Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is one of the most beloved and versatile ingredients in the culinary world. Its warm, sweet aroma and rich flavor enhance everything from baked goods to beverages. Beyond its delightful taste, vanilla offers health benefits as well. It contains antioxidants that help protect against cell damage. Additionally, the scent of vanilla is known to have calming properties, often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and improve mood. Whether you’re baking cookies or crafting homemade gifts, using real vanilla adds a depth of flavor that simply can’t be matched by artificial alternatives.

Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol, which acts as a solvent to draw out the beans’ flavor compounds. The alcohol breaks down the bean’s natural oils, releasing its rich, complex aroma and taste. Over time, this infusion creates the concentrated extract we know and love.

Ethanol, the type of alcohol used, is key to the process because it preserves the flavor while extending the shelf life of the extract. This method isn’t limited to vanilla—similar techniques are used for creating extracts from other botanicals, such as mint, citrus, and spices. The process is surprisingly simple and easy to replicate at home. 

 

Making your own vanilla extract has several advantages. First, it allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring that you’re using pure vanilla beans and alcohol without additives. Homemade vanilla is often more flavorful than store-bought varieties because you can customize the bean-to-alcohol ratio to suit your preferences. Additionally, it’s a cost-effective alternative to expensive premium extracts, especially if you bake frequently. Beyond the practical benefits, there’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a key ingredient yourself, knowing that the flavors in your recipes come from your own handiwork.

Crafting your own vanilla extract is part of a larger trend toward making pantry staples at home. In a world filled with prepackaged convenience items, taking the time to create something yourself feels like a return to simpler, more intentional living. It reduces reliance on mass-produced goods and minimizes unnecessary packaging waste.

Plus, a jar of homemade vanilla extract makes a thoughtful, personalized gift for loved ones. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting to explore the joy of cooking, making vanilla extract at home is a rewarding project that enhances your recipes and connects you to the ingredients you use.

You only need two things for this recipe and that is real vanilla beans, and 80 proof or above vodka. Alcohol acts as a solvent in making extracts, because it is able to dissolve both water and fat-soluble compounds. It unlocks a plant's natural constituents while preserving there essence for long-lasting potency and a long shelf life. 

To start, slit that vanilla beans open or cut them in half. There is no need to scrape out the beans in this recipe.

Place them into your jar or bottle. Dark glass such as amber or cobalt helps to protect the extract from light which can degrade the active constituents over time, but a clear glass bottle works as well. 

Place your vanilla beans in the jar. Add 80 proof vodka to the top and shake. 

Store this in a dark cabinet, shaking about once a day to prevent things from settling on the bottom for at least four weeks before consuming. Optional, add a label with the date so you will know when it's ready!

After four weeks you will have fresh homemade vanilla extract which can be used in any recipe you would normally add vanilla to! This works great as a christmas present and if you start now will be ready in time for the holidays!

 

 *This article is intended for informational purposes. The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.