Homemade Vanilla Extract
If you've ever wondered how easy it would be to make homemade vanilla extract, you're in luck! This simple recipe only requires two ingredients and a little bit of patience. The result? A rich and flavorful vanilla extract that will take your homemade desserts to the next level.
Servings: 7 cups
Calories: 51kcal
Ingredients
- 1 handle 80-proof vodka 1.75 liters
- 30-40 vanilla beans
Instructions
- Carefully remove the pour spout from the bottle of vodka using a butter knife or your fingers.
- Use a sharp knife to make a slit down the center of each vanilla bean.
- Add the vanilla beans to the vodka, put on the cap and give it a shake.
- Let the bottle sit in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 3 months, giving it a shake every so often.
- When ready, decant the vanilla extract into smaller bottles along with a few of the vanilla beans and use as needed.
Notes
- Use the cheapest liquor you can find - there is no need to use high-quality, expensive vodka for this application.
- Swap out the vodka for bourbon, rum, or whiskey for a unique flavor.
- Try to remember to give the bottle a shake whenever you can to help the vanilla infuse.
- The vanilla is ready after 3 months, but the longer it sits, the better it will get.
- To store your homemade vanilla extract, choose a cool, dark place. Avoid extreme temperatures, such as those found in a refrigerator or freezer, or on top of a refrigerator. These conditions can cause the flavors to deteriorate over time.
- Decant it into smaller bottles and give out as gifts, or transfer it to mason jars or larger bottles for personal use.
- You can make vanilla in the individual bottles they will be stored in, but I prefer to make it in one large bottle and decant as needed. It’s much easier to get started this way.
- I like to keep the main bottle of vanilla in my pantry and then a smaller bottle on my kitchen shelf with a few vanilla beans that I refill as needed.
- Once the vanilla is all used up, you can refill the bottle with vodka and make up to two more batches. Note that each batch will take longer to brew. I usually have two batches going at all times, so I always have some ready.
- After making two of batches of extract, don't dispose of your beans just yet. Remove the beans from the bottle and let them dry out. Once they're dry, add them to a canister of sugar. Let this sit for a few months to infuse into the sugar. Perfect for your morning coffee or tea.
Nutrition
Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 0.001mg | Potassium: 0.001mg
