Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract

by Alli

Homemade Vanilla Extract is easy to make. Yes, you can make it at home! It does take a few weeks (6) before it’s ready to use and pure vanilla extract has a long shelf life. 

This post, Homemade Vanilla Extract, contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

I bake a lot and I never use imitation vanilla extract when baking. Store-bought pure vanilla extract can be very expensive. Homemade is easy to make and much less expensive. Plus the taste is much better. It’s a win-win!  

Have you ever wondered how real vanilla extract is made?  Did you know that you can make your own homemade vanilla extract? It’s so easy!

How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

You only need 2 ingredients – 80% alcohol (vodka, brandy, bourbon, or rum) and vanilla beans. That’s it! You didn’t know that alcohol was used to make vanilla extract? Well, now you do!

Add split vanilla beans to 1/2 pint jars or bottles and add vodka. Cover tightly and store in a cool, dry place, like your pantry. Give it a good shake every day (or every other day or once a week) and in 6-8 weeks, it’s ready. 

You can find vanilla beans in the spice aisle in your local grocery store or order them online. I recommend these Madagascar vanilla beans or these Indonesian vanilla beans.

I already had bottles that I use for homemade vanilla extract, but I love these bottles. They are perfect! 

Homemade Vanilla Extract Takes Time To Age

It takes about 6-8 weeks for the flavors to infuse. Actually, the longer, the better when it comes to aging. When you’re done, you’ll have three 1/2 pint jars of delicious vanilla.

Since homemade Vanilla gets better with age – in 6 months, it will be really good! Plus, it lasts for years. 

How To Speed Up The Process When Making Homemade Vanilla

If you cook the alcohol for 5 minutes, it speeds up the infusion and you’ll have vanilla extract ready to use in 3 weeks. You’ll need to cool the vodka completely before adding the alcohol to the jars. 

When cooking alcohol, be sure and use a large saucepan to contain the vapors. Do not heat longer than 5 minutes. The vapors can ignite.
Also, if you use bourbon, the vanilla will be slightly darker.

When you split the vanilla beans, scrape out the seeds and add to the jar. This extra step will give you a stronger extract in less time. 

I usually omit cooking alcohol. The vanilla extract will need to stand for a few extra weeks before using (at least 6-8 weeks). 

Homemade vanilla extract gets better with age. I leave the vanilla beans in the bottle because it’s pretty. Feel free to remove once the vanilla is ready to use. 

Homemade Vanilla Extract With Vanilla Beans and A tablespoon of vanilla on cutting board

Difference Between Store-Bought and Homemade Vanilla

Homemade vanilla extract is more flavorful and less expensive than store-bought. You don’t have to use top-shelf alcohol for this. Inexpensive alcohol will work just fine! I use vodka because it has a neutral taste. 

Most store-bought vanilla extract is usually single-fold vanilla, meaning they skimp on vanilla beans and it’s weaker than homemade vanilla. 

Helpful Hint: I used vodka in my homemade vanilla extract because it has a neutral taste.  If you want your vanilla to be darker, use bourbon.

Homemade Vanilla Extract – The Perfect Gift

Homemade Vanilla Extract in glass bottle with cork

I received several comments stating that homemade vanilla extract would make the perfect hostess gift or Christmas present. I totally agree! Thanks for the reminder!

Funny Story

I don’t drink, so I always get my oldest daughter to stop by the liquor store to get the vodka I need to make homemade vanilla extract. She doesn’t drink either but it doesn’t bother her to stop by. 

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Have you ever made your own vanilla extract?

Yield: 1-1/2 pints

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade Vanilla Extract is easy to make and is less expensive than store-bought vanilla extract. It does need to sit for at least 6-8 weeks before using it.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 1 month 11 days 14 hours
Total Time 1 month 11 days 14 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 9 vanilla beans
  • 3 cups vodka, bourbon or rum
  • 3 (1/2 pint) jars with tight-fitting lids

Instructions

  1. Slit 3 vanilla beans lengthwise and add to a clean 1/2 pint jar. If desired, cut the beans in half crosswise. Place in jar. Repeat with the remaining beans and jars.
  2. Pour 1 cup vodka into each jar. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged.
  3. Cover jars tightly and let stand at room temperature 6-8 weeks before using, shaking jars once a day.
  4. Store in a cool, dry place.

