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    Home » In the kitchen » Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Published: Jul 27, 2015 · Modified: Apr 7, 2019 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    How to make Homemade Vanilla Extract - all you need is vanilla pods, vodka and a glass jar - an easy and cost effective way to make your own delicious vanilla extract.

    Vanilla Extract Week 6 (46)

    Something I have noticed over the last few months is just how many things it is possible to make at home that I had never even thought you could!

    My new philosophy is, if you can buy it at the supermarket you can probably make it, and if you can't make it, you probably shouldn't be eating it! Speaking strictly about packaged things though - there is no WAY I'm going to be growing wheat to make flour. Not in this lifetime anyway!

    So far I've made some pretty exciting stuff that I would normally have just bought. A lot of things are definitely more convenient to just buy, although I try not to, but the best recipes I have found are those that are super easy and that I use all the time.

    Case in point, homemade vanilla extract!

     

    I have never bought vanilla extract. Growing up we always had vanilla essence in the pantry so that was just what I knew. Plus, vanilla extract is super expensive - especially if you bake as much as I do.

    If you don't know the difference, vanilla extract uses the process of 'extracting' the vanilla flavour from the vanilla pods, usually into alcohol. Essence uses a chemical process and is usually just an imitation or vanilla flavour. In baking, I would highly recommend using vanilla extract - it produces a much better taste.

    And now you can make your own! All it takes is 3-4 vanilla pods, a little vodka, a glass jar and a bit of patience.

    Tip: Before buying vanilla pods, shop around. The ones you find at the supermarket are small and can be quite dried up. I actually buy mine from Trademe and there are many online retailers around NZ.

    Vanilla Extract Day 1 (3)

    Split the vanilla pods lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. I keep the seeds in a separate container and use them in recipes - they're great in homemade vanilla ice-cream and as an extra vanilla hit in cupcakes!

    Vanilla Extract Day 1 (12)

    Put the pods in a glass bottle or jar and top up with vodka. I used Smirnoff as it's what we had in the cupboard but any vodka would do. I have heard mixed reviews about using bourbon or rum instead of vodka which I have yet to try but I think I would still choose vodka as it is more neutral and won't take away from the vanilla flavour.

    In terms of the jar, I like using my old maple syrup bottles, solely because they are cute! When I want to make a bigger batch though I will use a larger jar, such as one that had pasta sauce in it, and will add more vanilla beans accordingly. I work on using 3 vanilla pods to 250ml of vodka.

    Vanilla Extract Day 1 (15)

    Store in a cool dark place for about 6 weeks, shaking every now and then. Here is what the process looks like.

    Day 1: Nothing but a couple of pods floating in some vodka!

    Vanilla Extract Day 1 (30)

    Week 1: You can see that the vanilla is starting to be extracted. Kinda sunsetty right? It's puuuurty.

    Vanilla Extract Week 1 (2)

    Week 2: The extract is developing a nice amber colour

    Vanilla Extract Week 2 (5)

    Week 3: It's starting to look (and smell) pretty good!

    Vanilla Extract Week 3 (1)

    Week 6: Good to go! And smell it - it's amazing!

    Vanilla Extract Week 6 (46)

    After 6 weeks the extract will be ready to go! Use it yourself or put a cute label on it and give it as a gift.

    Tip: The vanilla pods will keep going for a while so you may top up the jar with more vodka when you need to. I try not to do this too often as I like to keep it as strong as possible but if I know I won't be using it for a week or so and the bottle is no less than half full, I might top it up a little!

    [mc4wp_form]

    Homemade Vanilla Extract

    You can adjust the number of vanilla pods used depending on how much you want to make. Vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, so it is quite alright to make a large batch and store it for a long time.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Author: Laura

    Ingredients

    • 3 vanilla pods
    • 250 ml vodka

    Instructions

    • Split the vanilla pods lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. I keep the seeds in a separate container and use them in recipes.
    • Put the pods in a glass bottle or jar and top up with vodka. I like using my old maple syrup bottles, solely because they are cute! When I want to make a bigger batch though I will use a large jar, such as one that had pasta sauce in it - that size.
    • Store in a cool dark place for about 6 weeks, shaking every now and then.
    • Use in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag @thekiwicountrygirl or tag #thekiwicountrygirl!
    « Triple Salted Caramel Cupcakes
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. archerbob says

      May 30, 2023 at 5:58 pm

      Is there a non-alcoholic version? Also, can you plant the vanilla seeds and grow your own?

      Reply
      • Laura says

        September 08, 2023 at 11:22 am

        You do need the alcohol to make extract. And I think you could probably can grow vanilla but it is typically grown in more tropical location

        Reply
    2. Rona says

      November 02, 2021 at 8:24 am

      5 stars
      Hi Laura - I'm going to try this for Christmas gifts. I'm wondering if you tried the TM Waikato Grade B pods? Were they good for purpose? Looking forward to browsing through your website.
      Hope to hear from you soon. Rona.

