4.95 from 38 votes

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade vanilla extract is probably the most-used ingredient in my kitchen after flour and sugar. It is also my go-to DIY holiday gift. It is perfect for all the bakers on your list and makes a quick and simple host or hostess gift for when you’re invited to a party and want to bring something fun, unexpected, and practical.

Two bottles of Zoë François's homemade vanilla extract

I always have a stack of beans in the freezer and bottles of homemade vanilla extract in my pantry. I admit I don’t always make my own, but it is something, like homemade yogurt, that once you make it, you’re ruined to the store-bought version. *I do have a hack below for a SUPER QUICK way to get more flavor out of the store-bought bottle! Be sure to check it out.

Zoë François adds a vanilla bean to her homemade vanilla extract bottle.

Homemade vanilla is easy to make but to get the best result you have to be patient. The longer you let the vanilla beans sit in the vodka, the better and stronger the flavor will be. I let this bottle sit for 5+ weeks before opening it (I used a LOT of beans, so it matured faster, if you use less, it can take up to 12 weeks to have enough flavor), which was a test of willpower I didn’t know I possessed. The result is like perfume, I add this homemade vanilla extract to all of my recipes and dab a bit behind my ears (not really, but maybe I should). I do use it in everything from cakes to cocktails.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Watch me make homemade vanilla extract, learn the differences between different vanilla beans and see how to make vanilla sugar and vanilla paste!
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

What You Need to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

  1. Glass Bottle with stopper or cap (the one I used had juice in it and I cleaned it and then sterilized it) – the size doesn’t matter, you can make a large or small amount.
  2. Vodka – You need enough to cover the beans in the bottle you choose. There is no need to break the bank with the vodka you use, I go for the cheap stuff since it’s just meant to carry the flavor of the vanilla. You can also use rum or other neutral-flavored alcohol.
  3. Vanilla Beans (click here to see which ones I use) – The amount will depend on the size of the jar you make, but you want to use a bunch to get the best flavor. I used about 18 beans in 750ml of vodka. The beans can be expensive, so you can also keep the pods after you have scraped out the seeds for another recipe. This will take longer, because you aren’t adding the flavorful pulp, but it is a great way to use the pods. I add one to the bottle every time I have another pod. Just don’t use them if they have been used in a recipe already, like custard.

Alcohol-Free Vanilla Paste – The base for a non-alcoholic vanilla paste is Vegetable Food Grade Glycerin. This is a thick paste and you will use less per recipe because it is a higher concentration of vanilla. It is perfect for people who don’t want the addition of alcohol. Here is a helpful post about how to make this version.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Clean your bottle and dry it well.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

If you are using whole vanilla beans, scrape out the pulp of a bunch of beans. (there are versions that leave the beans uncut, but then you don’t have the power of flavor released by the oils and seeds)

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

Put the pod and scraped pulp into the bottle. Scraping out the pulp first will help it flavor the alcohol quicker.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

Once you have all the beans scraped and added to the bottle pour the vodka in. You can use a funnel to make sure you don’t spill. I didn’t have one that was small enough, so I used a large round pastry tip.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

Close the stopper on the bottle and shake the vanilla and vodka to distribute the seeds.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

The vodka will still be clear for the first few days. Once every couple of days give the extract a good shake to break up the pulp and get the seeds distributed in the vodka.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

After a week the extract will start to get darker and develop some flavor. After a few weeks, you can use the extract, but the flavor will be very subtle and have a strong alcohol taste.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract | Photo by Zoë François

At week 3 the color should be amber and the aroma is richer, but waiting for weeks 8 to 12 is when it gets really exciting. Use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract. If you are using it in buttercream, you may want to strain out any of the pulp. You will still have the seeds in your recipe, but any of the stringy bits from the pod will get strained out.

How to Refill Homemade Vanilla Extract

The extract can be kept indefinitely and over the months/years it just keeps getting better. You will need to add more beans and refill with more vodka to replenish the bottle as you use it. I add more vanilla beans and vodka as the bottle gets to 2/3 full. If you let it get much lower you’ll dilute all the beautiful flavor you’ve developed!

Store-Bought Vanilla Extract Hack

A super easy way to get a more intense flavor from your favorite bottle of store-bought “pure” vanilla extract* is to add a split and scraped vanilla bean to it. That will give your recipe a boost of flavor from the seeds. It won’t be quite as intense a flavor as the bottle chock-full of beans, but it is a great way to start! Avoid imitation/artificial flavor vanilla extract for the best flavor.

How to Use Vanilla Beans

Need fresh vanilla in a recipe? Or wondering how to choose the type of vanilla bean for your vanilla extract? Here’s everything you need to know about vanilla beans.

