Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract is easy to make and requires only two simple ingredients and some time.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 32 oz Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla beans Grade B or extract-grade
- 2 cups vodka can be substituted with whiskey, bourbon or rum
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, slice each vanilla bean lengthwise. Add the beans to a clean jar or bottle.
- Pour your alcohol over the vanilla beans, ensuring they are fully submerged. You may have to slice the beans in half to ensure they are all covered.
- Seal the jar or bottle tightly. Store in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet.
- Shake the container gently each week to agitate the mixture.
- Allow the beans to steep for at least eight weeks. For optimal flavor, let the beans infuse for 6 to 12 months.
- Optional: After desired infusion time, strain the extract through a fine mesh strainer and transfer it to a clean, airtight bottle for storage.
Notes
If you do not strain the beans out, when the vanilla extract jar is empty, you can refill with vodka a second time to get a second jar of extract.
In our pantry, I always have two batches of vanilla extract in two 24-ounce wide-mouth jars. I stagger making the batches 6 months apart, so I always have one I am actively using in recipes, and the other is actively infusing, almost ready to be used.
Vanilla extract also makes the perfect holiday gift! Pour it into smaller bottles and add a festive ribbon.