Homemade vanilla extract is a natural ingredient that gives an amazing flavor to sweet recipes. It only requires vanilla beans and vodka and it’s ready in 15 minutes.
Vanilla extract is essential in baking. It’s a basic pantry ingredient everyone should have at home, as its flavoring properties truly make a difference when cooking sweet recipes.
Most of the store-bought vanilla extracts are full of chemicals, and those that are not, are much more expensive. This homemade version is made with only natural ingredients and it’s also additive and preservative-free.
This is a very simple and easy-to-make recipe and it only requires 2 ingredients. It will last for months so you’ll be able to save quite a lot of money. Besides, it’s so flavorful and delicious, especially if you use good quality vanilla beans.
Making vanilla extract is so easy, healthier and way more inexpensive than buying it. You only need vanilla beans and vodka to make it, and a glass bottle or jar to store it. In just 15 minutes you’ll get an extract that will last for so long!
How to make homemade vanilla extract - Step by step
- Split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise (photo 1).
- Put the vanilla beans in a glass bottle or jar and cover with vodka (photo 2), making sure they are completely submerged.
- Close the bottle or jar and store in a dark, cool place.
Pro tips
- Low-quality alcohol works just fine for this recipe.
- I’d wait for at least 3 months before using this vanilla extract, but it’s also okay to let it rest for 1 month. The more time it spends infusing, the more vanilla flavor it will have.
- You can keep the beans inside the bottle or discard them once the extract is ready. I usually replace them for new ones every 6 months because they don’t have any more flavor after that. You can also add more beans and vodka when the jar is half empty.
How long will this homemade vanilla extract last?
Vanilla extract can last for months or even years. It’s important to keep it in an airtight container placed in a dark, cool place. If it smells good, tastes good and looks good, you can consume it.
Can I use other alcohols to make homemade vanilla extract?
Vodka has a more neutral flavor and that’s why it works best for this recipe. If you don’t like it, don’t have it on hand or want to try a different type of alcohol, you can use rum, bourbon or brandy.
How can I use this homemade vanilla extract?
Homemade vanilla extract works wonderfully well with any kind of baking. It gives a delicious taste to sweet recipes such as vegan brownies, vegan banana bread and even drinks like soy milk or matcha latte. Feel free to add it to all your favorite recipes.
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Homemade Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
- Put the vanilla beans in a glass bottle or jar and cover with vodka, making sure they are completely submerged.
- Close the bottle or jar and store in a dark, cool place. Give the bottle a good shake every once in a while. The vanilla extract will last indefinitely at room temperature.
Notes
- Low-quality alcohol works just fine for this recipe.
- I’d wait for at least 3 months before using this vanilla extract, but it’s also okay to let it rest for 1 month. The more time it spends infusing, the more vanilla flavor it will have.
- You can keep the beans inside the bottle or discard them once the extract is ready. I usually replace them for new ones every 6 months because they don’t have any more flavor after that. You can also add more beans and vodka when the jar is half empty.
- Feel free to use rum, bourbon or brandy if you don’t like vodka, although I think it is the best option because of its neutral flavor.
- Use it with sweet recipes such as vegan brownies, vegan banana bread and even drinks like soy milk or matcha latte. Feel free to add it to all your favorite recipes.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in March of 2014, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions and tips in April of 2020.
Martin Evans says
I may be being a bit ignorant rn but Vodka? So how is this good to use in a kids milkshake? Is it because such a small amount is used? Also, how is this ‘ready in 15 minutes’ when it has to soak for 1 to 3 months? I’m hopelessly confused rn 🤷♂️
Julia says
You need to weigh your beans. A true extract is 1oz of beans to 8oz of alcohol for a single fold,which is what you get if you bought vanilla extract in the store.
Yaron says
Hi
Thank you for this article.
Can you tell how much Vanilla there is in this extract? (30%, 38% etc)?
