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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Week 1: You can see that the vanilla is starting to be extracted. Kinda sunsetty right? It's puuuurty.
Week 2: The extract is developing a nice amber colour
Week 3: It's starting to look (and smell) pretty good!
Week 6: Good to go! And smell it - it's amazing!
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!
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Homemade Vanilla Extract
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.
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.
Hi Rona, yes those are the beans I use currently and they are fantastic!
Hi Laura just wondering which vanilla pods do you buy on trademe?
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
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!
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
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
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.
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?
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!
Does this expire or need to be consumed within a certain time?
Hi Kate, it doesn't expire thanks to the alcohol! 🙂 Laura
I love this idea! It would make such a fantastic gift. Or I could just horde it all... 🙂
Thanks Cristina! I have used it as gifts before and it goes down really well! But I am also guilty of hoarding it!! Haha 😉
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 🙂
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 🙂
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.
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!
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..
I'm definitely trying this out! Awesome idea. Like you I try to make everything from scratch! Well done!
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!