How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Learn how easy it is to make homemade vanilla extract that’s cost effective, rich in flavor and totally worth the wait.

I’m going to tell you the truth. For my whole life, I’ve used imitation vanilla (ahhh). I know what a travesty, but honestly, let’s be real. It’s cheap, convenient, smells great and does its job. However, it’s imitation, which means fake and it’s derived from not so great products. Over a year ago, I decided I wanted to try making my own homemade vanilla and I’m so glad I did. Not only is it incredibly easy, but it’s also cost effective.

It’s much cheaper to buy the ingredients to make homemade vanilla extract than it is to buy those itty bitty bottles of it in the store for like $10. I don’t know about you, but I use a generous amount of vanilla and those bottles don’t last long. Vanilla extract only requires two ingredients, alcohol and vanilla beans. Now if you’re worried about buying alcohol and using it, I totally get it. The great news is that the alcohol will cook off in the baking process and just leave behind the delicious vanilla flavor. All that being said, let’s dive in.

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Considerations When Making Homemade Vanilla Extract

1. Choosing Vanilla Beans

There are two grades of vanilla beans that are most commonly used when it comes to making homemade vanilla extract.

Grade A Beans:

Grade A vanilla beans are often referred to as “gourmet” beans. They have a higher moisture content, making them more plump and visually appealing. They are full of what’s called “vanilla bean caviar,” which are the seeds inside the pod. Grade A vanilla beans are great for making not only extracts, but making vanilla bean paste, vanilla ice cream and so many more goodies. They are rich in the compound vanillin, which is the distinct vanilla flavor.

Grade B Beans:

Grade B vanilla beans are less desirable and are really only good for making vanilla extract. They’re often much drier than Grade A beans and susceptible to breaking. The positive to using Grade B beans in your homemade vanilla extract is that they are cheaper to purchase.

2. Choosing Alcohol for Extraction

The most typical alcohol used to make vanilla extract is vodka. Vodka is desirable because it is virtually flavorless and allows the vanilla taste to come through much more than flavored alcohols like bourbon or spiced rum. The biggest factor when it comes to choosing the right alcohol is the alcohol percentage. According to the FDA, the liquor used should contain at least 35% ethyl alcohol by volume, which is typically 70-100 proof. This information can be found on the front of the bottle.

When it comes to higher proof alcohol, you’ll need to dilute it with distilled water to avoid burning the vanilla beans. For more information on using a high proof alcohol like Everclear, you can find more information here.

3. Single Fold Vanilla Extract vs. Double Fold Vanilla Extract

Single Fold Vanilla

A single fold vanilla extract is made using roughly 1 oz of vanilla beans per 1 cup of alcohol. This is your standard strength vanilla and is great for baked goods.

Double Fold Vanilla

Double fold vanilla is made using roughly 2 oz of vanilla beans per 1 cup of alcohol. This type of vanilla extract has a stronger vanilla flavor and in theory, you should be able to use half the amount a recipe calls for due to its potency.

4. Choosing a Jar for Homemade Vanilla Extract

It’s best to use a glass jar of some kind to make your vanilla extract. I personally love using mason jars with an airtight, spill proof plastic lid, but you can use flip top bottles or small amber bottles. It’s just important to note that you should keep your jar of vanilla away from direct sunlight, preferably in a dark place, like a cabinet. If you don’t have that option, amber jars are your best bet!

Mother Jar vs Small Bottles

There’s a couple ways you can approach making your own vanilla. If you’re going for a continuous system, kind of like a sourdough start, then a mother jar system is perfect. If your goal is to make small bottles as gifts, then the bottling method is for you.

Mother Jar System

So what’s a mother jar? A mother jar is like a starter that continuously brews for years, decades and beyond. The best way to start one is to use a quart sized mason jar, add, for example 2 cups of alcohol, then 2 oz of vanilla beans that have been split, and allow it to brew for 9-12 months (or more). At that point, you’ll have a good amount of vanilla extract. At that point, you can pour 1 cup of the extract into a separate jar to use for every day baking, then add a little more alcohol and a few more beans to the mother jar to continue your supply. You’d repeat the process of pouring out some and replacing it, just like a sourdough starter.

Single Bottle Method

If you’re someone who doesn’t use a lot of vanilla or is looking to make vanilla extract as a gift, a better option is to create individual bottles of extract. This involves adding a cup of alcohol and 1 oz of beans to a small jar and allowing the bottle to sit for 9-12 months before giving it away or using it.

It’s really a matter of preference, so decide what works best for you!

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cup
• Kitchen scale
• Jar with airtight lid

INGREDIENTS

• Grade A vanilla beans
• 70-100 proof alcohol of choice

DIRECTIONS

Remove the vanilla beans from the package, then use a small knife to slice the bean lengthwise, then in half width wise.

Weigh out 1 ounce of vanilla beans using a kitchen scale.

Add the vanilla beans to a glass jar.

To a glass jar, add 1 cup of 70-100 proof alcohol, ensuring all the beans are fully submerged.

Place an airtight top onto the jar and place the jar in a cool, dark place for 9-12 months before using it.

NOTES

• Grade A vanilla beans are the best, but you can use Grad B vanilla beans as well.
• It’s recommend to weigh the vanilla beans to get an accurate bean to alcohol ratio.
• Use a glass jar or bottle.
• Use an alcohol that is at least 35% alcohol, or 70-100 proof.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR OTHER BASIC RECIPES?

Looking for more basic recipes like this homemade vanilla extract recipe? Check these out!

• Homemade Peanut Butter with Just Peanuts
• Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
• Homemade Caramel Sauce without Corn Syrup
• How to Make Brown Sugar

Did you enjoy making your own homemade vanilla extract? If you did, tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation!