Vanilla Extract at Home

There is nothing like making your own vanilla extract at home. Homemade vanilla extract is so easy to put together and can be customized with your favorite alcohol. I love making a bourbon vanilla extract for special occasions. In addition to showing you how to make vanilla at home, I'm also going to show you how to make an orange and lemon extract as well!

Ingredients for your homemade vanilla extract

You don't need that many items to make this recipe, but here is a quick list below for your convenience. You’ll need these 3 ingredients to make your vanilla extract. No special equipment required. Here’s your shopping list!

• 4oz Container or Jar with a lid

• Plain Vodka

• Vanilla Beans

Tips for the best vanilla extract!

Making any extract is easier than you would think. I'm here to give you all the tips and tricks to make the perfect vanilla extract.

• Do I have to wait to use it: The answer is yes! You need to wait at least 3 weeks before using the extract. Otherwise the flavor will be too weak to taste in your recipe. Ideally you want to wait two to three months prior to using the extract. That's when the flavor will be at it's strongest.

• Where do I get vanilla beans: You can find vanilla beans at some specialty markets or grocery stores. I purchased mine from Amazon.

• Do I have to use alcohol: Yes you do. Alcohol is the base for all extracts. However during the cooking process the alcohol is burned off but the flavor of the extract will remain.

• Can I use an alcohol other than vodka: You sure can! You can use bourbon, whiskey, or brandy if you like. Any of your favorite brands will be fine. I love making a bourbon vanilla extract for special occasions. I used to make delicious bourbon vanilla bake apples for Christmas breakfast. So delicious!

• How do I store the extract: Your extract will need to be stored in an air tight jar or container in a dark place like your pantry or kitchen cabinet.

• Will the vanilla beans spoil in the jar: The beans won't spoil or mold in the jar. The alcohol in the jar also acts as a sanitizer. So any germs in the jar are killed on contact.

• How long does the extract stay good: Your vanilla can be stored for 4-5 years. However hopefully you're doing lots of baking so you can enjoy it!

• Can I use the beans after infusing: Yes you can! The vanilla beans will still have their vanilla bean paste inside the bean. You can open the bean further and scrape out the paste so it can be used in other recipes.

Yield: 24

Author: Brittanie Owens

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Vanilla Extract

There is nothing like making your own vanilla extract at home. Homemade vanilla extract is so easy to put together and can be customized with your favorite alcohol.

Prep time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Ingredients

• 4oz Container or Jar
• 3 Vanilla Beans
• 4oz Plain Vodka

Instructions

1. With a sharp knife cut score your vanilla beans long ways. You don't want to cut them in half, but you do want just a little of the inside exposed.
2. After scoring your beans cut the beans in half short ways.
3. Put the beans in your 4oz jar or container.
4. Pour your Vodka or alcohol of choice into the jar. You want to fill the jar up to the top.
5. Put the lid on your extract tightly and store in a dark place such as your pantry or kitchen cabinet.
6. Leave the extract to sit and infuse for a minimum of 3 weeks. However 2-3 months is ideal. The flavor will be at it's strongest at the 2-3 month mark.

Hi I’m Brittanie

Baking is my love language, and the kitchen is where I feel most at home. I find joy in creating recipes from scratch—experimenting with flavors, textures, and ingredients until something magical comes together. Whether it's the perfect flaky pie crust or a new twist on classic cookies, I love sharing that joy with others. For me, baking isn’t just about sweets (though I’m always down for a warm brownie); it’s about creativity, connection, and a little bit of everyday magic.