When my daughters were at home we baked A LOT. We probably spent more on vanilla than any other ingredient. At least until a few years ago when we learned how to make vanilla extract at home. My sister started making it first when she realized that “100% pure vanilla” could also contain ingredients like corn syrup and artificial vanilla (much cheaper) can contain even more artificial flavorings and colors. Once you learn how easy this is to make you may never buy it again!
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How to Make Vanilla Extract at Home
It only takes two ingredients:
- bourbon (or vodka)
- whole vanilla beans
- and small amber glass bottles if you want to give as gifts
Cut open the vanilla beans, scrape out the good stuff in the center, and add it all, insides AND outsides, to the alcohol. I use bourbon, my sister uses vodka. They end up tasting different so it’s still nice getting a little bottle from her as a gift. (hint, hint…)
I’ve seen recipes that vary from 1 to 4 beans per cup of alcohol. I’ve used 1 in the past but I think I’m going to start adding more.
You can get a fancy bottle but we had already used some of this bottle (making Paula Deen’s Bourbon Pecan Pie) and had plenty of room. I stuck it in the cool, dark pantry and shook it every time I went in there. It was ready in about 6 weeks. This is what it looks like when it’s ready.
After six weeks we can use it or pour it into smaller bottles to give as gifts.
BTW, “bourbon vanilla” does not mean it is made with bourbon. It’s a type of vanilla that is grown in the Indian Ocean islands, previously known as Ile Bourbon.
I also learned while doing some research on vanilla that some of the Mexican vanilla that we used to get when we crossed the border sometimes used tonka beans instead of vanilla and has been proven to cause liver damage… scary!
Christmas in July 2014 with Duct Tape and Denim includes:
- 7/9 – Candy Cane Christmas Gift Tags
- 7/16 – Wreath Christmas Gift Tags
- 7/18 – Vintage Silver Coaster Christmas Ornaments
- 7/23 – Homemade Vanilla
- 7/25 – Christmas Necklaces with Personalized Gift Box Inserts
- 7/28 – Mixed Media Christmas Ornament Tutorial
- 7/30 – Homemade Vanilla Sugar
Past Christmas tutorials:
- Matchbox Advent Calendar
- Christmas Ticket Banner
- Christmas Playing Card Banner
- Vintage Gameboard Christmas Card Album
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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First published on July 23, 2014
Angela Current says
How long is the shelf life? I’ve made it and worry that it will eventually go bad.
ducttapeanddenim says
Angela, supposedly it’s got an indefinite shelf life. I know we’ve had some for over a year. Keep it in a dark cool place.
Vickie says
Does it taste like bourbon or vanilla? ?
ducttapeanddenim says
It still tastes like vanilla but there is a slight bourbon flavor, too. I especially like this homemade vanilla in chocolate chip cookies but we do make vanilla with vodka, too. That one’s better for ice cream or other lighter flavored recipes.
Wendy says
So how much do you make at one time? Do you use a whole bottle (& what size bottle)? How many beans would you put in a bottle? Do you reuse the beans? Where do you get your beans?
ducttapeanddenim says
Hi, Wendy! I did use the whole bottle — less a little bit that we used in Paula Deen’s pecan pie recipe. I feel like it was between 3-4 cups. It’s the one shown in the photo but I didn’t write down the size. But my “recipe” said 1 to 4 beans per cup of bourbon. I used 1 bean per cup the first time and didn’t think it had enough vanilla flavor. So I added more. Next time I’ll try using all 4… but I love vanilla flavor! I used to get my beans from a store that is now out of business. Last time I got these on Amazon. Here’s my affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2tdWFEd This bottle lasted us about a year & a half.
Antonia says
Great post! There is nothing better than homemade vanilla extract. Thank you for sharing at Fiesta Friday!
Judith Graber says
It’s been a long time since I made my own vanilla extract. It’s very expensive to buy – maybe I better buy a bottle of Jim Bean 🙂 Happy Fiesta Friday and thanks for coming to the party.
Miz Helen says
I love homemade Vanilla and it makes a wonderful gift! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Hil says
What a fun gift to give hostesses over the holiday!
Thanks for sharing at #bloggerspotlight
Theresa says
I need to make some more vanilla this year. I’ve done it before it’s so good homemade. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party @DearCreatives sharing.