It’s easy to make your own vanilla extract, with vanilla beans and vodka, or any other similar alcohol of your choice. Here’s how!

How to Make Vanilla Extract - Steeped Vanilla Beans in Glass Jar with Measuring Spoons on Board
1.  I go through a lot of vanilla extract.

2.  Storebought vanilla extract is expensive.

1+2 is not a combination I like.

Vanilla extract is not only unbelievably easy to make, but a lot cheaper than storebought vanilla.

I always buy these vanilla beans from Amazon, because they are very reasonable at less than $1/piece, ship for free, and are unbelievably fragrant.  Here’s how to make some:

Take a few vanilla beans, and split them with a paring knife, stopping about an inch from each edge (so they still stay together):
Splitting a Fresh Vanilla Bean with a Pairing Knife
Place them in a clean jar or bottle, and pour to cover with vodka.
Pouring Vodka Into a Glass Jar with Vanilla Beans
Let the vanilla extract sit for 6-8 weeks, giving it a shake every week or so, and watch as it darkens over time.  Then it will be ready for use!

How to Make Vanilla Extract - Steeped Vanilla Beans in Glass Jar with Measuring Spoons on Board

Homemade Vanilla Extract

It's easy to make your own vanilla extract, with vanilla beans and vodka, or any other similar alcohol of your choice. Here's how!
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Ingredients

  • 3 vanilla beans
  • 1 cup vodka or any alcohol that's at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol by volume

Instructions 

  • Take the vanilla beans, and split them with a paring knife, stopping about an inch from each edge (so they still stay together).
  • Place them in a clean jar or bottle, and pour the vodka in.
  • Let the vanilla extract sit for 6-8 weeks, giving it a shake every week or so, and watch as it darkens over time. That’s the tough part, waiting, but you will be rewarded!

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Sodium: 4mg, Sugar: 2g

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.