Types of Vanilla Beans

  • Mexican beans are the original and most highly prized beans. They have a mellow, smooth, quality and a spicy, woody fragrance.
  • Madagascar Bourbon beans are long and slender, with a very rich taste and smell, have thick, oily skin, contain an abundance of tiny seeds, and have a strong vanilla aroma. They are also considered high-quality beans and reflect this in the cost. This is where most of the world’s vanilla comes from. The name refers to the region they are grown and is not at all related to the booze.
  • Tahitian beans are usually shorter, plumper, and contain a higher oil and water content than Bourbon beans. The skin is thinner, they contain fewer seeds, and the aroma is fruity and floral. They are often described as smelling like licorice, cherry, prunes, or wine.

How To Store Vanilla Beans

You want to store your vanilla beans in an airtight container, in a cool, dark spot. If you buy them in bulk and won’t be using them all at once you can throw them in the freezer to prevent them from drying out.

How to Cut A Vanilla Bean

  • To maximize the vanilla bean you want to cut the pod in half lengthwise with a paring knife.
  • Scrape out all of the oily seeds from the inside to use in your recipe. You will have flecks of vanilla throughout, which will infuse the dish with vanilla.
  • You can either throw the whole vanilla bean, once it is cut, into the recipe or you can just use the scraped seeds and save the pod for another use later. The most efficient way to get the flavor from the vanilla is to add it to something warm, which helps to disperse the seeds and the oils. If you are using vanilla bean in a pound cake or other recipe that does not call for you to cook the bean in a hot liquid, then just scrape out and use the seeds. You will want to add them when you are creaming the butter so they incorporate well. (I submerge the unused pods in sugar to make vanilla-scented sugar.)
  • Once a pod has been used I wash them off and then dry them out in a bowl that sits above my stove. I blend them with sugar in a food processor and then put it through a sieve. It is a wonderful way to scent the sugar and use every part of the vanilla bean.
  • This sugar can be used in any recipe you want a vanilla flavor and it is wonderful in coffee and tea.

Frequently Asked Questions: Homemade Vanilla Extract

  1. Where do you get your vanilla beans? Check out the links under types of vanilla beans above to find the ones I purchase on Amazon.
  2. Where is your vanilla bottle from? I have several bottles of vanilla going at all times, but they’re all different. I clean and reuse my husband’s Bulleit Whiskey bottles. I don’t use the whiskey to make the vanilla because it competes with the vanilla flavor, I just like the bottle. I also have one from a bottle of juice I bought at Whole Foods and IKEA often has bottles with stoppers.
  3. What is bourbon vanilla? When you see vanilla extract that’s labeled “bourbon vanilla” it refers to the type of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans and has nothing to do with the alcohol of the same name. So, Bourbon Vanilla is NOT made with bourbon. If you choose to use a strong flavored alcohol, just keep in mind that it will be adding that flavor to all your recipes as well.
  4. How do I refill my vanilla as I use it up? You need to add more Vodka AND more vanilla beans to keep the flavor in balance. See my process above. I refill mine when it gets down to about 2/3 full.
  5. Why isn’t my vanilla turning dark like yours? Time and the amount of vanilla beans will determine the color and potency of the vanilla. You need to let it steep for a couple of months, shaking it every so often to distribute the seeds. Make sure you have several beans per cup of vodka or it won’t have enough flavor.
  6. Do you ever remove the beans from the bottle? No! The beans in the bottle will never go bad because they are sitting in alcohol which will preserve them. If the bottle gets too full of beans over time and I can’t fit more in, then I start a new bottle.
  7. Do the beans that are exposed to air in the bottle ever get moldy? No! There’s so much alcohol that this is not a concern. I have had several bottles for years and have never had this happen.
  8. Does homemade vanilla extract expire? No! It can be used indefinitely because it is alcohol-based. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes. Just make sure you shake it up every once in a while. I use mine up quite quickly because I bake every day.
  9. My vanilla tastes too alcohol-y! The extract is alcohol-based, so you will taste some alcohol, but the vanilla flavor should be strong. The alcohol burns off when baking, so you won’t taste that in your recipes.
  10. Can I switch from bourbon or rum in my homemade vanilla, to vodka? Yes, vodka has almost no flavor, which is why I prefer it to any other alcohol when making vanilla. It allows the vanilla to shine. It may take a while to replace all the bourbon, but eventually, it will happen. Keep adding vanilla beans too.
  11. Can I make non-alcoholic vanilla? Yes, see the link above. It isn’t an extract as much as a paste, but equally delicious.
Two bottles of Zoë François's homemade vanilla extract

