Making your own vanilla extract might seem silly, but it is one of the most practical things to make yourself. When you bake often, you go through a lot of vanilla. Pure, high quality vanilla is expensive. I would go through a bottle almost every other week. When I saw that how easy it was to make my own vanilla, I decided that I would try it out. I found a nice bottle, bought some vanilla beans in bulk, a bottle of vodka, and invested about 10 minutes of my time. I started my bottle this time last year, and have not bought vanilla in almost a year. You can make it with bourbon, but I prefer vodka. For no other reason, I like to see my progress, and it is much easier to see in a clear liquid. Since I bought vanilla beans in bulk, I had about 35 leftover, and have been using them in everything. Vanilla bean adds so much depth of flavor to baking, and the black little seeds running through your baked goods is just plain sexy.
When I use a vanilla bean and scrape the seeds out, I add the leftover pod to my main jar of vanilla. When I am starting to get low, I just add more vodka, and let it sit. I keep a smaller bottle of vanilla in my pantry, and just head to my vanilla extract supply when I start to run out. The resulting vanilla is floral, and has no additives like store bought vanilla can have. I bought some small brown apothecary bottles and made these into gifts for all of the bakers in my life. I found cute little labels at anthropologie and added a little bow.
1 bottle vodka
10-15 vanilla beans
1 large bottle with a tight fitting lid
Split the vanilla bean in half. You can use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
Add the split beans to the bottle.
Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans.
Don’t the vanilla beans look beautiful?
Put the lid on the bottle, and store for a few weeks. Give the bottle a shake every few days.
3 weeks later, you have a deep, dark, vanilla extract.
Pour the vanilla into smaller bottles (a funnel is helpful), add a label and a bow, and you have a perfect holiday gift.
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PinIngredients
- 1 bottle vodka
- 10-15 vanilla beans
- 1 large bottle with a tight fitting lid
Instructions
- Split the vanilla bean in half. You can use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
- Add the split beans to the bottle.
- Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans.
- Put the lid on the bottle, and store for a few weeks. Give the bottle a shake every few days.
- 3 weeks later, you have a deep, dark, vanilla extract.
- Pour the vanilla into smaller bottles (a funnel is helpful), add a label and a bow, and you have a perfect holiday gift.
November 28th, 2011 at 3:32 am
Wow that looks so easy! I have to give this a try.
And who knew that vanilla extract was made with vodka? Interesting…
November 29th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Yup, it sure is.
November 28th, 2011 at 4:31 am
Bree, you think of everything! These are such thoughtful gifts. Hope you’re well… x
November 29th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
thank you Jeanelle!
November 28th, 2011 at 4:53 am
Hi! I’m a big fan of your site and your photography. The food just looks so amazing and delicious in your photos! I didn’t know it was this easy to make home made vanilla extract, and it looks so precious as a gift. I have some questions: how do you store this? And how long will it keep? Thanks! Much love from Manila, Philippines 🙂
November 29th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Thank you Pam! I store it in my pantry, and I think that it keeps forever. I have been using the same bottle (I add to it) for a year.
November 28th, 2011 at 6:40 am
How cute are those bottles! I really should try this, I wonder how much that many beans would cost here? I love the idea.
November 29th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I get mine through Amazon.
November 28th, 2011 at 7:37 am
One of my favorite things to make…and it’s so easy!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Me too Alison! Who knew how easy it was?
November 28th, 2011 at 8:38 am
I love this!!! And could make a really cool Xmas gift!! Beautiful!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Yes they do Sara, especially someone that likes to bake, they really appreciate good vanilla.
November 28th, 2011 at 9:30 am
You don’t scrape the seeds out first?
I tried making my own vanilla extract, and I think my ratio of bean:vodka was off, because after a month it still wasn’t strong enough…So I’m tempted to try it again, but I’m not sure of how many pods, 10-15 seems like much, but I guess it worked for you, I was thinking like 5 max, have you tried less than 10?
November 29th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
No, I don’t. I would not skimp on the amount of beans. It is what makes it dark and a high quality vanilla. I buy my beans in bulk and online. They are inexpensive and a better quality than what I get in the store.
November 28th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
silly question…what size of vodka bottle?
November 29th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
It was a small one, probably the 375mL bottle.
December 1st, 2011 at 9:20 am
Thanks Bree!
November 28th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
This is genius! I go through so much vanilla and would save a boat load of money making my own. Thanks for the great tip! Also, I “pin” at least one of your recipes a week–just love everything you bake!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Thank you Linds, I appreciate the pins.
