Homesteading Family Logo
This site contains affiliate links to products we recommend. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract

Have you ever wondered why homemade vanilla extract tastes better than store-bought? Making your own vanilla extract is fun and provides pure vanilla without additives. You’ll know where your ingredients come from and can make it as strong as you like. 

Homemade vanilla extract in a flip top decorative bottle.

Follow this tutorial to learn how to get the best vanilla flavor for your favorite recipes, such as homemade ice cream, fudgy brownies, Christmas candies, cookies, cakes, and more!

Why I Love Homemade Vanilla Extract

Here at Riverbend, we aim to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. This is accomplished in many ways, but keeping things simple is an over-arching theme. What we do participate in has intention and purpose.

We enjoy the quality time spent together hand-making holiday garlands, Christmas wreaths, and homemade Christmas gifts. Many gifts can even be made ahead of time to allow for other holiday activities. Here are a few of our favorites, which we like to get stocked up and ready for the season:

Homesteading Hack: Homemade vanilla extract needs to be made in advance so it’s ready for the receiver to use when gifted. Keep this in mind each year and get this on the calendar about eight weeks before you plan to gift it. 

Vanilla beans being sliced in half on a cutting board with a knife.

Choosing the Best Vanilla Beans

Choosing the right vanilla beans is key to quality homemade vanilla extract. There are many types, each with its own taste. Let’s compare the most popular and easily accessible vanilla beans: Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican.

  • Madagascar Vanilla Beans – Madagascar beans are known for their sweet, creamy taste. They are a top pick for many because they add a classic vanilla flavor to recipes.
  • Tahitian Vanilla Beans – Tahitian beans have a unique smell that’s both floral and fruity. If you want something exotic and subtle, choose Tahitian vanilla beans. They add a special flavor layer to recipes.
  • Mexican Vanilla Beans – Originating from Mexico, these beans are described as spicy, woody and deep, making them ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. 

When selecting your vanilla beans, always look for grade-A beans. These are the best quality, full of aromatic oils and moisture. 

Vanilla extract ingredients and supplies on a wooden cutting board.

Where to Find Vanilla Beans

Brands like McCormick are easy to find in grocery stores’ spice sections. However, you might not find as many varieties of fresh beans as in specialty stores or online.

  • Specialty Food Stores – Local stores with special foods often have many vanilla beans. The staff knows a lot and can help you choose the best options.
  • Online Retailers – Shopping from home is easy with online stores. I order in bulk from Azure Standard. Homesteading Hack: If you’re a first-time Azure Standard customer, use the coupon code “HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15” at checkout for 15% off your order of $100 or more! 
  • Fair Trade Vanilla – Buying fair trade vanilla means farmers get a fair deal and farming is done right. Look for the Fair Trade USA label to support good farming practices.
Vanilla extract being made in a Mason jar.

Choosing Your Alcohol

Choosing the right alcohol is key for making homemade vanilla extract. Vodka is a top pick because it doesn’t have strong flavors that might mix with the vanilla. But you can try other types, too, if you want to mix things up.

It’s important to use high-quality, strong alcohol (at least 35% ABV). This helps bring out and retain the vanilla flavors. I always pick alcohol without additives to keep my extract clean.

Here are some popular choices you can consider:

Type of AlcoholFlavor ProfileNotes
VodkaNeutralBest for a pure vanilla flavor.
RumSweet and RichEnhances the sweetness and depth.
BourbonSmoky and RobustAdds a complex, robust flavor.
Vanilla extract ingredients and supplies on a wooden cutting board.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Supplies Needed

  • Mason Jar – When making extract for myself, I use a half-gallon Mason jar with a lid. If you’re making a lot of extracts to gift, you can start in a large jar and then divide it later. Or, use whatever size jar accommodates the volume of extract you are making.
  • Cutting Board – Save those countertops!
  • Sharp Knife – Practice knife sharpening basics to keep these kitchen tools in safe working order.
  • Additional Bottles – You can optionally transfer the finished product into a decorative bottle for gifting. 

Ingredients Needed

  • Vanilla Beans – You will need about 6-8 vanilla beans for every 8 oz. of alcohol used.
  • Alcohol – Refer to the tips above for choosing your alcohol.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla beans lengthwise. This lets out the seeds and helps the infusion process.
  2. Chop the vanilla into ½” pieces. This will increase the surface area of the exposed vanilla bean, allowing it to infuse better.
  3. Put the chopped beans into the Mason jar. (Use about 6-8 beans for every 8 ounces of alcohol.)
  4. Pour the alcohol over the beans, making sure they’re fully covered. Then, seal the bottle well.
  5. Store the bottle in a dark, cool storage place. This keeps the extract’s quality and strength.
  6. Shake the bottle once a week to help the infusion process.
  7. Let the vanilla steep for at least two months before using it. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
  8. If gifting, pour the finished product into bottles, add a whole vanilla bean for aesthetic appeal, cap, and label.

Did you follow this tutorial? If so, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. Then snap a photo and tag us on social media @homesteadingfamily so we can see your homemade vanilla extract!

