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–+ servings

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Lauren Casolaro
Homemade vanilla extract might just be the easiest thing you could ever make! It only requires two ingredients: vodka and vanilla beans. More rich in flavor and cost effective than store-bought vanilla, it's all you're going to want to use in your baked goods.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Basics
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup
Calories 11 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 6-8 (1 oz) vanilla beans slice open long ways
  • 1 cup (235 g) vodka

Instructions

  • Using a sharp knife or scissor, slice the vanilla beans down the center lengthwise so the seeds inside are exposed. If necessary, cut the beans down to fit the height of your bottle or jar.
    6-8 vanilla beans
  • Place 1 oz of the prepared vanilla beans (an average 6-8 beans depending on the size of your beans) into a sealable glass jar or bottle then pour 1 cup of vodka into the glass bottle, over the vanilla beans. A funnel is helpful here.
    1 cup vodka
  • Seal the glass bottle and give it a good shake. Store in a cool, dark place (a cabinet you don't open too often is ideal) and let sit for at least 2 months, shaking every so often. However, the longer you wait to use it, the better, so I really do recommend waiting 1 year+ to get optimal flavor!

Notes

*Be sure to weigh your beans! 6-8 beans may not always be accurate. 
The longer you wait to use it, the better, so I really do recommend waiting 1 year+ to get optimal flavor!
Use this homemade vanilla extract in recipe as you would store-bought vanilla extract. Swap at a 1:1 ratio.
As you use the vanilla extract in recipes, refill the bottle with vodka after each use or remove the vanilla beans. 
Nutritional values are estimates only. See our full disclosure here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1teaspoonCalories: 11kcal

Disclaimer: Although apinchofparsley.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Apinchofparsley.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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