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    Home » DIY » Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

    Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

    Published: Dec 16, 2020 · Modified: Aug 24, 2022 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Homemade Vanilla Extract requires only TWO ingredients and you will be so happy with the way it flavors your baked goods. Great for gift-giving!

    jars of vanilla extract lined up with instruction tags attached

    Original post: December 2017 | Updated: December 2020

    I have a handful of Christmas pet peeves, one of them being the need to buy presents for sooo many dang people. Isn’t time together the most important thing? Instead of buying candles and lotions and other things that will probably get tossed into a junk drawer, I love the option of making DIY gifts such as this Homemade Vanilla Extract.

    DIY gifts are more likely to be useful, plus they’re hand-made and affordable. Win-win-win.

    Consider making a few jars of extract for your loved ones this year. Attach instructional tags and this gift will be adored by all!

    Vanilla beans sitting in a pile

    WHICH VANILLA BEANS TO USE FOR EXTRACT

    Vanilla beans, vodka and a bit of patience are the only things required to make extract come alive. It is super easy to find vanilla beans for purchase online. Use Grade B Bourbon or Madagascar beans for a classic vanilla extract flavor.

    If you’re looking for a spicier flavor, use Mexican vanilla beans. No need to go top-shelf with the vodka, either. Buy bottom-shelf 80 proof vodka and you’ll be set.

    homemade vanilla extract before it has darkened in a jar

    NOTES: HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

    Be sure to cut the vanilla beans lengthwise before adding them to bottles and between 4-5 beans seems to be the perfect amount per 8 ounces of vodka.

    Once sealed up in bottles, shake those babies once daily for eight weeks. When the eight weeks is up, strain the contents through a coffee filter, pour the extract back into the bottle and start baking!

    homemade vanilla extract in a jar with vanilla beans inside

    OTHER DIY GIFT IDEAS

    • Make your own face scrub at home in minutes! This DIY recipe is the perfect any-occasion gift made with coffee and coconut oil. It exfoliates, moisturizes, and protects against aging and smells incredible.
    • Make your own sugar scrub at home using sugar, fresh cucumber and mint. This DIY recipe is good for your face, your legs and arms to get smoother skin. Create a batch of this and your skin will love you. Bonus, it makes a great gift!
    • Creating the scent of Christmas is easy! This homemade Christmas Potpourri will make your home smell like the favorite holiday ALL DAY LONG!

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Homemade Vanilla Extract requires only TWO ingredients and you will be so happy with the way it flavors your baked goods. Great for gift-giving!
    5 from 1 vote
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiments
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    56 days days
    Total Time: 56 days days 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Megan Porta
    Cost: $30

    Equipment

    • 8 oz jar

    Ingredients

    • 4 vanilla beans each split lengthwise (use Grade B Bourbon or Madagascar beans for a classic flavor; use Mexican beans for a spicier flavor)
    • 8 oz jar or bottle with screw-on lid, washed
    • 8 oz vodka 80 proof, NOT premium quality

    Instructions

    • Place the vanilla beans into the washed jar/bottle. Add 8 oz. of vodka and seal tightly with lid.
    • Let sit for eight weeks, shaking contents once/day. After eight weeks, strain through a coffee filter and pour the extract back into the jar/bottle. Use in baked goods, as directed!

    Notes

    Vanilla beans, vodka and a bit of patience are the only things required to make extract come alive. It is super easy to find vanilla beans for purchase online. Use Grade B Bourbon or Madagascar beans for a classic vanilla extract flavor.
    If you’re looking for a spicier flavor, use Mexican vanilla beans. No need to go top-shelf with the vodka, either. Buy bottom-shelf 80 proof vodka and you’ll be set.
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vivian

      July 17, 2024 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      Hi. I have all my supplies ready😃
      I have one question. I see that I need to use 5-6 beans with 8 oz vodka…do the beans need to be covered with the vodka or can they poke out at the top a little?
      Thank you. I am super ready to get started

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        July 30, 2024 at 11:56 am

        Hi Vivian! Ideally you want the beans to be covered but if they aren’t that’s okay. Maybe try cutting them in half. Thanks!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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