How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract for Baking (Two Ingredients)
Did you know that homemade vanilla extract is super easy to make at home?
You can use your own vanilla extract to make homemade vanilla ice cream, homemade vanilla pudding, homemade vanilla frosting, and the list goes on and on!
It’s so easy to make vanilla that I had extra time to make my Dollar Tree glass bottle extra adorable for storing!
I am so excited to have my own vanilla to make all of my favorite desserts now! Including my homemade whipped cream that I make with any pie I bake and these Super Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe!
I have a bottle or two set aside for my Hostess gifts this Christmas too!
Supplies
- Vanilla Beans Grade A
- or Vanilla Beans Grade B
- High Quality Vodka
- Glass Bottle
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Measure your glass bottle
Find out how many ounces your glass jar holds so you can measure your ratio.
- Measure your vanilla beans
The FDA has guidelines for anyone making and selling vanilla extract. I am not selling mine but I will use their guidelines to make my extract.
It’s 13.35 oz per gallon so because my glass jar is 16 ounces I will need roughly 1.67 ounces of vanilla beans.
I had 3 ounces (25 beans) of vanilla beans so I put 12 beans in one and 13 in the other glass bottle.
- Cut your bean
Cut your vanilla beans vertically and just ever so slightly pull it apart without disturbing too much of the inside. Use a very sharp knife with a pointed edge to make it easier to get your cut started.
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- Drop in your container
Drop your 1.67 ounces of cut vanilla beans into your empty jar.
- Add Vodka
I don’t drink much but I assumed that because Grey Goose Vodka is French that it is excellent so that’s what I got!
On a side note, vodka is the alcohol of choice for vanilla extract because it doesn’t compete in flavor with the subtlety of the vanilla because it has no flavor and no smell. - Write the date
Write the date that you made the Vanilla extract on the outside of the bottle somewhere so you’ll know when it’s ready to use. FYI this vanilla extract, as long as you keep it airtight and in a pantry will keep forever. You can refill it as well when it starts to run low. Just remember it will need time to get strong again so use your second bottle.
- Seal and Store
Shut the lid and store in the pantry for at least 6 weeks but longer is better. The longer it sits the better it will get!
FYI this vanilla extract, as long as you keep it airtight and in a pantry will keep forever.
You can refill it as well when it starts to run low. Just remember it will need time to get strong again so use your second bottle.
Helpful Tips for Homemade Vanilla
If this is your first batch make yourself two bottles so that when you start to run low your second bottle will be full as your refilled bottle is getting strong again!
You can refill your vanilla extract with vodka when you notice that you are running low, but before you top it off, take out a small amount to use while your new batch is ruminating.
Store your homemade vanilla extract in the pantry away from heat, cold and light as much as possible.
Let your homemade vanilla sit for at least 6 weeks before use. The longer it sits the better and it stays good indefinitely as long as it’s kept air tight when not in use.
Write the date you started your homemade vanilla on your glass jar somewhere.
Use a dark or amber glass bottle to keep your vanilla extract protected even more from light.
How Many Vanilla Beans for 750ml of Vodka?
I would estimate that you need 30 to 35 whole vanilla beans per 750ml of Vodka.
What Grade of Vanilla Bean Is Best for Making Vanilla Extract?
They say Grade B Vanilla Beans are best for making homemade vanilla mainly because of water content, and cost.
You can use either. If you find a great deal on vanilla beans (prices fluctuate often) get them and make your vanilla extract.
I had no idea it was so easy to make vanilla extract! Very timely post since we’ll all be starting holiday baking! And yes, those will make great hostess gifts! Happy Day, Donna
It smells so good too!
I can’t wait to make this tomorrow