Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe – with Free Printable Labels

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The holiday season is the perfect time to share homemade gifts with friends and family, and what could be more delightful than homemade vanilla bean extract? Vanilla bean extract is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, adding depth and warmth to a variety of treats. Whether you’re baking cookies, crafting cocktails, or creating a delicious dessert, vanilla extract can elevate your culinary creations. While store-bought vanilla extract is readily available, making your own at home is both simple and rewarding.

Ingredients

20 vanilla beans

40oz (*80 proof vodka)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Beans Start by slicing each vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife. This exposes the tiny seeds inside, allowing the flavors to infuse into the alcohol more effectively. You can also cut the beans into smaller pieces to fit them into your container.

Step 2: Combine with Alcohol Place the prepared vanilla beans in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Pour the alcohol over the beans, ensuring they are completely submerged. Seal the container tightly and give it a gentle shake to mix everything together.

Step 3: Store and Wait Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Allow the vanilla beans to steep in the alcohol for at least 3 months, though 6 to 12 months is ideal for the best flavor. Shake the jar occasionally to help the extraction process.

Using Your Homemade Vanilla Extract Once your vanilla extract is ready, you can start incorporating it into your recipes. The homemade version is often more aromatic and flavorful, making it a delightful addition to baked goods, sauces, and beverages.

Storing Your Extract Keep your vanilla extract stored in a cool, dark place. It has an indefinite shelf life, and the flavor will continue to develop over time. You can also top off the jar with more alcohol as you use the extract, replenishing your supply without starting from scratch.

Bottling Your Home Made Vanilla

Sterilize your bottles and lids (Boil your bottles for ten minutes. For the lids, soak in hot warm water half white vinegar and soak overnight.)

Take two vanilla beans split in half and place into each bottle.

With a mini funnel pour your vanilla into the bottles. Make sure vanilla beans are submerged.

Free Vanilla Extract Label PDF Printable

Add some twine or ribbon

This recipe makes ten 4oz bottles.

To scale this recipe, the proportions are 4 whole vanilla beans per 1 cup (8 oz) vodka

When giving as a gift inform your recipient to keep the vanilla beans submerged, they can do so by either adding more vodka as they use it, cutting the vanilla beans down, or remove the vanilla beans altogether. If the vanilla beans aren’t submerged at all time they can get slimy and ruin the extract.