans.

If you’re no longer adding alcohol because the bottle is full and the beans aren’t being kept submerged, remove the old beans or cut them into smaller pieces before continuing.

Always make sure the beans remain covered by the alcohol while they’re being stored in the extract.

How to Use Homemade Vanilla Extract

You can use homemade vanilla extract anywhere you would use regular vanilla extract.

Try it in:

Chocolate chip cookies
Sugar cookies
Cakes
Cupcakes
Brownies
Homemade frosting
Pancakes
Waffles
French toast
Muffins
Quick breads
Homemade ice cream
Pudding
Cheesecake
Whipped cream

It’s especially nice in recipes where vanilla is one of the main flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vodka to make vanilla extract?

Yes. Vodka is one of the most popular choices because its neutral flavor allows the vanilla beans to shine.

This recipe uses 80-proof vodka, but bourbon, brandy, or rum can also be used.

Do I need to scrape the vanilla beans?

No. For homemade vanilla extract, simply splitting the beans lengthwise is enough. You don’t need to scrape out the seeds first.

The vanilla beans will infuse the alcohol as they sit.

How long should homemade vanilla extract sit?

Homemade vanilla needs to sit for at least 8 weeks, but will lack rich vanilla flavor. At 3 months, the vanilla will have a more pronounced vanilla flavor and be ready for gifting. But for the best flavor, allow the vanilla to infuse for 6-12 months before using. The flavor will continue to develop and become more pronounced as it ages.

Does homemade vanilla extract need to be refrigerated?

No. Store it tightly sealed at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

Can I use the vanilla beans after making extract?

Yes. The beans can still contain some vanilla flavor even after they’ve been used to make extract. They can be used in other ways, although they will have already given much of their flavor to the extract.

Can I keep adding alcohol to my vanilla?

Yes. As you use the extract, you can add more alcohol to keep the beans submerged.

However, continually adding alcohol without adding fresh beans will eventually weaken the extract. Add new vanilla beans when the flavor becomes less intense.

Can I make vanilla extract with bourbon, brandy, or rum?

Yes. All three can be used instead of vodka. Keep in mind that each alcohol will contribute some of its own flavor to the finished vanilla extract.

What is the best vanilla bean for homemade extract?

Madagascar vanilla beans are a great choice if you want a traditional, rich vanilla flavor. Tahitian and Mexican vanilla beans can also be used and will give the extract different flavor characteristics.

A Simple Homemade Gift for Bakers

Homemade vanilla extract is one of those DIY projects that’s incredibly simple but makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Once you get the vanilla started, there’s very little work involved—the alcohol and vanilla beans do most of the work for you.

Make a batch for your own baking or start several bottles during the summer so you’ll have homemade vanilla ready for Christmas gifts. Add a simple label with the date it was started, and you’ll have an inexpensive and useful gift for the bakers in your life.

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