This vanilla extract recipe is easy to make and requires only two ingredients. Homemade vanilla adds fantastic flavor to baked goods and makes a great gift!
Pure vanilla extract would be amazing in our homemade marshmallows recipe! For an even faster way to make vanilla, try our homemade vanilla paste. You can use it immediately!
Pure vanilla extract was one of those things that seemed complicated to make — until I discovered that it is literally vodka and vanilla beans. That's it. It's basically foolproof, smells fantastic, is delicious in baked goods, and is a wonderful gift to give during the holidays.
Why I Like This Recipe
- Makes a great gift. Give a bottle of homemade vanilla extract with a favorite cookie recipe card! Tie it with a ribbon for the perfect holiday gift!
- Lasts forever. When stored in a cool, dark place, homemade vanilla extract will last indefinitely. Vanilla improves with age and requires aging for months before use, so there is no concern about using it before its expiration date.
- Easy to make. This vanilla extract recipe couldn't be easier. It comes together in minutes and can be made in small or large quantities, depending on your needs. I've made small 4-ounce bottles all the way up to large mason jars.
What Others Are Saying
I ended up making these in bulk to give away as gifts. It was super easy and they were super well received! I was able to make corn-free ones for one friend who had an allergy by using a different type of vodka for some. I’ve even had friends come back to refill the vodka in theirs since the vanilla beans are still good to keep making vanilla!---Stacy
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Tips and Tricks
- Slice the vanilla beans. For maximum flavor, slice the beans lengthwise before adding them to the bottle. This allows the goodness to seep into the alcohol faster.
- Reuse the vanilla beans for future batches. When the bottle runs out, add more vodka and let it age again. The beans are potent enough for a second go-around (although they will be slightly less potent).
- Use clear or dark jars. Dark jars help preserve the flavor. If you use clear jars (like I did), be sure to store them in a dark place. I keep mine in the box that they came in on a shelf in my pantry until ready to give away or use.
- Don't skimp on vanilla beans. The FDA standard is 1 oz. of bean pods for every 8 oz. of vodka. The first time I made vanilla, I used fewer beans (2 per bottle) to save money, and the vanilla wasn't as potent as I would have liked.
- Start early. The ideal time to make vanilla is in January so that it can age all year long, but you can make it a few months before Christmas as well.
Single-Fold Vs. Double-Fold Vanilla Extract
I made single-fold vanilla extract. If you want a double-fold vanilla extract, double the number of beans that you use. Double-fold vanilla extract is much more potent, with a higher concentration of vanilla. Just decide what works for you and your budget — my budget was single fold.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Beans (Grade B): Grade A beans are softer (premium) and used for baking, while Grade B beans are drier (less expensive) and are rated for extraction. I used grade B, but you can use either type. You can find grade-B beans at Costco or Amazon. I’ve also heard about some Facebook groups (ex: Indri’s Vanilla Bean Group) where you can get great prices on grade A beans. I went with good ol’ Amazon for mine and used .5 oz of vanilla beans per 4-ounce jar. They can vary in size, but the amount is approximately 3-4 beans/jar.
- Vodka (80 proof): You can use rum, brandy, bourbon, or vodka. I went with vodka because it has the most neutral flavor. Don't waste your money buying anything expensive because this large bottle of Smirnoff 80-proof vodka is just fine.
Supplies
- 4 oz. bottles: Since vanilla extract isn't cheap to make, I decided not to use the 8-ounce canning jars I had on hand and instead ordered small 4-ounce bottles for gift-giving. If you are making a batch for yourself, just use what you have on hand, skip the label, and write on the jar lid with a Sharpie pen.
- labels: These are nice for gift-giving and let the recipient know when the vanilla will be ready for use. Don't let the fact that the vanilla needs to age stop you from making it and giving it away right away. The recipient can simply store it in their cupboard for a month or two and watch the beautiful amber color appear.
- small kitchen funnel: You'll need a small funnel to streamline the process of adding vodka to the tiny bottles.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Step 1: Slice each vanilla bean in half, lengthwise. Place vanilla inside the bottle. Trim the vanilla to make it fit.
Step 2: Pour vodka into the bottle using a small funnel. Add lid. Give the bottle a gentle shake.
Step 3: Store vanilla extract in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard for at least 3 months before using (6-12 months is ideal). Periodically turn the bottle over and shake to disperse the flavor. Vanilla will darken as it sits.
Vanilla Extract FAQs
Vanilla is best when it has had a chance to age. The longer the better. A good rule of thumb is to allow it to sit AT LEAST 3 months before using it. 6-12 months is ideal. I have some in the back of my cupboard that is 2 years old. So June is a GREAT month to make vanilla.
I made single-fold vanilla extract. If you want a double-fold vanilla extract, double the number of beans that you use. Double-fold vanilla extract is much more potent, with a higher concentration of vanilla. Just decide what works for you and your budget — my budget was single fold.
The FDA standard is 1 oz. of bean pods for every 8 oz. of vodka.
Vanilla extract will start out clear in color like vodka. As it sits, and as you periodically turn the bottles, the color will deepen and turn dark brown. If you check on your vanilla after a week and it hasn't darkened yet, don't worry; it will soon.
More Gifts To Bake and Make
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Pure Vanilla Extract Recipe
Equipment
- small funnel
- 15 (4 oz.) bottles or 7 (8 oz. bottles)
- sticker labels
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.75 L vodka 80 proof
- 6 oz. grade b vanilla beans (3-4 beans per jar for 4 oz. 6-8 beans per jar for 8 oz.)
Instructions
- You will need 3-4 vanilla beans and ½ cup of vodka for each (4 oz) bottle that you plan on making. Slice each vanilla bean in half, lenghtwise.
- Place vanilla inside bottle. Trim the vanilla to make it fit.
- Pour vodka into the bottle using a small funnel. Add lid. Give the bottle a gentle shake.
- Store vanilla extract in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard for at least 3 months before using (6-12 months is ideal). Periodically turn the bottle over and shake to disperse flavor.Vanilla will darken as it sits.
Stacy says
I ended up making these in bulk to give away as gifts. It was super easy and they were super well received! I was able to make corn-free ones for one friend who had an allergy by using a different type of vodka for some. I’ve even had friends come back to refill the vodka in theirs since the vanilla beans are still good to keep making vanilla!
Brandy says
This is a simple yet always popular gift to make. My friend uses bourbon so I may try that next time just to see how it compares, but vodka is cheap and works great!
Kait says
How many vanilla beans for a handle of vodka? I'm trying to make a lot in advance now for Christmas, and because we homestead and Id like.to have it on hand in bulk 🎄
Brandy says
Hi Kait! It’s in the ingredients list. 6 oz.
Shirley says
Hello,
I found your recipe for making vanilla & decided to try it, it’s been about a month since I made it, I remembered to shake them occasionally, today I noticed a kind of slimy looking stuff coming out of the pods, is this a normal process?
Thanks
Shirley Miller
Brandy says
Hi Shirley! I’m sure that’s just part of the vanilla bean. I haven’t seen that with mine, but I think it would be fine.