Vanilla Extract

Unlock the secret to rich, aromatic flavor with this simple homemade Vanilla Extract recipe—your ultimate DIY pantry staple made with just two ingredients: premium vanilla beans and smooth vodka. With only 10 minutes of preparation, this recipe is a breeze to create, yet delivers gourmet results that elevate your baking, beverages, and desserts. By steeping whole vanilla beans in vodka for a minimum of 8 weeks, you achieve a pure, all-natural extract bursting with sweet, floral notes and deep complexity. Customize the steeping time to suit your flavor intensity preference, and enjoy a homemade extract that improves with age, lasting for years in your pantry. Perfect for avid bakers and gift-giving, this recipe ensures quality and flavor far superior to store-bought alternatives.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 5 whole Vanilla beans
• 1 cup Vodka (at least 70 proof)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare your workspace by ensuring all tools and containers are thoroughly cleaned and dried to avoid contamination.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise down the center, leaving about 1 inch at the top intact. This helps release the flavorful seeds inside the bean.

Step 3

Place the split vanilla beans into a clean glass jar or bottle with an airtight seal.

Step 4

Pour 1 cup of vodka over the vanilla beans, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged beneath the liquid.

Step 5

Seal the jar tightly and gently shake it to mix the ingredients.

Step 6

Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, cupboard, or cabinet.

Step 7

Allow the vanilla extract to steep for at least 8 weeks for mild flavor or up to 6 months for a rich, concentrated flavor. Shake the jar gently once a week to redistribute the contents.

Step 8

After the desired steeping time, you can choose to either leave the beans in the jar for ongoing flavor development or strain them out using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a clearer extract.

Step 9

Label your jar or bottle with the date and store it in a cool, dark place for up to several years. The flavor will continue to deepen over time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(261.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	604.4

Total Fat 0.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 2.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g	0%
Total Sugars 0.5g
Protein 0.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 5mg	0%
Iron 0.5mg	0%
Potassium 30mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.3%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 60.6%