It is very easy and simple to make Vanilla extract at home. However, you may have lot of questions around it. I have tried to answer most of them below.
WHY MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT AT HOME WHEN YOU CAB BUY READY MADE?
It is cost efficient and will deliver better and richer flavor than store bought vanilla extract. Plus, most store-bought Vanilla Extract is imitation made from artificial ingredients and lack the necessary amount of Vanilla beans required. Homemade Vanilla Extract is definitely the way to go!
CAN I MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT IN LARGER QUANTITY?
Absolutely! You can make a bigger batch of Vanilla Extract, just keep in mind the ratio of 4 beans to 1 cup of Vodka. Also, make sure the bottle you use is dry and airtight.
For my personal use, I usually prefer to make a big bottle of Vanilla extract. However, this time I am planning to add my homemade vanilla extract mini bottles (affiliate link) in the Christmas holiday kit that I plan to give my neighbors. Hence, I am using 2oz bottles.
WHAT IS THE EXPIRY PERIOD OF VANILLA EXTRACT?
Unused bottle of vanilla extract will last several years. If it still smells good, it is still good to use.
Store it is a dark and cool place. NEVER refrigerate. Keep the lid of the bottle properly closed after every use.
WHICH VANILLA BEAN TO BUY?
The Vanilla bean you use, will make all the difference. Don’t be tempted by cheaper vanilla beans available. Use a good quality vanilla bean like Madagascar Vanilla Beans for best results. (Affiliate link) You can find them in the spice rack of your grocery store, or you can also buy them online.
Since I consume Vanilla extract a lot, I prefer to buy Madagascar vanilla beans online in a large quantity.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE VANILLA BEANS SOAK IN THE VODKA?
The longer you let the Vanilla beans soak in the vodka, the richer will be the flavor of Vanilla Extract. I would recommend a minimum of 5 months.
You can remove the Vanilla beans from the bottle after 5 months and re purpose them to make your very own Vanilla Sugar.
Since the vanilla beans are exposed in the bottle, you will find vanilla seeds in the bottle and therefore in your baked goods. Do not worry, these seeds will only enhance the flavor of the dish.
Use the same amount of homemade Vanilla Extract as you would use store-bought in your recipes.
Have you tried the Banana Chocolate Popsicle recipe yet?
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Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 4 Vanilla Beans (I have used Madagascar Vanilla Beans)
- 1 cup Plain Vodka. (80 proof or 40 %) (240 ml or 8 oz)
- 4 bottles of 2 oz each OR 1 bottle of 8 oz.
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, slit the Vanilla Beans lengthwise such that the beans are exposed.
- Place 1 Vanilla bean in each 2 oz bottles. Or place 4 vanilla beans in one 8 oz bottle. You may have to cut the vanilla beans in smaller pieces in order for them to fit in the bottle.
- Fill the bottles with vodka using a funnel. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged in the vodka.
- Properly close the lid of the bottle. Give it a good shake and store it in a cool dry place avoiding direct sun light. Shake the bottle once a week. In about 5 months, the vanilla extract will be ready to use.