How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract (2024)

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

You can make the most amazing, aromatic, 2-ingredient, vanilla extract right at home. It's less expensive than store-bought and it makes a wonderful edible gift! Plus, we have a new free, printable label that you can download!

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Hi Friends, did you know that you can make your own Homemade Vanilla Extract? It's so easy!

All you need are 2 ingredients: Vanilla beans and vodka and time (6 weeks).

I have been making it for years now and it's hard to imagine not making my own Homemade Vanilla Extract now.

If you are a baker, make this for yourself or know a baker, this makes a wonderful edible gift - right on time for the holidays!

I love this Vanilla Extract in coffee, drinks, baked recipes, or any recipes requiring vanilla extract (there are so many!)

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Ingredients

• vanilla beans, grade A, I usually get ones from Madagascar *I linked to the kind that I got in the recipe card below
• vodka (you can use a cheap variety for this recipe, 70-90 proof is fine)

I always like to keep extra vanilla beans in the kitchen pantry because you never know when you will need them.

Kitchen Tools

Here are some helpful kitchen tools for making this Homemade Vanilla Extract:

• bottles
• funnel
• measuring spoons and cups
• 2-cup wet measure
• swing top glass bottles

I linked to the kitchen tools that I used for this recipe in the recipe card below.

Web Story

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If you like this How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract recipe tutorial and like it, please give this recipe a rating and let us know in the comments below, thank you for reading and following along!

Homemade Vanilla Extract Label

• Get the free, Homemade Vanilla Extract label download, HERE.

This post was originally published on 12/22/2019 and updated and republished on 9/2/2021

Yield: 8 ounces

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Additional Time: 1 month

Total Time: 1 month 3 minutes

You can make the most amazing, aromatic, 2-ingredient, vanilla extract right at home. It’s less expensive than store-bought and it makes a wonderful edible gift!

Ingredients

• 1 ounce vanilla beans, split lengthwise, grade A* (optional, if you want the vanilla seeds to float around)
• 8 ounces vodka, 70-90 proof (you can use the cheapest kind, no need to use expensive vodka for this recipe)

Instructions

1. In a lidded glass bottle, add the vanilla beans, put a funnel on top and add the vodka to the bottle. Put the lid on and shake.
2. Shake daily for 4-6 weeks. Optionally, you can filter the finished vanilla extract with a cheesecloth, if you want (I never do) before using.
3. When the vanilla extract is at the color you desire, you can then, transfer it to amber color glass bottles for storing or gift-giving.

Notes

• *I usually get vanilla beans from Madagascar

Recommended Products

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  Norpro Stainless Steel Funnels, Set of 3

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  Swing Top Glass Bottles - Flip Top Brewing Bottles For Kombucha, Kefir, Beer - Clear Color - 16oz Size - Set of 6 - Leak Proof Easy Caps, Bonus Gaskets, Chalkboard Labels and Pen - Fast Clean Design

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  Vanilla Products USA 5 Grade A Prime Gourmet Bourbon Madagascar Vanilla Beans 5~6"

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  Swing Top Glass Bottles - Flip Top Brewing Bottles For Kombucha, Kefir, Beer - Clear Color - 16oz Size - Set of 6 - Leak Proof Easy Caps, Bonus Gaskets, Chalkboard Labels and Pen - Fast Clean Design

• 

  Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Red Graphics, Clear

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  Homestia Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 8 PIECE for Dry and Liquid Ingredients Engraved Measurement Heavy Duty Baking & Cooking Utensils

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 48Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 12Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best.

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