Homemade Vanilla Extract
This homemade vanilla extract is my secret to better baking. It’s bold, fragrant, and way more flavorful than anything you’ll find at the store. I make it in big batches every year and always save a few bottles for gifting.
Equipment
- 10 swing top glass bottles 4-ounce size
- funnel
Ingredients
- 50 whole vanilla beans
- 40 ounces vodka or bourbon, whisky, or run (choose your favorite)
Instructions
- Rinse and clean all 10 swing top glass bottles thoroughly.
- Carefully slice each vanilla bean in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again. This will give you 4 segments per bean. Be sure to keep all the soft, sticky seeds inside the pods.
- Place 5 whole beans' worth (20 pieces) into each bottle.
- Using a funnel, pour your alcohol of choice into each bottle until full.
- Seal the bottles tightly and place them in a cool, dark spot.
- Shake each bottle gently once a week for 6 to 8 weeks to encourage extraction.
- After steeping, your homemade vanilla extract is ready to use or gift. Keep a few bottles for yourself and share the rest with friends, family, or teachers.
Notes
- Use spirits you enjoy drinking for best results. Vodka, bourbon, whiskey, or rum all create delicious vanilla extract with different flavor profiles.
- Slice the beans carefully and avoid losing any of the sticky seeds inside. These are full of flavor.
- The extract improves even more with age, so feel free to let it steep longer than 8 weeks.
- For gifting, add a label or tag with the date it was made and a “ready to use after” note.
- This makes a beautiful homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or teacher appreciation.
- One year I paired these bottles with hand-painted cookie recipe cards and batter bowls for a heartfelt, useful gift.
- I like to make a big batch every October so I have plenty for the year ahead.