Homemade Vanilla Extract: Only 2 Ingredients!
- Cass
- Nov 29, 2024
- 3 min read
DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract: Easy, Flavourful, and Budget-Friendly.
If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your baking game or add a personal touch to your favourite recipes, homemade vanilla extract is the way to go. With just two simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a rich, aromatic vanilla extract that beats store-bought options any day. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a thoughtful gift for friends and family!
In this post, I’ll show you how to make homemade vanilla extract using five vanilla beans and your favourite alcohol base.
Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?
Superior Flavour: Store-bought vanilla often contains additives or watered-down flavors. Homemade vanilla is pure, natural, and incredibly aromatic.
Cost-Effective: While vanilla beans can seem pricey, a single batch of extract will last for years—and you can reuse the beans for multiple batches!
Customizable: Prefer a smoky twist? Use bourbon. Want something more neutral? Stick with vodka.
Perfect for Gifting: Homemade vanilla in a cute glass bottle with a handwritten label makes a thoughtful and practical gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making your own vanilla extract is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. You’ll love the aroma that wafts from the bottle every time you open it—and your baked goods will never be the same again!
Whether you’re a passionate baker or just looking for a fun kitchen project, give this recipe a try. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
5 vanilla beans
1 cup (8 oz) vodka (or bourbon for a deeper, richer flavor)
A clean glass bottle or jar with a tight seal (at least 8 oz capacity)
Directions
1. Prep the Vanilla Beans: Split the vanilla beans lengthwise with a sharp knife, exposing the seeds. These seeds, also known as "vanilla caviar," are what give the extract its robust flavour. If your jar is short, you can cut the beans in half to fit.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Place the split vanilla beans in your clean glass bottle or jar. Pour in the vodka (or bourbon) until the beans are fully submerged.
3. Seal and Shake: Seal the bottle or jar tightly. Give it a gentle shake to mix everything together.
4. Infuse the Flavour: Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard. Shake it gently once a week to help the infusion process.
5. Wait It Out: Patience is key! While the extract will start to take on a nice colour and aroma after 6 weeks, it’s best to let it sit for 3-6 months for the richest flavour.
6. Optional Straining: If you prefer a clear extract, you can strain out the beans and seeds using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Otherwise, leave the beans in for ongoing flavour development.Add another picture at the end as a serving suggestion. Invite readers to leave comments below and share their own experience in preparing the recipe. You can even turn on guest commenting in the Editor so people can reply without signing in to your site.
Tips for Success
Quality Matters: Use fresh, plump vanilla beans for the best results. Grade B vanilla beans are ideal for extracts as they’re slightly drier and packed with flavor.
Choose Your Alcohol: Vodka gives you a neutral base to let the vanilla shine, while bourbon adds warm, caramel-like undertones.
Keep It Going: Once your extract level drops, refill the bottle with more alcohol to extend its life.
FAQ
How long does homemade vanilla extract last?Homemade vanilla extract can last indefinitely if stored properly. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative.
Can I use other types of alcohol?Yes! Rum or brandy can add unique flavors to your vanilla extract.
What can I do with the leftover beans?After straining the extract, dry the beans and grind them into vanilla powder, or use them to flavour sugar.
Pin It for Later!
Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next DIY project! If you try it, let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
Happy baking! 🧁
DOWNLOAD YOUR PRINTABLE PDF RECIPE CARD HERE 👇🏼
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