DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract
Here we go again. Much as I love short work weeks, there’s something about holiday Mondays that makes the rest of the week feel like it’s dragging its feet. Am I right? For that reason, I decided a no-bake, no-brainer recipe would be most fitting today. Hello, DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract!
I know, you’re thinking “that’s a no-brainer” recipe? At least, I know Mikey is somewhere. Actually, if he were here, he’d probably say why can’t you just buy vanilla extract like everyone else. This from the man who incessantly teased me by asking when I was going to learn to make my own water. I bet if Bill Nye and I were friends, he could help with that recipe.
So, why make your own vanilla extract? Um, because it’s really easy, and you’ll never have to worry about running out to the grocery store, or ordering it online again. Seriously, all you need are three ingredients—vanilla beans, vodka, and a glass jar. The glass is non-negotiable, as the alcohol will leach volatile compounds from plastic, and who wants that stuff infused in their vanilla extract?
Once you have vanilla beans, vodka, and a glass jar, you’re all ready to get your Homemade Vanilla Extract started.
Patience is most definitely a virtue here. There is no instant gratification in Homemade Vanilla Extract (but that’s not a reason to shy away from trying it out). In fact, that’s why I’m sharing this recipe with you now because it takes 2 months for the vanilla to properly infuse into the vodka. So, get it started now, and you’ll be ready to use it just in time for December’s marathon baking sessions, or simply gift it to friends and family. It makes a lovely hostess gift, too (at least if I were the hostess).
![DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract | In Jennie's Kitchen DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract | In Jennie's Kitchen](https://www.injennieskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DIY-Vanilla-Extract-FINAL-03-640x424.jpg)
Homemade Vanilla Extract is incredibly easy to make. All you need is vanilla beans, vodka, and a glass jar. | In Jennie’s Kitchen.
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Six Years Ago: Homemade Creamed Corn
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Three Years Ago: Carrot Persimmon Cake
Two Years Ago: Ricotta & Mascarpone Cannoli
One Year Ago: Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting
![DIY Vanilla Extract | In Jennie's Kitchen](https://www.injennieskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DIY-Vanilla-Extract-FINAL-02-430x430.jpg)
DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 3 vanilla beans
- 1 cup vodka
- Glass jar with tight-fitting lid or cork
Instructions
- Cut the vanilla beans lengthwise, leaving them slightly attached at the tip. Push them down into the jar. Pour in the vodka. Screw the cap on tightly, and give it a good shake to release the pods from the beans (you'll see little brown specks in the jar.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place (I keep mine in the family room closet). Give it a shake daily for the first week, then once a week thereafter. You'll notice the extract get deeper in color (the one pictured in the post was only a few days old. The extract will be ready to use in two months, but will store indefinitely.
Marylynn
I have no idea who taught me this, but it must have been a relative since they were all great cooks and bakers, use a bottle of Jim Beam. The rest of the directions are the same as yours. Unfortunately, it’s one of the few things I make well. I’d rather read about food than make it!
Joyce
Do you strain it before using?
Jennie
That is completely up to you. If don’t mind the bits of vanilla seed in their (remove the larger bean, itself), then you can use it unstrained. If you prefer to remove the seeds, then yes, you should strain it.
Jennie
I’ll have to give that a try next, Marylynn! xo-Jennie