How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract
- Kristina V
- January 15, 2022
Save money and stop using the fake stuff! Make your own vanilla extract with this super easy and affordable recipe that will have you in stock for months of baking!
Why You Should Make your Own Vanilla
I don’t know about you, but I like to bake!
If you do too, then you know how quickly you can go through a bottle of vanilla. You also would know that you have two options in the store. You can either buy the imitation vanilla (only God knows what this is) that costs a couple of dollars, or you can buy the actual vanilla that costs anywhere from like eight bucks to twenty for a tiny little container.
WHO CAN AFFORD THAT IF YOU LIKE MAKING COOKIES?!?!?!
NO ONE!!!
The solution????
Make your own vanilla — the REAL stuff — for a LOT less $$$$$!
Not only does this cost less, but you can make your own vanilla extract (a HUGE batch) that will last you forever… depending on how many cookies (or other delectable baked goods) you make.
The only drawback to this is that you must make it ahead of time. This has to sit for about two months before using it. But like I said, it’s worth it.
So, let’s get on it, so you can use it sooner rather than later!
Before We Crack On
Prep is key for everything in life. Even DIY vanilla. No lie.
So, make sure you have a nice clean bottle of some sort. The one I use in this recipe is an old 750mL bourbon bottle. I took some chalkboard paint, swiped a diagonal box across the front of the old label and wrote Vanilla with a chalk marker across it.
I know. I’m so crafty.
Gather your supplies…..
-Bottle
-Bottle of any bourbon or vodka (yuck) you like… I don’t recommend anything flavored.
-Small knife and cutting board
-Vanilla Beans (you can order these online if you can’t find them locally)
-Funnel (if you’re the “keep it neat” sort)
Let’s Spur This Pony!
Ok so now that you have all your supplies together, you’re probably wondering how to make your own vanilla.
Grab your knife, cutting board, and vanilla beans.
Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise from end to end. Now you can do this two ways. You can either cut all the way through both sides or lightly slice to open the pod.
Either way you choose, hold the bean, get the FLAT edge of your knife into the pod and scrape the entire length to remove the “caviar” out of the inside.
No, I don’t know why they call it caviar. They just do, ok?!?!?!
Now that we have that cleared up, just scrape all that lovely flavor into the bottle you will be keeping your vanilla in. Place both the scraped insides and the beans into the jug.
Now that the hard part is over to make your own vanilla, grab your bottle of bourbon (vodka, if you are not like me), put the funnel in the vanilla bottle, and pour your booze in with the bean pods.
Fill all the way to the top, place your lid on the jar, and give it a good shake.
Now at first, the liquid will be a bit light-colored, but over time it will get darker.
I suggest letting the flavors mingle for a couple of months before using this. For these first couple of months, make sure to give the bottle a little shake every day to continue the infusion process.
Pro Tips
-Use any type of alcohol you like. Just make sure it isn’t already flavored like peach or blackberry or anything weird. This would be defeating the purpose. If you make your own vanilla, make it taste like VANILLA people.
-Now the professionals might argue with me on this, but once you get towards the end of your bottle, I recommend just adding a couple of beans and some more booze.
-If you have some leftover bourbon after filling your vanilla jug, you should definitely reward yourself for your arduous work with a swig or two. You know, keep the morale up.
-When scraping the insides out of the beans you don’t have to get too crazy. Just give it a once over. The rest will eventually float out of the pod into the liquid.
Make Your Own Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 750 mL Unflavored Bourbon or Vodka
- 10 -15 Whole Vanilla Beans
Instructions
- Split vanilla beans lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Scrape out the caviar in the bean pod using the dull side of your knife.
- Wipe the caviar into a clean 750 mL glass bottle.
- Using a funnel, pour new bourbon or vodka into the bottle with the vanilla beans.
- Give the bottle a shake and place on a pantry shelf.
- Let sit for about two months before using. Give the bottle an easy shake every day to help the vanilla infuse into the alcohol.
- Use in all of your favorite recipes!
Try This With…
- Amazing Old Fashion Butter Cookies: Grandma Fili’s Amazing Old Fashioned Butter Cookie Recipe – FFF (farmfriendsfood.com)
- Thick an Rich German Chocolate Homemade Pudding: How to make the BEST Old-Fashion Chocolate Pudding (farmfriendsfood.com)