Do you like to bake?

When you bake as much as I do, it is very easy to go through baking ingredients on a regular basis. I purchased very good vanilla extract for a pretty penny and I am always running out! It’s too much money when I can make my own!

Let’s get started!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

2 ingredients.

6-8 Madagascar Vanilla beans per 8 oz. bottle. Find Vanilla Beans HERE. Find the bottles HERE.

Vodka (You can also use Bourbon or Rum each one having a slightly different flavor).
**the alcohol draws out the best flavor in your vanilla bean but you can make your recipe without 
    by substituting vegetable glycerin for the alcohol. 

Directions:

For 6 to 8 beans per 8 oz. bottle.

I slice my beans down the center the long way to release fragrance and flavor of the vanilla bean paste see photos below). Place the vanilla beans into clean 8 oz. bottles. I found my bottles on Amazon HERE. You must cover the beans completely with Vodka so they are submerged-approximately 8 oz. of vodka per bottle. Keep in mind, the vodka has to be 70 proof or more. (I found 80 proof on sale 😂).

Cap bottles tightly. Shake gently to infuse flavors. Store away and let sit for at least 8 weeks.

Try to shake bottles as often as possible to insure that the flavors continue to blend-at least once a week. After 8 weeks the vanilla will be ready to use. The longer you wait the better the flavor- 4 to 6 months is actually optimal. Use in all your baking recipes that call for vanilla extract! Enjoy!

Madagascar Vanilla Beans

Slice down the center of the vanilla bean the long way

Add six (6) vanilla beans to each 8 ounce bottle

Pour vodka into the bottle and cover vanilla beans completely.

Fill all your CLEAN bottles

Once bottled, be sure to cap tightly. Give each bottle a gentle shake once a week to blend flavors.

Let sit for AT LEAST 8 weeks before using. Use in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract! Yum!

Three types of vanilla extract –  bottled and labeled. After only a couple days the color starts to turn into a rich brown.

I hope you enjoy your vanilla extract! It is so easy to make and really makes a wonderful gift idea for anyone who enjoys baking. Once they try vanilla extract this way, they won’t go back to store bought! 

Happy Hooking and Baking! 

~Shannon

This post contains affiliate links, which I may be compensated for when you make a purchase. That means if you click on any link and buy from the linked websites, I will receive a small percentage of the value of your order. The amount you pay is not changed. Thank you for all your support in clicking the links in my blog!! You all are so amazing!! ~Nadia