Iosune Robles says
Hi Yaron! I would say 20%, approx. 🙂
Vanita Patel says
Hi
What can you use instead if alcohol,?
Iosune says
Hi Vanita! I'm so sorry, but I've only made this recipe using alcohol. Have a nice day!
Virginia Kessler says
in France, where I grew up, you would put the vanilla beans (slightly distressed) in a tall jar with just plain white sugar. leave for a couple of months. You don't even have to take the beans out. Just scoop the infused sugar around the beans.
Iosune says
Hi Virginia! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Paula James. says
Good morning, I just made a small bottle of vanilla flaoving three weeks ago and it said one vanilla bean so I need to add 5 more vanilla beans to the recipe. I did use a cup of vodka to the recipe. So far it has gotten a little darker, but I will add 5 more vanilla beans. Thanks for the recipe
Iosune says
Hi Paula! You're so welcome 🙂
Kathleen @ Produce On Parade says
This is fantastic! I can't believe I haven't tried this yet. Definitely going to give it a go, I bet it tastes so much better than store bought vanilla extract 🙂
Iosune says
Hi Katheen! Thank you so much 🙂 It's much better and so inexpensive. Hope you like it!
plant.well says
Wow! I've never considered making my own extract before, but I'm sure it improves the taste of baked goods so much! Great recipe!
Iosune says
Hi there! Thanks a lot 🙂
Janice Bush says
Can you make the vanilla flavor without alcohol?
Iosune says
Hi Janice! I think you need to use alcohol to male vanilla extract, sorry!
TJ says
You could make vanilla sugar instead by cutting up whole vanilla pods and placing them in a food processor with your choice of sugar. Process until it is all a fine powder. Then substitute a few teaspoons of the vanilla sugar for the sweetener in your recipe. The more pods you use, the stronger the favour of your vanilla sugar. Alcohol free vanilla sugar. 🙂
Iosune says
Hi TJ! Thanks again 🙂
May says
Im inspired! How long does it last any expiry date?
Iosune says
Hi May! It lasts for months, I think even years 🙂
lili says
Is there a version that is alcohol-free?
Iosune says
Hi Lili! Sorry, but I can't help you 🙁 You can try to use a piece of vanilla bean instead 🙂
TJ says
You could make vanilla sugar instead by cutting up whole vanilla pods and placing them in a food processor with your choice of sugar. Process until it is all a fine powder. Then substitute a few teaspoons of the vanilla sugar for the sweetener in your recipe. The more pods you use, the stronger the favour of your vanilla sugar. Alcohol free vanilla sugar. 🙂
Iosune says
Hi TJ! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
Michelle Savage says
Wow! That looks so yummy! Better make sure I don't drink the extract; LOL!!
Iosune says
Hahaha thanks Michelle! 😉
Rosa says
This sound si one a delish! I, too, was wow seeing about the alcohol level but after a month all alcohol should be evaporated or you could leave it with the top off after it is infused and that should take care of the alcohol 😉 I definitely need to try this. Thanks!
Susanne says
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I will definitely try this out. Can you tell me what kind of whiskey you used?
You wrote that you split the vanilla bean in half; did you you cut it completely through or just opened it lenghtwise? And my last question: When is the vanilla extract ready to use and for how long can I store it?
Iosune says
Hi Susanne!
1.- I used vodka, but you can use whiskey too.
2.- I cut it completely.
3.- You need to be patient because you have to let the vanilla beans infuse for at least one month, but I recommend waiting three months for a stronger flavor.
4.- It can last months or even years.
Have a nice day!
Jeanette says
This is so cool. I need to make this one day!
Iosune says
Hi Jeanette! I hope you like it 😀
Tabitha Boettinger says
This is so neat! I'm going to have to try this for family Christmas gifts this year (they're all bakers at heart). Thanks for sharing (: <3
Iosune says
Hi Tabitha! It's a great gift for bakers 😛 Thanks a lot for your comment 😀