Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Autumn, Christmas, Desserts & Sweets, Food Preservation, Holidays & Seasonal, Winter
Make your own vanilla extract with just vanilla beans and alcohol! This simple recipe infuses a rich, deep vanilla aroma into desserts, baking creations, and drinks. It’s a long-lasting pantry essential and a thoughtful gift from your kitchen to share with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 300 ml Vodka
- 3 vanilla beans
Directions:
1. Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Split the vanilla beans lengthwise to expose the seeds inside.
2. Combine with Alcohol: Place the split vanilla beans into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Pour the vodka over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Seal and Store: Seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Let the mixture infuse for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Shake the bottle gently once a week to mix the flavors.
4. Use or Store: After 6-8 weeks, the extract will be ready to use. You can leave the vanilla beans in the extract for a stronger flavor over time. Transfer the extract into small bottles for gifting, or keep it in your kitchen for regular use.
Some Recipe Tips:
Choose High-Quality Beans: Use fresh, plump vanilla beans for the best flavor. Look for Madagascar or Bourbon vanilla beans, known for their rich, sweet aroma.
Experiment with Different Alcohols: While vodka is the traditional choice, you can also use rum, bourbon, or brandy to create unique flavor profiles.
Be Patient: Vanilla extract develops a more complex flavor over time. If possible, let it sit for a few extra weeks for an even richer taste.
Reuse Your Vanilla Beans: When your extract is used up, you can top off the container with more alcohol for a second, milder batch, or use the beans to make vanilla bean paste for baking and desserts.
Store Properly: Keep your extract in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and aroma. A well-made extract can last for years!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Course: Food Preservation, Vanilla, Baking & DessertsCuisine: European, InternationalDifficulty: Easy1x 300 ml
glas bottle5
minutes6-8
weeksMake your own vanilla extract with just vanilla beans and alcohol! This simple recipe infuses a rich, deep vanilla aroma into desserts, baking creations, and drinks. It’s a long-lasting pantry essential and a thoughtful gift from your kitchen to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
300 ml Vodka
3 vanilla beans
Directions
Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Split the vanilla beans lengthwise to expose the seeds inside.
Combine with Alcohol: Place the split vanilla beans into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Pour the vodka over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal and Store: Seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Let the mixture infuse for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Shake the bottle gently once a week to mix the flavors.
Use or Store:
After 6-8 weeks, the extract will be ready to use. You can leave the vanilla beans in the extract for a stronger flavor over time. Transfer the extract into small bottles for gifting, or keep it in your kitchen for regular use.
Notes
- Choose High-Quality Beans: Use fresh, plump vanilla beans for the best flavor. Look for Madagascar or Bourbon vanilla beans, known for their rich, sweet aroma.
- Experiment with Different Alcohols: While vodka is the traditional choice, you can also use rum, bourbon, or brandy to create unique flavor profiles.
- Be Patient: Vanilla extract develops a more complex flavor over time. If possible, let it sit for a few extra weeks for an even richer taste.
- Reuse Your Vanilla Beans: When your extract is used up, you can top off the container with more alcohol for a second, milder batch, or use the beans to make vanilla bean paste for baking and desserts.
- Store Properly: Keep your extract in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and aroma. A well-made extract can last for years!
