Name: Vanilla Extract Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients: 5-10 vanilla beans; 1-2 cups vodka or bourbon ((at least 35% alcohol))

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There’s no ingredient I love quite as much as vanilla extract. With just a little bit, you’re able to get the sweetest, most delicious taste, with just the perfect hint of depth. The only issue? It’s incredibly expensive. Let’s make it ourselves instead.

Today on the blog, I’ll be walking you through my simple vanilla extract recipe that’s even better than what you find in the store. Although the process will take time to really work, it’s well worth the wait.

What Is Vanilla Extract Exactly?

Simply put, vanilla extract is a flavorful liquid made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol and water. The process extracts the rich flavors and aroma from the beans, resulting in a concentrated essence of vanilla that makes every recipe you put it in absolutely incredible. Once you start swapping out imitation vanilla extract for the real thing, you’ll understand why it’s so special.

What Can It Be Used In?

The real question is, what can’t vanilla extract be used in? Vanilla extract is incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for a hint of sweetness and aroma. Its usage is not limited to desserts, but can also be incorporated into savory dishes like sauces and marinades, providing more depth to the flavors.

Why Make It Yourself?

Have you seen the cost of genuine vanilla extract these days? It’s astronomical. Although I love using vanilla extract in just about anything, I cannot justify adding in such a precious ingredient to just any old dish. By making it myself, I’m able to make it much less expensive, but also add in anything else I’d like. Honey vanilla extract? Game changer.

Why Does Vanilla Extract Take So Long To Age?

The aging process allows the flavors from the vanilla beans to fully infuse into the alcohol, creating a more potent and aromatic extract. Vanilla beans contain natural compounds that require time to release their flavors, resulting in a richer and more complex extract. Typically, it takes several weeks to months for vanilla extract to fully mature and develop its desired flavor profile. I promise – it’s well worth the wait.

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe:

This recipe is ridiculously simple, but the main ingredient you’ll need is time. While it only takes about 5 minutes to finish the steps, you’ll need to give it 6 months to truly let the alcohol extract the vanilla flavor. If you’re going through the process of making it yourself, I’d recommend doing more than less – it will be another 6 months before you’ll have a new batch.

Ingredients:

5-10 vanilla beans
1-2 cups of vodka or bourbon (at least 35% alcohol content)
8-16 oz jar

Steps:

Start by selecting plump, moist beans that are soft and aromatic. Decide if you want to make a small 8oz jar or large 16oz jar. 5 beans for 8 oz or 10 for 16 oz.
Using a sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about an inch at the top intact. This will expose the seeds inside the bean.
Place the split vanilla beans in a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour the vodka or bourbon over the vanilla beans, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal the jar or bottle tightly and give it a gentle shake to distribute the alcohol.
Store the jar or bottle in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
Allow the vanilla beans to steep in the alcohol for at least 2 months, shaking the jar or bottle occasionally. Over time, the alcohol will extract the flavors and aromas from the vanilla beans, resulting in homemade vanilla extract.
After 2 months, you can start using the vanilla extract in your recipes. Although, I recommend waiting 6 if possible! The longer you let it steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
As you use the vanilla extract, you can top up the jar or bottle with more vodka or bourbon and add fresh vanilla beans to continue the extraction process.