Ingredient Guides

How To Make Vanilla Extract

By Samira Kazan

updated April 17, 2024

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Make your own homemade vanilla extract with just two ingredients and five minutes of prep time—perfect for giving as gifts or using for all your home baking needs.

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Homemade vanilla extract is so easy to make, and considering how expensive it can be at the grocery store, you’ll want to save this recipe for the future! Using either vodka or glycerin with some vanilla pods, this simple DIY vanilla extract can transform a recipe and make a great homemade gift around the holidays.

You might also enjoy learning how to make vanilla powder or vanilla syrup at home.

  • Ingredients
  • How to make vanilla extract
  • How to store
  • More how-to tutorials
  • How To Make Vanilla Extract Recipe

Ingredients

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  • Vanilla Bean Pods : Using the highest-quality fresh vanilla beans will give you an even tastier extract. Tahitian, Mexican, or Madagascar vanilla beans are usually the best, and they’ll each give your vanilla a different taste.
  • Vodka : Use if making your vanilla extract with vodka. Any of your favorite brands will work best, but go for an unflavored, filtered option that’s at least 80 proof vodka.

OR

  • Glycerin : To keep your homemade vanilla extract alcohol-free, substitute the vodka for glycerin (you can usually find this with other baking ingredients).

👉 For exact measurements, check the printable recipe card below .

How to make vanilla extract

Prepare The Vanilla Pod: Using a sharp knife, slice down the center of each vanilla pod to split it. You can also cut them in half to fit more into a smaller bottle or a jar. Pull them open slightly after you’ve cut down the middle and set aside.

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Make The Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla beans to clean glass bottles or jars—you should be able to fit plenty in. Pour the vodka into the bottle. I find it easier (and much less messy) to use a funnel, so there’s no waste.

If using glycerine, follow exactly the same method. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged before putting on the lid/stopper and shaking well.

How to store

Store the homemade vanilla extract in a dark place – I recommend in the cupboard – at room temperature and leave to sit for at least 6-8 weeks before using. The longer it sits, the more flavor it gains – some can even last up to a year before being used! The longer it sits, the darker the extract will become – this is what it will look like after a month.

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Another great thing about this vanilla extract is it’s replenishable. Simply add a little more vodka or glycerine after using so that the vanilla beans are submerged and return to the cupboard.

More how-to tutorials

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Equipment

  • Air tight bottle

IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x

For vodka-based vanilla extract:

  • ▢ 1 cup vodka
  • ▢ 6 vanilla beans

For glycerine-based extract:

  • ▢ 1 cup glycerine
  • ▢ 6 vanilla beans

Instructions

  • Use a sharp knife to cut a slit down the center of each vanilla bean. You can also cut the pods in half to fit into your jar or bottle.
  • Place the vanilla beans into a clean, empty jar or bottle, then cover with the vodka (or glycerine, if using) until they’re completely submerged.
  • Seal tightly and store in a dark place at room temperature for at least 6-8 weeks before using.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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How To Make Vanilla Extract

Equipment

  • Air tight bottle

Ingredients

For vodka-based vanilla extract:

  • 1 cup vodka
  • 6 vanilla beans

For glycerine-based extract:

  • 1 cup glycerine
  • 6 vanilla beans

Instructions

  • Use a sharp knife to cut a slit down the center of each vanilla bean. You can also cut the pods in half to fit into your jar or bottle.
  • Place the vanilla beans into a clean, empty jar or bottle, then cover with the vodka (or glycerine, if using) until they’re completely submerged.
  • Seal tightly and store in a dark place at room temperature for at least 6-8 weeks before using.

Notes

Nutrition

Recipe on Alphafoodie: https://www.alphafoodie.com/two-ingredient-simple-diy-vanilla-extract/