Notes

If you use bourbon, the vanilla extract will be slightly darker.

Nutrition Information

Yield

44

Serving Size

1 teaspoon

Amount Per Serving Calories 40Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 0mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g

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46 comments

Skye @ Planet Jinxatron September 22, 2014 - 7:27 am

I just put it on my calendar for December 1st to start some of this for holiday gifts. Thanks for the very clear tutorial!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 7:37 am

Vanilla extract would be the perfect gift and it’s so easy to make.

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Shirley Wood September 22, 2014 - 8:27 am

This is very interesting to me Alli 🙂 I tend to always purchase Watkins brand extracts because their flavors are wonderful. I have never considered making my own.
I couldn’t help but remember when my husband decided to make a Rum Cake a few years ago. We know there is alcohol in grocery stores but didn’t know liquor wasn’t part of it 🙂 We made a trip to a liquor store to purchase the smallest bottle of Rum they had. The entire time, we were laughing at ourselves, hoping no one would see us going in, coming out or even Inside! We still laugh about it now sometimes.

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 8:42 am

I have to confess, Shirley, that I make my daughter take a trip to the liquor store when I need to make vanilla extract or rum cake, etc. Can you imagine if someone in my small southern hometown saw the pastor’s wife entering or exiting the liquor store? I would instantly be labeled the town drunk. LOL

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Madaline September 22, 2014 - 8:34 am

This is SUCH an awesome idea – I can’t find real vanilla extract anywhere in Italy (only like this weird vanilla flavor “stuff”)
Making this the second I find some vanilla beans!

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Michelle September 22, 2014 - 9:04 am

I LOVE this idea! I’ve never tried making my own and no clue it was this easy! What a great idea to try for all the holiday baking that is coming my way!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 9:11 am

It really is easy, Michelle, and fun, too!

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Jenna @ A Savory Feast September 22, 2014 - 9:11 am

I saw this on Pinterest recently and wanted to try it. Thanks for the reminder!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 9:22 am

Mine is a little different from most in that you cook the alcohol for 5 minutes. But it’s so, so easy to do.

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Neely September 22, 2014 - 9:17 am

How cool I am totally trying this!

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Kita September 22, 2014 - 9:27 am

Wow it’s this easy. I had no idea I will have to try this. I first have to find vanilla beans….hmmmmm

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 9:32 am

You can buy vanilla beans at your local grocery store or Walmart. The vanilla beans are in the spice aisle. Hope you try it!

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Tiffany Khyla September 22, 2014 - 10:07 am

WHO KNEW?! That’s so crazy and easy to make! I bet it’s much cheaper than buying vanilla extract all the time. And it’s more flavorful, you say? I’ll definitely have to try this! Thanks for sharing!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 10:44 am

You’re welcome! It really is easy.

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Paris (My Big Fat Happy Life) September 22, 2014 - 10:07 am

How cool! I have never thought to make my own vanilla extract, but we go through so much I definitely should. I agree with you no imitation in our house.

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 10:44 am

I go through a lot, too, so it’s easier and cheaper to make my own. 🙂

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Lysha @ Magnolia Mom September 22, 2014 - 10:16 am

I’ve always wanted to do this. Would make a great Christmas gift!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 10:43 am

You’re right! It would make a great Christmas gift!

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Louida September 22, 2014 - 11:05 am

Now that is news to me that vanilla extract is made from alcohol. I really need to try this for Thanksgiving. Pinning! Thanks for the recipe Alli!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 7:56 pm

You’re welcome!

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Colleen Stevens September 22, 2014 - 11:16 am

I love anything vanilla! I will have to try this.

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Amber @ Tales of Domestica September 22, 2014 - 11:24 am

I have been wanting to try this, but I have to find someone to sneak into the liquor store for this Mormon girl 🙂 I always tell my husband when my Mexican vanilla runs out we need to go back to Mexico. I just ran out last week and this would be far more affordable than a quick trip to Mexico.

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 7:56 pm

I always buy as much as I can when I’m in Mexico, but like you said, it’s cheaper to make your own than take a trip to Mexico. I had to get my daughter to go to the liquor store for me. If someone had seen this pastor’s wife at the liquor store, I would have been the talk of the town. 🙂

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Reginia Cordell September 22, 2014 - 1:15 pm

Now this is something I should be able to make without messing up.