November 28th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
The bottles your homemade vanilla are in are just adorable! I have never thought to make my own vanilla!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
It is well worth the minimal effort.
November 28th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
What an adorable gift idea!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
thanks Bree!
November 28th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Your bottle labels are adorable! Thank you for sharing such a fantastic but simple recipe.
November 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
you are welcome Deb!
November 28th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
I will totally do this for Christmas next year! I love it. thank you for this idea.
November 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
I am glad that you do!
November 28th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
How cool is that?? It never even occurred to me that I could make my own vanilla extract. I’ve been paying the ridiculous prices for the tiny bottle in the grocery store. I don’t recall ever seeing actual vanilla beans in my local store before…are they sold with the regular baking supplies and spices?
November 29th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I would buy them online, you will get a much better price than in the store. Grocery store beans tend to be dried out too. These are soft and pliable.
November 28th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Wow so easy! A perfect gift. Did you store your extract bottle with the vanilla beans and vodka in a dark cool area during the three week period?
November 29th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Yes, just in a cabinet.
November 28th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Brilliant idea, thank you!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
you are welcome Eleanor!
November 28th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I’ve never thought about making my own vanilla extract, but now it sounds very interesting. Last week I learned how to make my own brown sugar, and now I know how to make my own vanilla extract.
November 29th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
You can make just about anything it seems!
November 28th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
What a great, simple idea. Do you know if you save money making your own vanilla extract? I know vodka is relatively inexpensive, but I’ve never purchased vanilla beans. Vanilla extract is definitely one of those expensive baking ingredients!
-Brandon
November 29th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
I buy it in bulk and got over 50 beans for $26. If you buy them that way, yes it is not expensive. Buying them at the grocery store (and usually an inferior bean) would be insane.
November 29th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Thanks for the advice, $26 for 50 beans doesn’t sound bad at all!
December 1st, 2011 at 12:28 am
I no longer hoard vanilla beans since I have so many, and my baking has gotten so much better.
December 1st, 2011 at 9:21 am
That is so true…when I bought a little tube of them, I was always ‘saving’ them for a special recipe. Kind of like saving the good china for company. Silly silly silly:)
December 4th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Exactly! Use the beans, and your china!
November 29th, 2011 at 3:40 am
Waw this is so a good post!!! Thank you!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
thank you Stephke!
November 29th, 2011 at 8:13 am
I recently saw that a friend had made this and wanted to make my own. Quick question. What size is the bottle you made it in?
Thanks!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
The big bottle? I am guessing 1 liter. The little bottles are probably 4 ounces.
November 29th, 2011 at 9:18 am
I recently made a batch of vanilla extract and love your post about it too! I LOVE your bottles you put it in. I have been looking all over for the perfect bottles and these are just it! I made mine to give with holiday gifts so I definitely will be grabbing a few of these cute bottles you got! Thanks!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
I actually was lucky enough to get mine from a cake supply store. I bought a bunch of them.
November 29th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Gorgeous!
I just bought a few vanilla beans from the store… so the timing is perfect. I may be a touch late for this year’s gifts, but I will DEFINITELY be using this idea.
Thank you!
November 29th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
You can still gift it, just tell them to let it steep for a few more weeks.
November 29th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
I started my vanilla in August, and it’s still not very dark or very tasty. What gives? I used 4 oz of vodka and a whole vanilla bean split. My husband tasted it and said it just tastes like bad vodka. It is supposed to taste good out of the bottle, or only when it’s mixed in a recipe. I was planning on giving bottles to my coworkers for Christmas, but not I’m almost afraid too. I don’t want to give them an inferior gift. Does mine sound like it should after 5 months of steeping? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, especially since Christmas will be here before we know it.
November 29th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
you did not use enough vanilla bean. You need to infuse the vodka with a lot of vanilla to get it dark.
November 29th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Darling labels. I gave homemade vanilla for gifts earlier this year for birthdays (vodka and Mexican Vanilla beans). This Christmas I’m gifting vanilla using Madagascar Vanilla beans in bourbon. This is a wonderful gift idea for our baking friends. Beanilla is a wonderful on line source for unusual beans.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Beanilla is a great source for beans.
November 29th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
I didn’t know it was so easy to make vanilla extract. Beautiful blog.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
it is easy, and thank you very much.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Thanks for such a fun, creative thing to do! I have been wanting to make homemade gifts for my friends this year, and I would love to do this.
December 1st, 2011 at 12:29 am
I hope that you do Katherine. A few minutes work for a nice, homemade gift.
