How to Make Vanilla Extract

An easy to follow guide to making vanilla extract in your own kitchen

Step by Step Instructions of How to Make Vanilla Extract 

Thinking About Making Vanilla Extract? Here’s What You Need to Know

Have you found yourself wanting to make your own vanilla extract but feeling unsure about where to start? Questions like "Where do I buy vanilla beans?" or "How many vanilla beans do I need?" might be running through your mind. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people have had the same thoughts before taking the plunge.

While the process of making vanilla extract might seem overwhelming at first, the truth is, it’s actually quite simple. The key is not to overthink it. Keep reading to learn the basics and discover how to make vanilla extract like a pro!

How to Make Vanilla Extract: Step-By-Step Instructions

Introduction to vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is a flavorful liquid made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol to extract their natural oils and compounds. It is a popular ingredient in baking, cooking, and beverages, prized for its rich, aromatic flavor. Pure vanilla extract is crafted with real vanilla beans or vanilla oleoresins and contains no artificial additives, making it a preferred choice for enhancing both sweet and savory recipes.

Defined and standardized by the FDA in 1968, pure vanilla extract must contain at least 35% alcohol and one unit of vanilla constituent per gallon to meet regulatory standards. Definitions of vanilla beans, unit of vanilla and more can be found here

Tools you will need to make vanilla extract

Making vanilla extract is simple! You’ll need vanilla beans, a glass jar or bottle, alcohol, and a sharp kitchen knife or scissors.

Preparing your vanilla extract

With your tools and ingredients ready, start by weighing 0.83–0.93 ounces of vanilla beans per cup of alcohol for the extract. Use the infographics below to simplify the measurements.

The essential ingredients for making vanilla extract are straightforward: vanilla beans and alcohol. While optional additives like sugar or sweeteners can be included, this guide focuses on the basics to help you master the process.

If this is your first time making vanilla extract, we recommend starting with these simple steps to achieve the best results.

Mixing Vanilla Beans and Alcohol

Once you’ve measured your ingredients, combine the vanilla beans and alcohol in a clean, sanitized glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Shake the jar vigorously to mix. You’ll notice the alcohol starting to take on a light brown hue, as it begins extracting the 250+ natural compounds responsible for vanilla's rich flavor and aroma. This step is crucial for creating a high-quality, flavorful vanilla extract.

Aging Vanilla Extract - How long Does It Take

Allow your vanilla extract to age for a minimum of 90 to 120 days to achieve its full flavor. While some users prefer to age it longer for enhanced depth and complexity, the extract is ready to use after 90 days. The aging process can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Size of Vanilla Bean Pieces: Smaller pieces extract more efficiently.
• Frequency of Agitation: Regular shaking helps distribute the flavors evenly.
• Type of Alcohol Used: Higher-quality or differently flavored alcohols may impact the outcome.
• Temperature During Aging: Slightly elevated temperatures can accelerate extraction.

For best results, adjust these factors to suit your preferences while ensuring the extract ages for at least the recommended time. Continue reading below for other helpful information such as filter, bottling, labeling or mixing different types of vanilla beans or alcohols.

Final Touches: Preparing Your Vanilla Extract for Use

Straining and Bottling

Once fully aged, a nice touch is to strain your vanilla extract to remove the vanilla and any organic matter that may of detached from the vanilla pods and is floating around your glass jar. This can be done by using a coffee filter, cheese cloth or small strainer. Lightly filtering your vanilla extract adds a nice professional touch. The filtering process removes undesirable larger matter while leaving a beautiful amber liquid with noticeable vanilla seeds. The remaining vanilla is aromatic and ready to use in your favorite baking recipes or gifting to friends and family.

Your vanilla extract is now bottled and ready to use but it is missing something. How about a label for your vanilla extract? You can make one on many programs like Avery labels or Canva, buy them from other vendors and you can also simply download one of our free vanilla extract label templates and fill in the missing information. Adding a professional looking label is a nice touch and makes your homemade vanilla extract stand out. Whether you're gifting it to friends, selling it, or keeping it in your kitchen, a well-designed label adds a polished and personal touch. Don't forget to include essential details like the type of vanilla beans used, the date it was made, and any unique flavor notes. This small step enhances presentation and makes your extract even more special!

Tips for Customizing Your Own Vanilla Extract

While most vanilla extract is traditionally made using Madagascar vanilla beans and ethanol-based alcohol, there are plenty of options to explore. Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with other varieties of vanilla beans, such as Tahitian, Ugandan, Mexican, or other unique origins. Each type of vanilla bean offers distinct flavor profiles, from the sweet and floral notes of Tahitian vanilla to the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican vanilla.

You can also customize your extract by using different types of alcohol, such as rum, bourbon, or brandy, which can add unique undertones to your final product. For a sweeter touch, consider adding sugar, honey, or another sweetener to complement the flavors of your chosen vanilla beans.

Tips for Customizing Vanilla Extract:

• Combine Different Vanilla Beans: Blend multiple types for a complex flavor.
• Use Specialty Alcohols: Experiment with infused or flavored alcohols for unique results.
• Adjust the Bean-to-Alcohol Ratio: Increase the amount of beans for a stronger extract, keeping in mind for single strength vanilla extract a minimum of .83 ounces of vanilla beans should be used and for double fold (2x strength) a minimum of 1.666 ounces of vanilla beans should be used per 8 fl. oz of alcohol based on the basic parameters of using a grade B extract type vanilla bean.
• Infuse Additional Spices: Add cinnamon, cloves, or other spices to create a custom extract blend.

With a little creativity, your homemade vanilla extract can be as unique as your favorite recipes!

Facts about vanilla extract

Still have some questions about making your own vanilla extract? Visit our vanilla extract FAQ sections for additional tips, tricks and helpful information.