      Reply
      • Laura says

        January 04, 2022 at 2:53 pm

        Hi Rona, yes those are the beans I use currently and they are fantastic!

        Reply
    3. Andrea says

      December 29, 2020 at 11:22 am

      Hi Laura just wondering which vanilla pods do you buy on trademe?

      Reply
      • Laura says

        March 08, 2021 at 2:46 pm

        Hi Andrea, it has become harder to find pods on Trademe lately and the last few times I've bought them from the supermarket. I have just found a listing on Trademe for "B" grade beans - 56g for $40 - which makes it way cheaper than the supermarket, so I will try them out and update this post! Laura

        Reply
    4. Avis says

      October 17, 2020 at 11:29 am

      Hi curious to know if can just split the beans and leave the seeds in? Or is there a particular reason for taking them out, other than to use in other recipes. Cant wait to try this had no idea you could make it!

      Reply
    5. Jackie says

      August 29, 2020 at 6:18 pm

      Hi Laura love reading your recipes. Just wondering if you have to sterilise the jars before making. Also how long do the vanilla seeds last and do they need to be put in fridge thanks

      Reply
    6. Denise says

      August 22, 2020 at 6:27 pm

      I've been topping up and using mine for 3 years. When do you need to start a fresh batch. Awesome flavor in the baking as it add a little something

      Reply
      • Laura says

        September 14, 2020 at 8:47 pm

        Hi Denise, that's awesome! I usually use the beans 2 or 3 times and then they're done. If the colour of the extract doesn't go nice and dark after a few weeks like it should, I take that as a sign that they are done and then I remove those beans, discard and pop new beans into the jar.

        Reply
        • Vicky says

          February 11, 2022 at 11:37 am

          Hi Laura!

          Do you have to leave the pods in? I’m planning on splitting my extract out as gifts and keeping the pods to reuse

          Thanks!

        • Laura says

          April 02, 2022 at 2:17 pm

          You can definitely take them out!

    7. Jackie says

      August 22, 2020 at 10:36 am

      Hi Laura. Love your recipes.
      Do you need to sterilise the jar? Also how long do the seeds last before you have to use them and would you store them in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Laura says

        September 14, 2020 at 8:46 pm

        Hi Jackie, no need to sterilise the jar, just make sure it's nice and clean. I store my seeds in a sealed container in the pantry and they have lasted months!

        Reply
    8. Kate says

      June 03, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      Does this expire or need to be consumed within a certain time?

      Reply
      • Laura says

        June 03, 2020 at 4:16 pm

        Hi Kate, it doesn't expire thanks to the alcohol! 🙂 Laura

        Reply
    9. Cristina @ I Say Nomato says

      August 05, 2015 at 3:59 am

      I love this idea! It would make such a fantastic gift. Or I could just horde it all... 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura says

        August 05, 2015 at 11:07 pm

        Thanks Cristina! I have used it as gifts before and it goes down really well! But I am also guilty of hoarding it!! Haha 😉

        Reply
    10. Lauren @ Create Bake Make says

      August 02, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      I have been meaning to make vanilla extract for months now, thanks so much for inspiring me to finally try it this weekend! Thank you for linking up with us for Fabulous Foodie Fridays, I hope you've had a great weekend 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura says

        August 03, 2015 at 6:40 am

        I was the same Lauren, I put it off for ages (not sure why!) but I won't go back to buying it now, that's for sure! Hope you had a great weekend too 🙂

        Reply
    11. Lizzie {Strayed Table} says

      July 31, 2015 at 3:01 pm

      Brilliant, I have loads of vanilla pods thanks to some exotic travelers and have always wanted to learn to extract them. Didn't even think that it would be vodka the magical ingredient I was missing. Hope you have a great weekend.

      Reply
      • Laura says

        July 31, 2015 at 8:04 pm

        Perfect!! I haven't tried it but I think you can also put vanilla pods in a container of sugar and make vanilla sugar - that would be awesome in baking too! Enjoy the weekend!

        Reply
        • Avis says

          October 17, 2020 at 11:33 am

          Yes, just stick the pod (i poke it with a vege knife so smell comes out but not the seeds) in a jar of sugar. Its awesome..

    12. Kylie says

      July 31, 2015 at 9:57 am

      I'm definitely trying this out! Awesome idea. Like you I try to make everything from scratch! Well done!

      Reply
      • Laura says

        August 03, 2015 at 6:42 am

        Thanks Kylie! It's such a cool thing trying to make things at home instead - very satisfying! And this is one of my favourite things so far!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Laura!

    I live on a farm in rural New Zealand with my husband Josh, our kids Sadie, Macey & Finlay and our black lab Sage. We're all about simple & delicious, family friendly recipes that are made from scratch as well as tasty treats! Read More…

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