November 29th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
A quality vanilla extract makes the biggest difference when baking. I love how you’ve bottled the vanilla! This would make a darling Christmas gift! So cute! 🙂
Cheers,
Christi
December 1st, 2011 at 12:29 am
it really does, doesn’t it?
November 30th, 2011 at 10:02 am
Now THIS is an amazing idea for gifts! I’m making goodie baskets for everyone this year and this would be an awesome addition. I had no clue it was this easy! Thank you, Bree! 🙂
December 1st, 2011 at 12:27 am
So easy! What else are you adding to the goodie baskets?
November 30th, 2011 at 11:36 am
I made vanilla extract this year with rum (https://charlieandjo.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/double-vanilla-extract/ ). I love opening it up from time to time and just smelling it. Woo-hoo. Already gave one away to a special friend but I’m afraid I might just hoard it it’s so lovely. Thanks for sharing your method. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
December 1st, 2011 at 12:27 am
Doesn’t it smell amazing? Every time I open up my big bottle to add more vanilla beans, I want to wear it as perfume.
November 30th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
If you give it as a gift before steeping, would you recommend adding a vanilla bean to the gift bottle?
December 1st, 2011 at 12:22 am
Yes, do you mean if you give a person the ingredients for them to do it themselves?
November 30th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
One more questions, (sorry!), could you just add the vanilla beans to the vodka bottle?
December 1st, 2011 at 12:21 am
Of course! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. Duh!
December 1st, 2011 at 5:18 pm
I just LOVE this! What a fantastic idea! I can’t wait to try it – for myself and as gifts. Brilliant.
December 4th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
I am so glad Hilary!
December 2nd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
I’m so glad I saw this because I have had my vanilla extract going since mid-October and its still pretty pale. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime, I will be fixing that problem today 🙂
December 4th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
I hope that it works out. You need a lot of beans to get it really rich and dark.
December 4th, 2011 at 12:19 am
Wow I didn’t realize this was so easy! Thanks for the GREAT tip, Bree! 🙂
December 4th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
You are welcome Kristi!
December 5th, 2011 at 12:58 am
Bree, this is a fabulous post! So easy and such a lovely gift these would make!
December 9th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
Hi Bree,
Do you filter the extract as you pour it into the small bottle or do the seeds and other solids dissolve over time?
Thanks for the great idea! I had no clue it was so easy!!
December 14th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
No I don’t. I like to see the seeds. It helps make it look homemade.
December 21st, 2011 at 2:08 pm
I was just given 6 vanilla beans, so I think I’ll try this. Awesome tutorial.
December 22nd, 2011 at 10:24 pm
That is a nice gift!
February 14th, 2012 at 12:05 am
Bree, what type of beans would you recommend? There’s so many different varieties: Madagascar, Indonesian, Mexican, Tahitan… I have no idea which one to get!
February 18th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
I seem to buy beans from Madagascar. But I would try out a sampler from Beanilla and see which ones you like. https://www.beanilla.com/vanilla-samplers-c-44.html?osCsid=6d4189ffea5db8cf48f22752e0c771a0
March 20th, 2012 at 5:10 am
may I strore the liquid like the 5th picture? (not pour into smaller bottle)? thanks a lot. I’m from Vietnam.
March 27th, 2012 at 9:56 am
You can store it however you like!
April 18th, 2012 at 8:44 am
My bean shipment should be here today! Thanks for another great idea!
April 19th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Yeah! I just used my last one yesterday. I went through over 50 beans!
April 24th, 2012 at 11:53 am
Whew, I just read the post about the size of Vodka bottle, I assumed you used the 1.5 liter bottle. ( I always buy the bigger bottles at CostCo., it makes it look like I drink less) I’m adding more beans right now!
April 26th, 2012 at 10:01 am
You can adjust this however you like. It is not an exact recipe, so you can make it work for you.
December 6th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Can you please tell me where you got those awesome labels?
December 8th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Anthropologie last year.
March 2nd, 2013 at 7:55 am
What size jar and bottle of vodka did you use?
March 4th, 2013 at 8:53 pm
It doesn’t matter, you can use whatever you have.
January 3rd, 2014 at 4:45 pm
Absolutely brilliant idea. Saving the $. Thanks!
January 5th, 2014 at 6:15 pm
You are welcome!
August 21st, 2015 at 6:09 pm
I buy vodka in a really big bottle from Costco, so can you tell me how many ounces or cups you used to make this recipe for vanilla extract? It sounds delicious as so many of your recipes are!
August 26th, 2015 at 11:44 pm
I made this years ago (and am still using the same bottle). My guess is 2-3 cups.