Vanilla extract is an essential ingredient in so many baked goods and desserts that it is nearly as important a kitchen staple as flour and salt, and good quality vanilla can really make a difference in the flavor of your baked goods. Since homemade extract is so easy to make, there's no reason why you can't have the best on hand at all times. It keeps indefinitely too!
PrintHomemade Vanilla Extract
Making top-quality vanilla extract at home is easy and economical, plus it makes a nice, heartfelt gift for friends and family.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 8 weeks
- Yield: 6 (4 ounce) bottles
Ingredients
- 12 whole vanilla beans
- 3 cups unflavored vodka
- Six 4-ounce Amber Boston Round Glass Bottles
Instructions
Thoroughly wash the bottles and caps in hot, soapy water and allow to air dry.
Slit each vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife, stopping 1/4-inch from each end. Cut each bean in half crosswise, giving you 24 pieces.
Place 4 pieces of vanilla (2 beans) in each bottle. Using a funnel, pour 1/2 cup of vodka into each bottle and push the beans down to submerge.
Screw the caps on tightly and place the bottles in a cool, dark place to steep. The vanilla will be ready for initial use in 6 weeks, but 8 weeks is optimal for the most flavor.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Makes A Great Holiday Gift
A bottle of homemade vanilla extract with decorative, personalized label makes a nice holiday gift for friends and family.
If you'd like to print a set of the labels pictured here, click here to download the file.
bronwyn says
That’s great – many thanks – I have my vanilla extracting for the last few weeks and just needed some labels and loved yours
bronwyn says
Hi, went to indiespotting.com for labels but it appears to be in Japanese?
Anne says
The flavor just keeps getting better the longer you leave the vanilla beans in! I’ll need to make some more soon ~ I’ve already used up a lot of the vanilla in holiday baking! 🙂
Wendy says
The homemade vanilla recipe looks amazing..I have one question..after the 6-8 week steeping process is over…Do we remove the beans?
Lynne Webb says
We suggest leaving the beans in the bottle for the most flavor. You can even top it off with a little fresh vodka from time to time until you notice that the flavor is not as intense. Then it’s time for a fresh batch!