Homemade Vanilla Extract (plus Alcohol-free Option)

bottle of vanilla extract on wooden cutting board.

Homemade Vanilla Extract (plus Alcohol-free Option)

Real vanilla extract is a must-have ingredient for every baker. It can be rather expensive, but the good news is that it is very easy to make at home.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 0

Total Time 15

Servings fl oz

Calories 78

Author Jhanelle Golding

Equipment

16 fl oz glass jar

Ingredients

2 oz (50 g) Vanilla Beans Grade A preferred (about 10 to 16 beans depending on the size)
2 cups (500 ml) Vodka or white rum (See Notes)

-OR-

2 cups (500 ml) Glycerin non-GMO Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin

Instructions

Use the tip of a sharp knife to split the vanilla beans down the middle, length-wise.
Add the vanilla beans to the bottle. Trim the beans if they pass the bottleneck and add the short pieces back to the bottle.
Pour the vodka or glycerin over the vanilla beans until they are covered, or the bottle is nearly full.
Screw on the lid tightly and apply a label. Include the date produced and the type of liquid used.
Let the vanilla extract steep in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks but preferably 6 to 12 months for the best flavor. Gently shake the jar once a week.

Notes

By law, spirits should contain at least 35% alcohol per volume (or 70-proof). I used Svedka Vodka and Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum.
Ensure the jars you plan to use are taller than the vanilla beans. Sterilize and dry the jars before making the extract.

To sterilize jars, add them to a large pot of water. Ensure they're completely submerged and boil for at least 10 minutes. Sterilize the lids for 10 minutes in gently simmering water. Place them on a clean cooling rack upside down and allow them to dry thoroughly.

The longer the extract sits, the richer in flavor it becomes. Steep for up to a year for even more flavor.

Alcohol-based vanilla extract can be replenished as it is used but may require a bit more steeping as the flavor will be more diluted.

The vanilla extract made with an alcoholic base will enjoy a typical shelf-life of 4 to 6 years. The glycerin-based extract has a shelf life of 1 year.

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Nutrition