Make Vanilla Extract at Home: Simple Homemade Recipe

Homemade Vanilla Extract is far superior to store-bought. Use it to elevate cakes, cookies, frostings and more. You only need two ingredients and a little patience.

I recently shared videos of my homemade vanilla extract on Instagram and Facebook stories, and many of you asked for the recipe. So here it is!

Making vanilla extract at home is rewarding, economical, and simple. Below are the reasons to make your own, the ingredients and the straightforward method.

Reasons To Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

1. More intense flavor. Homemade vanilla develops a richer, deeper flavor than most commercial extracts and makes baked goods taste noticeably better.

2. More economical over time. After the initial purchase of beans and a bottle of vodka, you can keep refilling the bottle, so the cost per ounce becomes much lower than store-bought vanilla.

3. Lovely gifts. Bottled vanilla makes a thoughtful homemade gift—just add a ribbon or label.

4. It’s fun. The process is simple and enjoyable, and it’s satisfying to see the extract develop over weeks and months.

Ingredients for Making Vanilla Extract

You only need two main ingredients:

1. Vanilla beans. Grade B vanilla beans are ideal because they are drier and yield a more concentrated flavor. Madagascar and Tahitian Grade B beans are both excellent choices. Madagascar beans often produce a darker, more robust extract.

2. Vodka. Use an 80-proof unflavored vodka so the alcohol does not add competing flavors. You can also use rum, brandy or bourbon for different flavor profiles, but these will influence the final taste.

Alcohol-free option. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can use food-grade glycerin as an alternative extractor; it yields a milder vanilla flavor.

Ratio. A common ratio is 5–6 vanilla beans per 8 ounces (240 ml) of vodka, or roughly 3 beans per 4 ounces (120 ml).

How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Follow these simple steps:

1. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. You can leave the pods whole or cut them into pieces.

2. Place the seeds and pods into a clean jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Pour vodka over the beans, filling the bottle. Use a small funnel if needed.

4. Seal the bottle and shake well. Store the bottle at room temperature away from direct sunlight and shake once a week.

The extract is usable after about one month, but for a fully developed, richer flavor allow it to steep for up to six months. You can keep the beans in the bottle and top up with more vodka as you use the extract; add fresh beans later if the flavor weakens.

Useful Tools and Ingredients

• Grade B vanilla beans (Madagascar or Tahitian)
• 80-proof unflavored vodka
• Glass bottles with tight-fitting lids
• Small funnel for easy pouring
• Labels for gifting (optional)

What To Cook With Homemade Vanilla Extract

Use your homemade vanilla extract in recipes that benefit from a clear, fresh vanilla flavor, such as:

• Plain or layer cakes
• Yogurt cake
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Vanilla ice cream
• Vanilla pound cake

Video Demonstration

For a quick visual guide, watch the demonstration video embedded below to see the process step by step.

More Homemade Recipes To Try

• Homemade tomato paste
• Easy homemade French bread
• Homemade chocolate ice cream
• Homemade mayonnaise

If you make this recipe, please leave a rating. Your feedback helps others find the recipe and I love hearing from you. Thank you!