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Square side shot of three glass bottles of homemade vanilla extract.
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How to Make Vanilla Extract

You can make your own homemade vanilla extract in about 10 minutes with just 2 ingredients. No cooking required!
Course condiment
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade vanilla extract, how to make homemade vanilla extract, how to make vanilla extract
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 183 days
Total Time 183 days 10 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 554kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour the alcohol into an 8-ounce jar.
    Pouring bourbon into a bottle.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice each vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Trim the beans to fit the size and shape of your jar (cutting in half horizontally, if necessary).
    Splitting vanilla beans in half.
  • Place the vanilla beans in the alcohol, making sure that the beans are completely submerged in the liquid. You can trim the beans, as necessary, to fit the size and shape of your jar. Seal tightly and let stand in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry) for at least 2 months, or ideally 6-12 months (the longer it sits, the better the flavor). Shake the bottle occasionally.
    Process shot showing how to make vanilla extract.
  • As you start to use the vanilla, you can continue to refill the bottle. Just add extra alcohol to cover the beans, shake the jar, and store in the pantry.
    Close up front shot of homemade bourbon vanilla extract in glass bottles.

Notes

  • Any size jar or bottle that's at least 8 ounces or larger will work; just make sure that you cut the vanilla beans so that they're completely submerged in the alcohol.
  • I like these 8-ounce bottles or these 16-ounce bottles for larger batches.
  • Use a small funnel to quickly and neatly pour the alcohol into your bottles.
  • Madagascar, Tahitian, or Mexican vanilla beans will all work. I use these.
  • I know it's hard to be patient, but it's important to let the vanilla extract sit for at least 2 months (and preferably 6-12 months) to develop the best flavor.
  • Shake the bottle occasionally as it sits so that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the alcohol.
  • Refill the vanilla extract as you use it! Just add more alcohol to cover the beans, shake, and store in the pantry until you need it again. These beans are the gift that keeps on giving!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 554kcal | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg