I feel so fancy! I made my own homemade vanilla extract and you will not believe how EASY it is to do.
Say goodbye to artificial vanilla extract with this simple DIY. All you’ll need is some vodka and vanilla beans. That’s it. Seriously.
Sign up for our newsletter & get a free e-cookbook.
At first, I thought I’d never be able to make my own extract. I couldn’t find vanilla beans anywhere. My small town grocery stores didn’t have it and I wasn’t about to drive to Ottawa to find it. Thankfully, Bulk Barn came to my rescue. They carry vanilla beans. I found them by the cash register. Just ask the cashier when you go if you need help locating them in the store.
All you do is split two vanilla beans in half and scrape out the seeds. That’s where all that yummy vanilla flavour hides. Add your seeds and pods to a cup of vodka and seal in a jar. Let the mixture sit for 6 weeks before you use it. Make sure to shake it up about once a week.
I started using mine over the holidays in all my Christmas baking. Use it the same way you would store-bought vanilla extract. Easy peasy.
You might also like this orange extract.
Have you ever made your own vanilla extract?
Homemade Vanilla Extract
An amazingly useful DIY gift that keeps on giving! Never use store-bought extract again with this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vodka
- 2 vanilla beans
Instructions
- Split the vanilla beans down the middle, lengthwise. Remove the seeds inside.
- Add vanilla bean pods and seeds to a jar with a lid. Pour vodka inside. Shake.
- Store for 6 weeks in your pantry. Shake it about once a week.
Notes
It lasts for up to 6 months.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Nakpunar 12 Glass Bottles, 8.5 oz. w/Black Cap - Marasca, Quadra Bottle for Oil, salad dressing vinegar bottle, message in the bottle, wedding favors -
Madagascar Vanilla Beans - Gourmet Bourbon Grade A. Great for baking, making pure vanilla extract, vanilla paste etc. Average length of at least 5 inches. (10 Beans)
-
New Star Foodservice 42917 Stainless Steel 4Pcs Measuring Cups And Spoons Combo Set, Silver
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Debbie Bashford says
that’s it?? Even I can do this !
Jill Hanson says
I have wanted to try this, thanks for sharing how easy?
Linda Szymoniak says
One thing I won’t skimp on when baking is vanilla. I refuse to use imitation vanilla and only buy pure vanilla extract. It can get expensive, though (even though most recipes only call for one or two teaspoons, and a bottle can last a while). Still, I’ve been curious about making my own and am surprised just how simple it is! I’m definitely going to have to give this a try. I’m going to IKEA later this week and will pick up some jars or bottles just for this. This would make a great gift for someone who is into baking.
Judy Cowan says
I should really try this out, real vanilla in the grocery store is getting so expensive.
DebH says
Sounds simple enough; will definitely try this!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
This will be a must to make when I’ve finished the bottle of extract that I’m now using. I did use to make vanilla sugar which is used a lot in German baking, that’s simple too.
jan says
There is such a big difference between imitation vanilla and pure vanilla extract! Love making it this way too.
Stephanie LaPlante says
I’d definitely like to try something like this. Awesome gift to a baker.
Lynda Cook says
I bought all of my bottles and booze to make this to give as gifts for Christmas, all I need now is the vanilla beans, but I’m trying to find where I can buy a lot for a good price!!
Katherine Catalano says
Maybe try amazon for a decent deal on vanilla beans?
Calvin F. says
Never knew you could make vanilla extract that easy at home. Thanks. I love the smell of vanila!