With literally just 5 minutes of prep and two ingredients, you can make delicious, homemade vanilla extract perfect for all your home baking needs.
If you follow my Instagram account then you’ll know that, especially over the last two years, I’ve absolutely LOVED DIY’ing it up in my kitchen. What is amazing though is how simple it is to make so many things at home that we spend unnecessary amounts on in-store. Vanilla extract is a perfect example of this so I couldn’t wait to share this simple two-ingredient DIY with you all.
I actually worked out the maths, comparing home-made vodka method with store-bought and, although it will obviously vary depending on where you’re shopping and your area’s price for vodka and vanilla beans, here is what I’ve gathered. For a standard bottle of Vodka, you’re able to make almost 3 portions of the below recipe at 250ml. With a store-bought 38ml bottle of vanilla extract costing £2, I’ve found that by making the vanilla extract at home then you cut costs by over 50%. Even more, if buying vanilla pods in bulk. Plus, the even better news is that the actual Vodka doesn’t matter too much so don’t feel guilty for skipping out on that. Really, just focus on getting the nicest vanilla pods you can and you’re on to a winner.
I’ve actually included two methods for making homemade vanilla extract in this blog post. Alongside the standard vodka method, I have also included a glycerine method for those wanting to stay alcohol-free. The method is exactly the same and super duper simple. Simply cut the pods, infuse with the liquid over an amount of time, and VOILA, you have a simple two-ingredient DIY vanilla extract.
Even better, this extract makes a great homemade gift for any bakers in your life.
Two Ingredient simple DIY Vanilla Extract Recipe
For vodka-based vanilla extract:
- vodka and vanilla beans
-OR-
For glycerine-based extract:
- Glycerine and vanilla beans
The easy method
Carefully cut the vanilla beans in two, lengthwise. You can also cut them into halves so they are shorter and fit better into the bottle or jar.
Insert the vanilla beans into a clean glass bottle or jar.
Pour either 1 cup of vodka or 1 cup of glycerine in the bottle. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged. Shake well.
Store in a dark corner (in a cupboard) at room temperature. Let sit for at least 6-8 weeks before you use it. Some even keep it for months or even a year. This extract can then be replenished continuously. Simply top up the bottle with alcohol every time you use some extract and make sure that the vanilla remains fully submerged under the liquid.
One month later …
If you try this recipe then please let me know what you think in the comments below! and tag me in your creations @Alphafoodie.
Two Ingredient simple DIY Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
For vodka-based vanilla extract:
- 1 cup vodka
- 6 vanilla beans
For glycerine-based extract:
- 1 cup glycerine
- 6 vanilla beans
Suggested Equipment
- Air tight bottle or jar
Instructions
- Carefully cut the vanilla beans in two, lengthwise. You can also cut them into halves so they are shorter and fit better into the bottle or jar.
- Insert the vanilla beans into a clean glass bottle or jar.
- Pour either 1 cup of vodka or 1 cup of glycerine in the bottle. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged. Shake well.
- Store in a dark corner (in a cupboard) at room temperature. Let sit for at least 6-8 weeks before you use it. Some even keep it for months or even a year. *
Anisa
Hi, is it possible to use pure vanilla powder instead of vanilla pods for this recipe?
Thank you
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Anisa,
I’m not sure if this would work. Let me know if you give it a try.
Amiee
Hiya! Is there a limit to how much you can keep topping this up? I guess at some point it would lose it’s ability to continue flavouring, but I’m not sure, hence why I’m asking 🙂 if so, how would you know?
Thanks for the great idea 🙂
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Amiee,
It’s said that vanilla extract, when stored properly, can last indefinitely. For the best flavor and aroma, I would say at least a couple of years. Of course, it’s always possible to add new vanilla beans to the extract after some time to replenish its potency. I’d say that would be when you can’t smell the pleasant sweet aroma nor taste the vanilla flavor any longer. I hope this helps. 🙂
Elizabeth Thomas
You should be using 1oz of beans to one cup of liquid alcohol or glycerin. Your six beans aren’t going to make a true extract.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Thank you for your comment, Elizabeth. You can add more beans if you prefer.
Maria
If I want to make the glycerine-based extract in a 16 oz bottle, should I double the amount of the glycerine (2 cups) and vanilla beans (12 vanilla beans)?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Maria,
The answer is both yes and no. 🙂 If you want to fill up the whole bottle, then yes, you could double both the glycerine to 2 cups and the vanilla beans to 12. You can also fill up half the bottle – just make sure the vanilla beans will be fully covered, you might have to cut them in half to make them shorter. I hope this helps.
brinacyl
Hi there! can I use glycerine to replenish this extract? many thanks
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi,
If you made the vanilla extract with glycerine, you can replenish it with glycerine. Depending on much you’ve had to top up, please keep in mind that you might have to wait a few weeks before you can use the extract again. I hope this helps.
Tania
Hi Samira
I just wonder if I can use tequila or mezcal for the alcohol ingredient?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Tania,
You can use any alcohol as long as it is 80 proof (40% alcohol or more). Tequila or Mezcal can work, but may not be the best choice taste-wise. I’d rather recommend using vodka, bourbon, brandy or rum.
Christina
Hi I wanted to know, when you top up the bottle with alcohol, does it need to sit for a length of time before you can use it again?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Christina,
I would say it depends on how much you top up. Sometimes I top it up after having used just a few teaspoons, and then you don’t really need to wait long. If you top up about half of your bottle or more, then definitely wait a couple of weeks as the vanilla extract would be too diluted (and too alcoholic). I hope this helps.
Teresa
Hello, where can I get the vanilla bean and the glycerin? I really want to try making it. Thank you.
Samira
Hi Teresa,
You should be able to source from grocery stores. In case your local stores don’t stock them, maybe you could find them online.
I hope this helps and you get to make the vanilla extract at home. 🙂
Debbie Pickering
Hi Samira, I have a few questions because I really want to try making this so I hope you don’t mind!
1. You say to allow it to sit for 6 to 8 weeks so during that 2 week time span how do you know when the extract is ready to use?
2. If you choose to replenish each time you use it do you need to wait a specific amount of time you need to wait before you use it again and are you only allowed to replenish if you are using Vodka?
3. Is there a significant difference in the taste with glycerine vs vodka?
4. If you do not want to replenish do you leave the vanilla beans in the jar until the extract is completely gone?
Thank you so much for your time!
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Debbie. Thank you for your comment.
1. You know the extract is ready when it doesn’t smell like alcohol any longer. It should have the sweet smell of vanilla. If you are not sure about it, just wait the full 8 weeks.
2. You can replenish your extract with the same base you used (either alcohol or glycerine). If wanted, you can replenish it after each use, then shake well, and use it again in a couple of days. Or, you can use all the extract, then fill up the jar with your base and with the same beans, and wait for the full 8 weeks.
3. There is not a significant difference in the taste, although the glycerine extract might be a little sweeter.
4. Yes, as mentioned in point 2 – you can just use all the exact. Just keep the beans in the jar. They can then be reused several times.
I hope this helps.
Veggies_babies
Hi Samira, thank you so much for the recipe!
Little question. I can use all type glycerin, or there are a special glycerin to eat? Thanks! 🙂
Samira @ Alphafoodie
Hi,
You need to use vegetable glycerin. It’s also known as glycerol or glycerine, and it’s safe to consume. If you are not sure what exactly you are getting, then it’s best to confirm that it’s food-grade/safe to consume – this should be marked on the label.