Homemade Vanilla

Homemade Vanilla
  • PREP TIME
    5 mins
  • COOK TIME
    0 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    504 hrs 5 mins
  • SERVING
    150 People
  • VIEWS
    102

Embark on a sensory journey and craft your own exquisite vanilla extract, a fragrant elixir that will elevate your baking creations. This simple yet rewarding process yields a richer, more nuanced flavor than any store-bought alternative. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting aroma and unparalleled depth of your homemade vanilla.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    0 g
  • Sugar
    0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Gently split the vanilla beans lengthwise, exposing the flavorful seeds within. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Combine and Infuse: Place the split vanilla beans into a sterilized glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the vodka over the beans, ensuring they are completely submerged. (2 minutes)

03

Step

Steep in Darkness: Seal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. (1 minute)

04

Step

Patient Infusion: Allow the vanilla to infuse for a minimum of 8 weeks, or preferably longer for a more intense flavor. Shake the bottle gently every week to encourage even extraction. (8 weeks)

05

Step

Strain (Optional): After the desired infusion time, you may strain the extract through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove any sediment. This step is optional, as the sediment is harmless and adds to the visual appeal. (10 minutes)

Vodka Selection: Choose a high-quality vodka with a neutral flavor profile to allow the vanilla's essence to shine through.
Vanilla Bean Variety: Experiment with different varieties of vanilla beans, such as Tahitian or Mexican, to explore their unique flavor nuances.
Patience is Key: The longer the vanilla infuses, the more intense and complex the flavor will become. Resist the urge to rush the process.
Topping Off: As you use your vanilla extract, replenish the bottle with more vodka to maintain a consistent flavor profile.
Sterilization: Sterilizing the glass bottle or jar before use will help prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Cara Mueller

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.3/ 5 ( 34 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (9)
  • Dannie Herzog

    I used a cheaper vodka the first time and could taste the difference. Splurge on the good stuff!

  • Neil Hermiston

    I’ve topped mine off a few times now. Does it ever weaken?

  • Brent Keebler

    Can this be used for baking and desserts?

  • Buck Mcglynn

    This saved me so much money! The quality is better than anything I can buy.

  • Judah Spinka

    My first time making vanilla extract and it was a success! Thanks for the clear instructions.

  • Ida Nienow

    I let mine infuse for almost 6 months and the flavor is incredible. Definitely worth the wait!

  • Jackeline Gerhold

    Do you need to sterilize the bottles before using?

  • Neil Bailey

    I'm giving these as Christmas gifts this year. So excited!

  • Freda Jacobs

    I've been making my own vanilla for years, and this recipe is spot-on! So easy and the flavor is amazing.

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