Learn how to make homemade vanilla with this very simple tutorial.
Why Make Your Own Vanilla
I love having homemade vanilla extract. It is very simple to make and works beautifully in so many of my recipes.
Homemade vanilla extract has more flavor and depth than the imitation vanilla, that you find on the cheap in the grocery store.
Real vanilla can be expensive, but it is worth the additional cost. When you make it at home, the taste is even more pure and delicious. You get every part of the vanilla bean, including the fragrant seeds inside the pods.
Homemade vanilla extract is less expensive than the real stuff from the grocery store, and the flavors cannot be compared.
How do I Use Vanilla
I use a lot of homemade vanilla extract here in the farmhouse.
I sprinkle it in homemade yogurt, pour it in grain free granola and add a dash to my morning coffee.
Don’t put it past me to throw a few drops in a pumpkin, frozen banana, cinnamon and raw milk smoothie. I can’t get enough of the stuff!
Watch a video of me making homemade vanilla extract
Which Vanilla Beans to Use for Homemade Vanilla Extract
I have made homemade vanilla extract from many different beans. Years ago I purchased them on eBay. Now, I get them on Amazon. I have tried Tahitian and Madagascar Beans. .
After doing a little research, including this article on Pastry Chef Online, the best bean for culinary purposes is pure Madagascar vanilla beans.
Homemade vanilla extract made in vodka tastes most the like the good old fashioned, and pure, vanilla you’re used to. Rum or bourbon will add a rich flavor to the extract.
The Process
If you’ve ever made an herbal tincture, the process of making homemade vanilla extract is very much the same.
The basic science goes like this: When an herb with desirable properties is placed in a preserving liquid, like glycerin, vinegar or alcohol, the beneficial components/taste/properties are extracted to the liquid.
Alcohol is a potent solvent, and yields a more concentrated tincture.
Putting together a batch of homemade vanilla extract is as simple as placing vanilla beans in your preferred alcohol choice, and letting time do the work.
Step One
Cut vanilla beans down the center.
Step Two
Place the vanilla beans in your vessel of choice. Depending on the size of your jar, you may or may not need to cut the beans in half to fit.
For this application, I am using the same wares I use for everything else. The humble mason jar. I have them in every size.
Step Three
Cover the vanilla beans with alcohol.
I just use inexpensive vodka.
Step Four
Give it time.
You will know it’s ready when the extract no longer smells like alcohol. This usually takes about four months.
Homemade vanilla extract, alongside a pretty tea towel and beeswax candle, makes a super simple, and thoughtful, handmade Christmas gift.
If you aren’t able to start the vanilla four months before, just put a little note on the jar that says “Ready to enjoy in February”.
Enjoy making homemade vanilla extract!
Sources:
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. See my full disclosure here.
Mariah says
Hi there. I was wondering, is the end result still alcoholic? As in, is it safe to consume during pregnancy and for small children? Apologies if this sounds like a silly question, I am making-things-from-scratch beginner!
Stephanie says
It is as alcoholic as a vanilla extract you buy. However, recipes generally call for a teaspoon of it, so the amount is minimal. And most of the time, you would add it to a cake or something to be cooked which means the alcohol would evaporate and only the flavour would remain. I hope this helps!
Stephanie says
It is alcoholic, but remember, you only use a teaspoon or two of it and most likely for the majority of uses, it will evaporate during cooking or baking and only the flavour will remain.
Marsha says
Hi Lisa,
I was wondering the exact size of the jars (oz?) you used for the extraction process to get an idea of how many vanilla beans I need to buy and what size jars to buy as well. You had mentioned 3 beans per jar. Just wasn’t sure on the jar size. First timer here.
Thanks!
Marsha
Lisa says
I use the half pint mason jars. 🙂
Saisa says
Hi Lisa!
Do you have to use plastic mason jar lids? I don’t have any and was wondering if the metal ones would work fine. (: Thanks!
Lisa says
Metal works also, but they may rust.
diab says
Hi Lisa,
I was wandering if i could just use the vodka bottle instead of a jar.
also a 500 ml bottle would need 4:5 pods, right? what would happen if i add more or less pods to my extract?
Cara says
I’ve been making the vanilla for 5 months now. The beans have not disintegrated. Should they be completely gone? Or do I drain and re-use the beans with more vodka?
Anonymous says
They won’t disintegrate
Emily Behler says
I just LOVE your blog ❤️ And that family of yours ❤️ I just made a ton of vanilla following this recipe. And I used the link that you provided for where you buy your vanilla beans from. After all was said and done, I have had a few friends tell me that I should’ve used grade B beans. So now I am totally second-guessing myself. Did you use grade A or grade B?
Misty says
Yes, grade B is best for extract, grade a for direct culinary application, like vanilla sponge cakes, vanilla whipped cream etc.
Rebecca Hessey says
How to make this without alcohol?
Claire says
Hi Lisa, Followed your link for vanilla beans. Love all of your info and wanted to say, link is for Amazon. If you choose Amazon Smile instead, a portion of your sales go to charity of your choice. I use a local Dog rescue that I foster for. They have confirmed they do get the money from each order….not much each time but ” it Takes a Village” so every bit helps. Just FYI. Thanks
maddie says
wondering, what is the ratio for the vanilla beans to alcohol?
Thanks!
Sonya says
Love this idea for gift giving. How many vanilla beans are you using and how much vodka per jar?