Last Updated on January 14, 2023
Most bakers always have vanilla extract on hand. Buying vanilla extract can be expensive; but fortunately, there are ways how to make vanilla extract in the comfort of your own home.
Vanilla is one of the most common ingredients used in baking. It plays a huge role in achieving the desired flavor of your desserts. Though it may not taste great on its own, when added to recipes it brings out a delicious flavor.
The Importance of Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is important because it enhances the flavors in sweet dishes. Though you may think the small amount of vanilla extract your recipe calls for won’t make a difference, you will realize how bland desserts can taste without it if you leave it out. Just think how some of your favorite savory dishes would taste without salt; that is what your sweet dishes would be like without vanilla.
Other Uses For Vanilla Extract
Though vanilla extract is great for baking, there are also other ways you can use it. It is a great household freshener and can be used to deodorize smells in the fridge. You can simply take a sponge that has been dipped in vanilla and place it in your fridge.
Vanilla extract also works to keep bugs away and helps soothe minor burns. Add one tablespoon of vanilla extract to one cup of water to help keep mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and ticks away. If you get a minor burn, place a small amount of vanilla extract on the wound, as the alcohol in it will help soothe the burn.
Your Own Vanilla Extract
When deciding to make your vanilla, you may think to yourself: Won’t this be a lot of work? What ingredients will I need? Will this be hard?
This post will go through everything you need to know to make your vanilla and show you how easy it is to prepare it. Homemade vanilla is simple to make and requires only basic skills. It is a great option for your next DIY project.
What You Will Need for This Tutorial
Fortunately, you only need a few ingredients to make your own vanilla extract. Making your own vanilla requires the following supplies:
- Vanilla beans
- Vodka (with at least 35% alcohol content)
- Glass jar or bottle with lid
Most grocery stores sell whole vanilla beans and you can also find them online. You also should make sure not to get flavored alcohol, as it will change the taste of the vanilla.
When making vanilla extract, it is best to follow the ratio of six vanilla beans per eight ounces of alcohol. This ratio gives the vanilla the perfect flavoring. Make sure that you have a container with a lid that is large enough to hold the vanilla beans and alcohol.
Alcohol Alternatives
Instead of using vodka, you may also use rum or bourbon. However, the flavors from using rum or bourbon will have a different taste, so it is recommended to use vodka for the cleanest taste. Whatever alcohol you are using, make sure it has an alcohol content of at least thirty-five percent.
Step by Step – How to Make Vanilla Extract
Step One: Cut the Vanilla Beans
Take your vanilla beans and cut them down the middle lengthwise. This will allow you to get the most flavor. If needed, cut the beans down in height to fit in your jar.
Step Two: Put the Vanilla in the Jar
In a clean and empty jar, place your vanilla pieces.
Step Three: Adding the Alcohol
Fill the container with alcohol. Close the jar tightly and shake up the mix.
Step 4: Storage
Store your vanilla extract mix in a cool, dark place. It is best to give it a shake at least once a week to help mix it up. It is recommended to store the vanilla for at least two months before using it. However, you may try to use some after a month to see if it is strong enough. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor gets.
Tips and Tricks on How To Make Vanilla Extract
If you use vanilla extract regularly, you can make multiple batches at once. That way once you run out of your first batch, you don’t have to wait another few months for more. You can also add a label with the date to the jar of your vanilla to know when it will be ready, so you don’t lose track of time.
Though you may put the beans as a whole, it is recommended to split them to get more flavor. If any vanilla gets stuck to your knife or scissors, or falls off when prepping the beans, make sure to still add it to the jar. This will help your vanilla extract to get as much flavor as possible.
You can also make multiple batches using vodka, bourbon, and rum. Then you can compare them to see which vanilla you like best. Some people prefer the classic taste vodka gives, while others like the deeper flavor of bourbon or rum. Vodka is the most common alcohol used for making vanilla.
How To Make Vanilla Extract
Equipment
- A container with a lid that is large enough to hold the vanilla beans and alcohol
Ingredients
- Vanilla beans
- Vodka with at least 35% alcohol content
- Glass jar or bottle with lid
Instructions
Step One: Cut the Vanilla Beans
- Take your vanilla beans and cut them down the middle lengthwise. This will allow you to get the most flavor. If needed, cut the beans down in height to fit in your jar.
