Making your own Vanilla Extract from scratch at home is a much more affordable option and with only two ingredients, it couldn’t be any easier!
You know what’s incredibly, ridiculously, affordably easy? Vanilla Extract from scratch. A really good, organic pure vanilla extract is not cheap and we just made about half a pint of pure vanilla extract for… ok I have no idea how much exactly, but it was a hell of a lot cheaper than buying that much in the store, that’s for sure. Oh, and bonus? We have a lot of Stoli vodka left over. Can you say extra dirty vodka martini?
This was seriously so simple. Oh, and pro-tip, by vanilla beans in bulk. Those stupid jars of the organic viles that have 2 beans that’s like $11 dollars- rip. OFF. New Seasons sells vanilla beans in their bulk section for $1.50 a bean. ! I know. I was so excited when I found that out / pissed that I just spent $11 on two stinkin beans. Oh well.
So all you need to do to just slice the beans open (you could chop them up too, I guess, but I liked the look of the full beans in the jar), and just add vodka. Then, let it sit in a cool dark place for about at least 6 weeks and bam! Vanilla Extract from scratch!
Seriously. Can Vanilla Extract from scratch get any easier? Nope. Happy baking!
- 1 cup of vodka
- 3-5 vanilla beans
- Slice open vanilla beans lengthwise (or cut into pieces to fit in jar) and place in jar. Pour vodka in over beans, cover, and let sit for at least 6 weeks. Give it a little shake every once in awhile.
- Strain if you prefer, or leave pods and beans in jar to continue infusing.
One of my favorite things to make for baking! I just bought 25 beans for $25 and loving them.
25 for $25?! What a deal!
Oooh, thanks for the reminder! I’ve been meaning to get some vanilla beans and all that good stuff, since I’ve never made it…for some reason… it sounds amazing though! All that store-bought vanilla can get pretty costly with the amounts I use 🙂
You’re very welcome! 😀
I’ve seen recipes for homemade extract on Pinterest before, Tracy, but I was never sure if it would work. It’s nice to see a recipe from a trusted source! You’ve motivated me…thank you!
Nancy you’re so sweet and welcome back!!! I hope you’re fully recovered soon so you can get try your hand out vanilla extract and then do lots of baking! xo
I love making my own vanilla extract. If you’re ever interested in getting your beans for cheaper, check out Beanilla.com. I have been buying my beans there for years, I can get Grade A beans for $1 each (I use those for baking) or if I am buying them specifically for making extract, I can get the Grade B beans for about $16. Just thought I’d mention it! 🙂
Ooooh thank you so much!!! How wonderful!! The next time I need to get more, I’m totally checking out this site! What a great tip 🙂
Very welcome! Also, be sure to check retailmenot.com for free shipping codes. Enjoy! 🙂
This is so easy!! Why I never made it before! Who knew… Thanks for sharing:)
It is! I was surprised too!
Wow, thanks for sharing! That blew my mind!
You’re welcome 🙂
delicious!
sono d’accordo! 🙂
You’re kidding me, THAT’s how you make vanilla extract?! That’s so cool! I had no idea!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the vanilla bean tip…… at least you can pass on savings to us : (
Right?! You can make extract this way with pretty much anything! Almond, lemon… the list goes on and on!
It’s really so good to make your own extract, especially that it’s very easy. Thanks for reminder, I need to make mine. I have a bottle of brandy, might I’ll use it instead of vodka
What a great idea….and you get so much more….for far less!! Thanks!!
It’s soo much more cost effective!!