It’s cooling off a bit now, so I will be cooking a lot more. I’m not a baker so, I need a recommendation on what I would use this with.

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 7:53 pm

You can also use vanilla extract to freshen up the fridge – just soak a cotton ball in it and place it in the fridge. Also, you can use it in place of cologne – just dab a bit on your wrists. You can also relieve minor burns! 🙂

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Reginia Cordell September 22, 2014 - 9:47 pm

Is it not for cooking at all? I’m so lost on this.

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Alli September 23, 2014 - 4:42 am

Yes, it is for cooking, but you can use it for other things as well. Most cakes call for a tsp. or so of vanilla extract. 🙂

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Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai September 22, 2014 - 4:56 pm

I never use imitation vanilla either! Pure vanilla is so yummy. I had no idea it was this easy to make. Wouldn’t a jar of this be a nice Thanksgiving gift… wither a hostess gift or a gift for your guests to take home. Just in time for holiday baking. 🙂 Love this… thanks. PINNED 🙂

~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 7:50 pm

Yes, Lorelai, it would be perfect for a hostess gift!

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Kristen from The Road to Domestication September 22, 2014 - 6:26 pm

Okay, first of all, it tickled me a little to have a pastor’s wife recommending hard liquor LOL (I know, for the recipe, and this I-sing-in-the-church-choir girl will try it, too! LOL) Second of all, I had NO idea that you could make your own vanilla extract! This is really super cool!!!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 7:49 pm

I know, Kristen! I told Shirley that I made my oldest daughter go to the liquor store for me! 🙂

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LaShawn September 22, 2014 - 6:33 pm

I had no idea it was this easy!! I think we have vanilla beans at my farmer’s market, I can’t wait to try this. Pinning for later!

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Alli September 22, 2014 - 7:58 pm

It really is easy and it’s fun to watch it turn darker each day. 🙂

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Zan September 22, 2014 - 8:32 pm

Had no idea they used alcohol to make vanilla extract. But you are correct, the real deal is so worth it. Thanks for sharing the recipe!!!!

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Alli September 23, 2014 - 4:43 am

And who knew making it would be so easy?

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MJ @ Daisy & June September 23, 2014 - 11:21 am

This is so awesome! I am so trying this and telling my best friend – she is a cake maker! She would love this!

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Alli September 23, 2014 - 5:36 pm

It really is good and a cake maker’s best friend!

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Danita @O Taste And See September 23, 2014 - 11:32 am

I always use this kind of homemade vanilla…made by friends. As a pastor’s wife I can’t pull of the trip to the liquor store either.

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Alli September 23, 2014 - 5:36 pm

When my daughter brought it to me in a plain brown bag and I opened the bag, I asked her if that was really vodka. I had never heard of that brand before. 🙂

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Elizabeth September 24, 2014 - 11:19 am

Alli, this looks great!! Thanks for sharing it at Merry Monday!! Sharing.

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Alli September 24, 2014 - 11:45 am

Thanks for hosting and for sharing! 🙂

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Chrystal @ YUM eating September 24, 2014 - 2:39 pm

I guess I never knew how to make homemade vanilla extract. I would love to make some with some rum. I have a feeling I am going to have to add this to my Christmas gift baskets. I usually add a lot of homemade food goods but our garden didn’t do so well with year with all the rain. I would love it if you came and shared this on The Yuck Stops Here link party! I believe the link is in the commentluv.

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Chrystal @ YUM eating September 25, 2014 - 4:48 pm

Thanks for linking with us Alli at the Yuck Stops Here!

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Caitlin September 17, 2020 - 3:57 am

I need to make this ASAP!! I had no idea it was this simple! Lol

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Karen September 12, 2021 - 8:54 pm

Maybe this is kind of an ignorant comment, but do you cook it down once you’ve put the vanilla beans in? Because otherwise it seems like all you would be doing is concentrating the alcohol/water.

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Alli September 13, 2021 - 5:42 am

You don’t have to cook it once you add the vanilla beans. It takes several weeks for the flavors to infuse. As I explained in the post if you cook the alcohol for 5 minutes, it speeds up the infusion and you’ll have vanilla extract ready to use in 3 weeks. You’ll need to cool the vodka completely before adding the alcohol to the jars. Hope this helps!

Reply

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