How to Make Quality Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Make your own Quality Homemade Vanilla Extract in just minutes. Whether it's a batch of freshly baked cookies, a velvety custard, or a steaming cup of coffee, a dash of vanilla can work wonders, elevating the taste to a whole new level.

Prep Time10

Cook Time0

Total Time10

Course: Dessert, sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bakery recipe, baking Tips, budget recipe, cooking tips, healthy recipe

Servings: ounce jar

Calories: 67kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Capped Bottle

Pairing Knife

Bamboo Cutting Board

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

6 to 8 Pods Vanilla Beans about 1 ounce whole beans, Grade B or Grade A Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans are excellent choices
8 Ounces High-proof Alcohol preferably 80 proof such as vodka, rum, or bourbon; choose a spirit with at least 35% alcohol by volume.

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Beans:

Lay the vanilla beans on a clean cutting board.
6 to 8 Pods Vanilla Beans
Using a sharp knife, carefully split each vanilla bean in half lengthwise. This helps release the seeds and flavor.

Place Vanilla Beans in the Bottle:

Insert the split vanilla beans into the glass bottle or jar. You can cut them into smaller pieces if needed to fit. The more beans you use, the stronger the flavor will be.

Add Alcohol:

Pour the alcohol over the vanilla beans, ensuring that they are fully submerged. The alcohol will extract the flavor from the beans.
8 Ounces High-proof Alcohol

Seal the Bottle:

Seal the bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Store in a Cool, Dark, Dry Place:

Place the sealed bottle in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard.
Allow the mixture to rest and infuse for at least 2-3 months. For the best results, let it sit for 6 months to a year. The longer it rests, the richer and more flavorful the extract will become.

Shake Occasionally:

Every few weeks, give the bottle a gentle shake to agitate the mixture and distribute the flavor.

Notes

Recipe Tips for Success:

Choose High-Quality Beans: Select high-quality vanilla beans for the best flavor.

Madagascar Bourbon or Tahitian vanilla beans are popular choices, but feel free to explore other varieties for unique flavor profiles.

Use High-Proof Alcohol: Opt for alcohol with a high proof (at least 35%) to ensure efficient extraction of vanilla flavor.

Be Patient: The longer you let the vanilla extract rest, the better it will taste. It's worth the wait for a more robust and aromatic result.

Storage: Store your homemade vanilla extract in a cool, dark place. Amber glass bottles are ideal for preserving the extract's quality by protecting it from light.

Reuse and Refill: As you use the vanilla extract, you can keep refilling the bottle with alcohol as needed, ensuring you always have a batch of homemade extract on hand.

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