Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

A do-it-yourself recipe to make your own homemade vanilla extract at home! Perfect for holiday gifts!

Oh the hectic holiday times.  Presents to buy and wrap, cookies to bake (ok, I love that part, obviously), trees and mantles to decorate, cards to write and stamp. Ok, so there is  long list to get done! So let’s simplify life just a bit.

Because if you are feeling the holiday stress, I hear ya! The list of gifts to buy for tends to be my most overwhelming task. What is one to do?! Panic and buy the first thing you see? No! Embrace three little words this holiday season. Do. It. Yourself. You will save yourself fighting the store lines, save a little moola (who doesn’t love that this time of year?), and come away with a thoughtful gift to give.

Making your own vanilla extract couldn’t be easier. Seriously. All you will need is a BIG bottle of vodka, bottles, and of course vanilla beans. Yeah, that’s it. I know. So easy!

Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?

Yes it is! And it will make the BEST vanilla extract. So much better than storebought.

Plus it makes a great gift!

How Long Does Vanilla Extract Last?

How does forever sound? Pretty good huh? I mean it’s what fairy tales are made of right? Well homemade vanilla extract is a fairy tale come true then because it will last forever!

What Kind Of Alcohol Is Used To Make Vanilla Extract?

I used vodka because it has the neutral flavor.  This will make the most traditional vanilla extract.

But you can also use other types – brandy, rum, bourbon which will make for a unique flavor.

Then go ahead and wash and dry the bottles you are going to put the extract in.

Then you will need your vanilla beans. Alright you got everything you need let’s get started…

Ok so let’s break this down…

First, you need to split open your vanilla beans. Just take a knife and run it down the length of the vanilla bean to expose all that yummy vanilla bean goodness inside.

Then take your knife (I switched and used a butter knife, I just didn’t trust myself) and scrape out the vanilla bean seeds inside.

Look at all that yummy vanilla! Add the contents of two beans, and the beans themselves (I cut them in half to fit), to a bottle. Then fill with vodka.

That’s it. Put the top on. And repeat with the rest of your bottles. I used up pretty much all of the vodka. Sorry none left over for a good cocktail! Oh well, maybe next time.

The vanilla extract will be ready in about 8 weeks. just shake a couple times a week, and before you know it. Homemade Vanilla Extract!

To give as a gift, I found these labels online…
Labels From Sweet Society
From Love Pomegranate House

So there you go! A thoughtful and easy gift this holiday season for whoever’s on your list! So what are you waiting for? Go make your own vanilla extract 🙂

Homemade Vanilla Extract

A do-it-yourself recipe for homemade vanilla extract. An easy and great gift for the holiday season!

No ratings yet

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 0

Author: Heather Perine

Ingredients

• ▢ 12.4 ounce bottles
• ▢ 1.75 Litre Vodka
• ▢ 24 vanilla beans

Instructions

• For each bottle: Wash and dry your bottles. 
• Split open two vanilla beans lengthwise. Scrape out the vanilla in each bean. 
• Add to a bottle. Cut the beans in half and also add to the bottle. 
•  Fill with vodka. Place the top on. Shake a couple times a week. Ready to enjoy in about 8 weeks!

Notes

I've also seen versions where you don't need to scrape the bean pod first, and simply just split it open, cut the bean in half to fit, and add to the bottle. Definitely a lot less work! You could also strain the contents later, if you so choose, if you want a completely smooth extract. I kind of like leaving it the way it is, making it very clear that is homemade!

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BostonGirlBakes or tag #BostonGirlBakes!