Step Two: Put the Vanilla in the Jar
- In a clean and empty jar, place your vanilla pieces.
Step Three: Adding the Alcohol
- Fill the container with alcohol. Close the jar tightly and shake up the mix.
Step 4: Storage
- Store your vanilla extract mix in a cool, dark place. It is best to give it a shake at least once a week to help mix it up. It is recommended to store the vanilla extract for at least two months before using, however you may try to use some after a month to see if it is strong enough. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor gets.
Notes
How Important is Vanilla Extract in a Recipe?
When it comes to adding vanilla extract to a recipe, it’s more important than you may think. When it comes to the shape of your baked goods, vanilla extract makes no difference whatsoever. However, the taste and the flavor change dramatically with a small amount of vanilla extract. It helps to enhance the flavor of many baked goods; including cookies, cakes, and muffins. As well as enhancing the flavor of ingredients, it also takes away the taste of eggs. Eggs can become an overwhelming taste in baked goods, and it isn’t one you’d necessarily want.
While vanilla extract adds a range of benefits to your baking, you can make recipes without it; they just may not taste as good. Or you could replace vanilla extract with another extract of your choice, such as almond extract.
How Long Does it Take to Make Vanilla Extract?
Making vanilla extract can take a very long amount of time. While it doesn’t require many ingredients at all, the time in which it takes to infuse can be quite lengthy! You can infuse your vanilla extract for around 2 months for the quickest vanilla extract. However, if you’re looking for vanilla extract with the most flavor, you’re best to wait around 6-12 months before use. Making vanilla extract in batches is also important so that you’ll always have vanilla extract at hand for your baking. The longer you leave the extract to infuse, the better the flavor will be.
How to Make Vanilla Extract With Rum
While vodka is the most common alcohol to use when it comes to vanilla extract, you can also make it with other alcohol, such as rum. To make vanilla extract with rum, you’ll need:
- 4 vanilla pods that have been scraped, for every 100ml of white rum (the rum must be at least 40% proof for best results)
Now all you need to do is:
- Scrap the vanilla pods and chop the vanilla up into small pieces.
- Place the vanilla into a sealable jar.
- Pour the rum into the jar that contains the vanilla.
- Once inside, seal the jar and shake well.
It’s important to shake the jar every day within the first few weeks and every so often after that until you’re ready to use it. With rum, it’s best to let it infuse for around a month before use. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Making Vanilla Vodka: How To
To make vanilla vodka, you need the same ingredients as when you’re making vanilla extract! To make vanilla vodka, you’ll need:
- one vanilla pod
- 10 oz of vodka of your choice
Now all you need to do is:
- Split the vanilla in half and add it to a sealable jar.
- Pour in your vodka and leave to infuse.
- It’s best to shake every so often to help this process.
- Once you’ve reached the flavor you’re looking for, remove the vanilla and serve.
Does Vanilla Extract Go Bad?
When it comes to vanilla extract, it doesn’t typically go bad. However, once the vanilla extract has been opened, it will become more robust over a longer period. But aside from that, you shouldn’t have to worry about vanilla extract becoming bad.
How Long Does Vanilla Extract Last?
As long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place, there is no set shelf life for vanilla extract. It should last an indefinite amount of time. However, for best results, you should use it within around five years. That way, it’ll still have the best flavor.
Making Your Own Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is easy to make and is a great alternative to expensive store-bought stuff. Vanilla can last a long time, so you don’t need to worry if you found a jar you had forgotten about; it will likely still be good to use. It essentially does not go bad, so you don’t have to worry about how long you’ve had your extract.
It is a great gift idea to give to your culinary friends. They will love the effort you put into a homemade gift and the delightful taste it will give their baked goods.
Its amazing smell and delicious taste in sweet treats make it a no-brainer to have around. If you tried making homemade vanilla extract, please share your experience making it.
Please comment if you enjoyed this article or have any remarks regarding this recipe!
Karen is a passionate pastry chef who loves to create delicious baked goods. She has been in the culinary arts for over 10 years, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Karen is known for her creativity and attention to detail, creating unique desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and come up with new recipes that are both tasty and visually appealing. Karen loves to experiment with different flavors and textures, and she is committed to providing the highest quality of products to her customers.
