Vanilla Extract Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make vanilla extract? ›

You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. Homemade vanilla is more cost efficient than store-bought options. You can try homemade vanilla sugar too.

Vanilla extract—the kind that explicitly says “pure vanilla extract” on its label—is made by soaking vanilla beans in an alcohol solution to “extract” (get it?) all of their flavor compounds. According to the FDA, vanilla extract must be at least 35% alcohol with a minimum of 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter.

All you need are fresh beans and cheap booze to make an ultra-flavorful extract at a fraction of the cost.

Vanilla Extract Ingredients (makes 10 (4oz) jars):

It's easy to scale this recipe up or down, the proportions are 4 whole vanilla beans per 1 cup (8 oz) vodka, or 2 vanilla beans per 1/2 cup (4 oz) vodka.

This allows the flavour compounds from the pure vanilla bean to infuse into the alcohol/water mixture, which then forms the pure vanilla extract. While vanilla beans can be extracted without alcohol, it is very slow, ineffective and results in a lower quality vanilla extract.

Vodka is the preferred alcohol for extractions like this, as its flavor is neutral and does not compete with that of the vanilla beans.

typically contains around 35 to 40% alcohol by volume. Compare that to vodka, which is typically 40% alcohol. In many places, vanilla extract is considered a food product. and is available even if you're not legal drinking age.

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening.

When vanilla growers plant a vanilla tree (a species of orchid), it takes three years to obtain the first fruits. Also, unlike some spices that offer a good yield from the first year, vanilla takes its time, which justifies a higher price. Another element that impacts the price: pollination.

You can use vanilla beans for extract more than once, which makes them a gift that keeps on giving. Just know that the flavor will get weaker over time. Many recommend using them no more than four times.

Why is my homemade vanilla not dark? ›

As the vanilla extract sits, it will get darker. You want the beans to soak in the alcohol for at least 2 months before using it. The flavor will only get better with time. Make up several batches of vanilla extract at once so you never have to wait for a batch to brew.

Many bakers recommend choosing brown or darkly colored bottles to minimize the amount of light hitting the extract. We've found that clear bottles are fine as long as they are stored in a cool/dark place. Confirm that the bottle is closed tightly and will not allow leaks before moving onto storage.

If you've got a vanilla bean that you've split and scraped the seeds out of for a baking project, you can totally breathe new life into that bean by throwing it into a batch of vanilla extract. Beans you've already used in a batch of extract can be reused in the next batch.

Vanilla extract doesn't have to be made with alcohol, but finding a non-alcoholic version at the store can be difficult and costly. Fortunately, it's really easy to make at home and it can save you money.

The short summary is this: With grade-B vanilla beans you can really only make extracts, but the extracts will be very sweet. With grade-A vanilla beans you can make still make very sweet vanilla extract, and much, much more. Grade-A beans (often called "gourmet vanilla beans") are visually a more beautiful bean.