Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract Recipe

This homemade vanilla bean extract recipe can be made 2 different ways… and we will show you how.

Now you can make vanilla extract at home. It makes wonderful gifts, and is far better than any vanilla extracts you can find in the stores.

This alcoholic vanilla extract recipe will include the best vanilla bean for extract. As well as the best vodka to make vanilla extract.

You’ll learn how many vanilla beans to make extract perfect, and learn how to divide the vanilla beans for extract into both small and large batches.

This homemade vanilla bean extract recipe can be made 2 different ways…

Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract Recipe

This article will supply you with everything you’ll need to make the best vanilla bean extract recipe.

From a shopping list, to a printable recipe card. You’ll even find the best vodka for vanilla extract, and find a link for the best vanilla extract bean.

What You’ll Find in this Article:

• Ingredients of Vanilla Extract (shopping list!)
• How to Make Vanilla Extract from Vanilla Beans
• Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract Recipe (recipe card!)
• Nutrition and Calories in Vanilla Flavoring

Helpful Tip for Shopping: Take a screenshot of the shopping list to your phone. This way you have it at your fingertips the next time you go grocery shopping.

Recipe Card Uses: You can email yourself this recipe card so you can easily search for it (I have a folder in email just for recipes!) Or print it so you have it handy, and can make notes. You can even pin these homemade vanilla recipes to Pintrest so it is safely stored for you.

Up next, a shopping list for homemade vodka vanilla recipe…

Ingredients of Vanilla Extract

You may be surprised to learn what’s in vanilla extract… It’s just vanilla beans and vodka!

But don’t worry, your bakery goods won’t be boozy. The alcohol burns off as they bake. And it’s how all the best vanilla extract recipes are made.

The Best Vodka for Making Vanilla Extract:

• Bottom Shelf… If you don’t drink vodka, there is no reason to get “Good” vodka. Just make sure to get 80 proof. Smirnoff is a good option, and it won’t break the bank.
• Middle Shelf… I am a fan of Absolut vodka, and if you decide to make the homemade vanilla extract in one bottle, I recommend Absolut. It’s mild and won’t “step on” the vanilla. Plus the excess alcohol you’ll have left over will be drinkable.
• Top Shelf… I implore you, don’t waste money on top shelf vodka. Save the “good stuff” for martinis, and opt for bottom or middle shelf for making vanilla extract.

Shopping List for Vanilla Recipes:

• Vanilla beans
• 80 proof vodka
• Vanilla extract bottles (optional)

Special Tip: You can find all the measurements in the recipe card below. There you can choose how many servings of baking vanilla extract you want to make, and it will do all the measurement math for you! All of the ingredients for this cooking vanilla extract can be doubled or tripled with the click of a button.

Up next, how to turn vanilla beans to extract…

How to Make Vanilla Extract from Vanilla Beans

There are two different ways to make this homemade vanilla extract.

One way is to remove some vodka from the bottle, then submerge the vanilla beans. The other way is to make pretty (gift worthy) bottles of homemade vanilla.

Here are our favorite little bottles to make stunning vanilla extract gifts.

The Best Vanilla Extract Bottles and Jars:

• Swing Top Glass Bottle (photo below)
• Clear Glass Woozy Bottles with Shrink Capsules
• Amber Glass Bottles (with this one you’ll want to add 3 beans to each, not 5)

How to Make Vanilla Beans into Vanilla Extract:

Method #1 Marinating in the Vodka Bottle:

1. Remove 1/4 cup of vodka from the bottle, and set aside for another use (or cocktail).
2. Use a sharp pairing knife to slit the vanilla beans down the length of the vanilla bean, so the beans are exposed.
3. Place the beans into the vodka bottle.
4. Shake a few times, and store at room temperature.
5. Shake the homemade vanilla once a week until ready to use.
6. For the best vanilla beans extract, marinate for 6-12 months.

Method #2 Marinating in Separate Bottles:

1. Using a sharp pairing knife to slit the vanilla beans down the length of the vanilla bean, so the beans are exposed.
2. Place the 5 beans into each bottle.
3. Use a funnel to pour vodka into each bottle.
4. Shake a few times, and store at room temperature.
5. Finally, shake the vanilla extract once a week until ready to use.
6. For the best vanilla beans extract, marinate for 6-12 months.

Storing Vanilla Bean Extractives:

• The homemade vanilla extract will last many years, as long as the beans are fully submerged.
• Store in a cool, dry place, out of sunlight.
• When the vanilla extract no longer smells good, it’s time to toss it out.
• Special Tip: You can add more vodka to the bottles as you use the homemade extract!

Special Tip: You can find these directions, along with measurements, nutrition and more in the sharable recipe card in the next section!

Up next, a sharable recipe card for recipes for vanilla extract…

Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract Recipe

This sharable recipe card can be printed, and included with your vanilla extract bottles (should you decide to give as gifts).

No matter which way you choose to make this homemade vanilla extract recipe, you’re sure to get the best vanilla recipes!

Up next, nutrition and calories in homemade vanilla flavor…

Nutrition and Calories in Vanilla Flavoring

Most recipes call for 1 teaspoon, or 1 tablespoon of vanilla. This nutrition label is for 1 tablespoon of homemade vanilla.

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