Vanilla extract being poured into a small flip top bottle.

FAQ

Why should I make my own vanilla extract?

Making your own vanilla extract saves money and lets you choose what goes in it. It’s also fun to make a kitchen staple from scratch. Plus, it makes a great homemade gift.

What types of vanilla beans are best for making extract?

Choose from Madagascar, Tahitian, or Mexican vanilla beans for different tastes. Use Grade A beans for a rich flavor.

What kind of alcohol should I use for vanilla extract?

Vodka is good because it doesn’t change the vanilla’s taste. Rum or bourbon can give a different flavor. Make sure the alcohol is strong and pure.

How long does homemade vanilla extract last?

If kept in a cool, dark place, it lasts forever. The taste gets better over time, so you can use it for years.

Can I reuse the vanilla beans?

Yes, you can! Once your infusion is finished, strain the beans out and add them to a new jar of alcohol. You may notice the second batch isn’t as flavorful, but it will still make a delicious vanilla extract. You can also remove and dry the beans and then make a vanilla sugar infusion.

Can I make clear vanilla extract at home?

No, homemade vanilla extract is not clear. It’s real vanilla and has a natural color. It tastes much better than imitation vanilla.

What is double-fold vanilla extract?

It’s a stronger version for bakers. Make it by using more vanilla beans with the same alcohol. It tastes richer and more intense.

Homemade vanilla extract in a flip top decorative bottle.

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Have you ever wondered why homemade vanilla extract tastes better than store-bought? Making your own vanilla extract is fun and provides pure vanilla without additives. You’ll know where your ingredients come from and can make it as strong as you like.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Steeping Time: 60 days
Total Time: 60 days 10 minutes
Servings: 48 servings
Calories: 11kcal
Author: Carolyn Thomas

Equipment

  • Mason Jar & Lid
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • Additional Bottles

Ingredients

  • 8 whole vanilla beans
  • 8 ounces alcohol see notes for recommendations

Instructions

  • Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla beans lengthwise. This lets out the seeds and helps the infusion process.
  • Chop the vanilla into ½” pieces. This will increase the surface area of the exposed vanilla bean, allowing it to infuse better.
  • Put the chopped beans into the Mason jar. (Use about 6-8 beans for every 8 ounces of alcohol.)
  • Pour the alcohol over the beans, making sure they’re fully covered. Then, seal the bottle well.
  • Store the bottle in a dark, cool storage place. This keeps the extract’s quality and strength.
  • Shake the bottle once a week to help the infusion process.
  • Let the vanilla steep for at least two months before using it. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
  • If gifting, pour the finished product into bottles, add a whole vanilla bean for aesthetic appeal, cap, and label.

Notes

Choosing Your Alcohol

Choosing the right alcohol is key for making homemade vanilla extract. Vodka is a top pick because it doesn’t have strong flavors that might mix with the vanilla. But you can try other types, too, if you want to mix things up.
It’s important to use high-quality, strong alcohol (at least 35% ABV). This helps bring out and retain the vanilla flavors. I always pick alcohol without additives to keep my extract clean.
Here are some popular choices you can consider:
Type of Alcohol Flavor Profile Notes
Vodka Neutral Best for a pure vanilla flavor.
Rum Sweet and Rich Enhances the sweetness and depth.
Bourbon Smoky and Robust Adds a complex, robust flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1teaspoon | Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.04g | Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 0.05mg | Potassium: 0.1mg | Iron: 0.002mg
Tried this recipe?We want to see! Tag @homesteadingfamily on Instagram.
A man and wife smiling.

Welcome to Homesteading Family!

Josh and Carolyn bring you practical knowledge on how to Grow, Cook, Preserve and Thrive on your homestead, whether you are in a city apartment or on 40 acres in the country. If you want to increase your self-sufficiency and health be sure to subscribe for helpful videos on gardening, preserving, herbal medicine, traditional cooking and more.

Sign Up for Updates

Get the latest homesteading tips delivered to your inbox weekly.

Popular Posts

Read by Category

Healthy Healing at Home

Free 4 video workshop on how to confidently use homemade herbal remedies!

More to Explore

Continue Reading

Breakfast sausage patties being cooked in a cast iron pan.

Easy Homemade Breakfast Sausage Recipe (Links or Patties)

This easy homemade breakfast sausage recipe is so good that you'll never think to buy the pre-made patties from the store again. With our

Silver bars and gold in a balance scale.

The Future of Gold & Silver

If you find yourself wondering about buying gold and silver, this podcast is a must-watch. Franklin Sanders from The Moneychanger shares what's been going

A man crouched in the garden next to baskets of garlic cloves.

Is Homesteading Easy?

There seems to be some discrepancy out there about whether homesteading is easy. Some people are saying it's hard, while others are saying it

Previous
Next

How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course

Join me for a FREE live virtual event January 6th – 10th

Close

Live in a high-rise apartment, a suburban neighborhood or on multiple acres? Join the homesteading movement with these simple, actionable steps.