Homemade vanilla extract is so easy and so flavorful, you will never go back to storebought again.
Every year I try to gift family members homemade Christmas gifts, and I was SO proud of this pure vanilla extract. The DIY vanilla extract was beautiful and a gift that will keep on giving for years to come!
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Single Fold vs Double Fold Vanilla
The difference between single fold and double fold vanilla extract lies in their concentration of vanilla flavor. Single fold vanilla extract is the standard variety, with a balanced flavor, while double fold is twice as concentrated, offering a more intense vanilla presence, commonly used in commercial baking. The choice depends on the desired strength of vanilla flavor in a recipe.
Using 4 vanilla beans produces a single fold vanilla.
Vanilla Extract Ingredients
vanilla beans: You can often find vanilla beans with the extracts in the grocery store or online. I have bought them on Amazon, but my favorite place to buy them is Etsy to support a family farm and I find them less expensive.
There are several types of vanilla beans including Madagascar (the most common), Bourbon (rich, creamy, and sweet), Tahitian (more floral), and Mexican (a hint of smokiness). They all have slightly different flavors. I have always used Madagascar.
There are also two different grades of vanilla beans, grade A or grade B. Grade A beans typically have a higher moisture content making them plump and visually appealing. They are often referred to as “fancy” or “gourmet” vanilla beans because they look very good. Grade B beans are drier, less visually appealing, and might have imperfections, such as splits or scars. They don’t look as good as grade A beans but they work perfectly in vanilla extract and are less expensive, so I typically go with grade B beans.
vodka: No need to buy fancy vodka, use whatever you have on hand or just buy cheap stuff from the liquor store.
While this vanilla extract recipe uses neutral-flavored vodka to really make the vanilla stand out, you can swap for bourbon to make bourbon vanilla or rum to make rum vanilla. Using bourbon or rum will have a slight impact on the flavor.
You will also need a sealable bottle and a funnel.
How to Make Vanilla Extract
Making vanilla extract is so easy and the gift that keeps on giving.
- Slice whole vanilla beans lengthwise.
- Add vanilla beans and vodka to a clean bottle.
- Leave for a minimum of 2 months, shaking every couple weeks.
It is recommended to leave for at least 2 months, but the vanilla will just keep getting better the longer you leave it.
How Long Does Vanilla Extract Last?
Once you start using the vanilla, you can continue to top up with vodka.
When you top up, you don’t need to wait for it to steep again.
Recipes to Use Vanilla In
Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumble Topping
How to Make Vanilla
Equipment
- sealable bottle
Ingredients
- 3-5 vanilla beans
- 1 cup vodka
Instructions
- Slice vanilla beans lengthwise all the way down the bean leaving the ends intact.
- Add vanilla beans to bottle.
- Add vodka to bottle all the way to the top. The beans should be fully submerged.
- Let sit for a minimum of 2 months before using. Shake every week or so.
- As you use the vanilla, you can continue to top up with vodka and keep using it.
Notes
Pin this Vanilla Extract Recipe
This is incorrect! Vanilla takes at least one year in Vodka. Two years in a dark alcohol. All you are getting here is flavored alcohol. To make a true extract it takes time to get a good, deep flavor profile!
Thank you for sharing your insights Patti! I have had good success with the two month period with fresh vanilla beans, but you definitely develop more flavor over time!