Did you know that it only takes two ingredients and some patience to make homemade vanilla extract? It’s cheaper than buying it at the store and makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Trust me when I say you’ll never go back to buying vanilla extract. It’s just so easy!
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What Are You Doing With That?
I have never had a sip of alcohol. It’s not a religious thing, I simply have never been interested in drinking. So when my husband and I went to the store he was shocked when I grabbed the biggest bottle of vodka they had. He asked me what I planned on doing with it since clearly it wasn’t shots. I told him it was for homemade vanilla extract. He laughed and said that only I would buy that much vodka without planning to drink any of it.
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Why Homemade Vanilla Extract?
Many of the vanilla extracts you purchase at the store are actually imitation vanilla. Go ahead and read the label if you don’t believe me. I had no idea until I started switching over to cleaner ingredients. The real vanilla extract is expensive! Now I may be biased, but I do believe that by making homemade vanilla extract you get a better flavor. The longer it sits the better the flavor becomes. If you want to get really fancy, you can try using different 80 proof alcohols. My standard is the cheapest vodka I can find, but bourbon vanilla is divine. It adds a whole new depth to the flavor.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
Ingredients
Vanilla beans (I like Madagascar vanilla beans)
80 proof alcohol (I use vodka)
Instructions
- To begin, you will need to slice your vanilla beans lengthwise. I’ve made homemade vanilla extract without this step and it turns out fine, but when I do the flavor is so much stronger. You’ll need between 4 and 8 beans per cup of alcohol. More beans equals more flavor.
- Next pour 80 proof alcohol over the beans. You’ll want to make sure they are completely covered to prevent mold.
- Then put a lid on the jar and wait about 6 months.
- Now it’s ready to use! As you use the extract you can pour more alcohol into the jar to keep the beans covered. Then you’ll have more extract. When you notice the flavor fading, it’s time for new beans. If the beans are not submerged, remove them as they will get slimy.
Using Homemade Vanilla Extract
You can use homemade vanilla extract in the same way that you would use the stuff from the store. Here are some of my favorite recipes!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Did you know that it only takes two ingredients and some patience to make homemade vanilla extract? It’s cheaper than buying it at the store and makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Trust me when I say you’ll never go back to buying vanilla extract. It’s just so easy!
Ingredients
- Vanilla beans (I like Madagascar vanilla beans)
- 80 proof alcohol (I use vodka)
Instructions
- To begin, you will need to slice your vanilla beans lengthwise. I’ve made homemade vanilla extract without this step and it turns out fine, but when I do the flavor is so much stronger. You’ll need between 4 and 8 beans per cup of alcohol. More beans equals more flavor.
- Next pour 80 proof alcohol over the beans. You’ll want to make sure they are completely covered to prevent mold.
- Then put a lid on the jar and wait about 6 months.
- Now it’s ready to use! As you use the extract you can pour more alcohol into the jar to keep the beans covered. Then you’ll have more extract. When you notice the flavor fading, it’s time for new beans. If the beans are not submerged, remove them as they will get slimy.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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