Homemade Vanilla Extract
This homemade vanilla extract will last you for years, save you money and is even better than store-bought! It is super easy and quick to prepare. All you need is a lot of patience waiting for the vanilla beans to infuse and turn into a well flavored extract.
Equipment
- Glas bottle / jar (2dl / 7 ounces)
- Sharp knife
- Funnel
Ingredients
- 5 vanilla beans good quality
- 2 dl alcohol check notes
Instructions
- Make sure your bottles are clean and sterilized. Here is a link explaining you 3 ways how to do that.
- Make a cut down the middle of the vanilla bean with a sharp knife. You don't have to cut trough it completely but you can. The goal is to expose the vanilla seeds.
- Add the vanilla beans into the bottle / jar.
- Using a funnel pour the alcohol into the bottle. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged in alcohol.
- Close the bottle and shake it well.
- All you have to do now is wait. Store the bottle at room temperature protected from direct sunlight. Shake it every few days.
- Once you use your extract make sure you fill up the bottle with alcohol after every usage. After filling the bottle and before using the extract always shake it well.
Notes
- Vanilla bean size: If the vanilla beans do not fit into your bottle/jar simply cut them in half.
- Alcohol: Vodka, bourbon, rum and brandy all work. Avoid any alcohol with artificial flavor.
- Vanilla bean seeds: You might find some seeds swimming around in your extract. That is completely normal. In fact you want those seeds in your baked goods as they have even more flavor.
- Waiting time: The general rule for essences is to wait 6-8 weeks. However, I found that the essences still mainly tastes like alcohol at this stage. You do have the vanilla taste but not strong enough in my opinion. Therefore I recommend to wait 6-12 months to get the best vanilla flavor.
- Use of the extract: You use it the same way you'd use normal vanilla extract
- How long is it good for?: The vanilla extract is good for years. As long as it still smells and tastes good it is still good. Make sure the vanilla beans stay submerged in alcohol or remove them completely.
- Intensify the flavor: By adding more vanilla beans the flavor gets stronger.
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Your Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 509kcalCarbohydrates: 5gFat: 3gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 4mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Did You Try This Recipe?I can't wait for you to try this recipe. I'd love for you to leave a star rating. You can also share a picture with me by mentioning @ohsweetcultureshock or tag #ohsweetcultureshock!