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Once you make your own homemade vanilla extract you will be ruined to the store-bought stuff! It's so easy to make, but you do need to have patience. The longer it sits, the better it gets. You'll need to wait at least 5 weeks to crack into the bottle. I use 18 vanilla beans for a 750ml bottle of vodka.
4.95 from 38 votes

Instructions

  • Clean your bottle and dry it well.
  • If you are using the whole vanilla beans, scrape out the pulp of a bunch of beans.
  • Put the pod and scraped pulp into the bottle. (Scraping out the pulp first will help it flavor the alcohol quicker.)
  • Pour the vodka into the bottle. You can use a funnel to make sure you don’t spill. I didn’t have one that was small enough, so I used a large round pastry tip.
  • Close the stopper on the bottle and shake the vanilla and vodka to distribute the seeds. The vodka will still be clear for the first few days. Once every couple of days give the extract a good shake to break up the pulp and get the seeds distributed in the vodka. After a week the extract will start to get darker and develop some flavor. After two weeks you can use the extract, but the flavor will be very subtle.
  • At week 3 the color should be amber and the aroma is richer, but waiting for week 5+ is when it gets really exciting. Use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract. If you are using it in buttercream, you may want to strain out any of the pulp. You will still have the seeds in your recipe, but any of the stringy bits from the pod will get strained out.
  • Refilling the vanilla extract: As you use the vanilla, you can add more vodka and vanilla beans to refill it and keep it going for years. After I've scraped the seeds from a bean for a recipe, I just toss the bean into my bottle and shake it up.
    If your bottle gets to be half empty and you refill it with vodka, you will want to add a few more beans to make sure you're not diluting it too much.

Rate and Review!

  • If you've made this recipe, please leave a rating and review! I love to hear how you've adapted my recipes to your own tastes, so please share how it went for you. It helps other people find my recipes. Thank you!

Notes

The extract can be kept indefinitely and over the months it just keeps getting better.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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164 thoughts to “Homemade Vanilla Extract”

  1. Your photos are just terrific and I love those bottles! I made vanilla to give as gifts this holiday. Started it in October. I used those little individual wine bottles, made my own labels and wrapped the necks of the bottles in rafia. It’s a perfect hostess gift, too. I’ve read that it can take up to six months for it to reach it’s peak vanilla flavor.

      1. What vodka do you recommend, I’ve heard different things from people in regards to alcohol content does it matter?

        1. Hi Amanda, there is no need to break the bank with the vodka you use, Zoë always goes for the cheap stuff since it is just meant to carry the flavor of the vanilla. Enjoy!

        2. I’m so excited for this to mature! I started mine on 3/22/22….smelled and tasted a bit today. Alcohol is still so prevalent.
          Wondering about when the alcohol leaves.

          1. Hi Aida! The alcohol doesn’t leave until it’s cooked. The vanilla flavor takes over after a few months, so you still have a while to go. Make sure you have enough beans in it, too! Enjoy!

    1. 5 stars
      Do you ever tried flavored vodka and if so which one. I was thinking a citrus or coconut flavored but was wondering if the vanilla flavor eventually overpowers the other flavors
      Just ordered my beans from Amazon and found some cute bottles at IKEA so getting ready to make some for Christmas!!

      1. Hi Kelley! Zoë prefers to use a flavorless vodka because then she can use the vanilla is the widest array of desserts. We’re excited to hear how your vanilla making goes!

  2. Great post as always! My wife and I really enjoy your blog. For our vanilla extract we bought a large bottle (1.75L) of good vodka and put a bunch of beans directly into it by removing the little plastic cap. For easy use we pour off a small amount into a regular extract bottle. The rest just sits and gets better every day.
    Do you make other extracts for your baking?

      1. 5 stars
        I made your vanilla extract and put it directly in the vodka bottle. Is that ok or should I transfer it to another bottle? Also I made it with 25 Grade A beans. Later when I replenish the bottle Can I use Grade B to the extract along with A? Thank you

        1. Hi LA, yes, you can leave it in the vodka bottle! You can also mix and match beans — whatever combination you have will work. Enjoy!

    1. 5 stars
      I do a mix of vanilla beans and coffee beans and it quickly makes a wonderful rich flavoured batch of extract perfect for chocolate desserts.

      1. Ah!
        Thank you for posting about coffee beans!
        Coffee extract isn’t something you can find in the stores so making it at home sounds wonderful!!
        Do you recommend roasted beans or I roasted to use in the extract?

  3. Well, are you Miss Smartyboots using a decorating tube as a small funnel! I thought I was the only person who’s done that in a pinch. Happy new year, Zoë!

    1. I make all my own vanilla extracts (Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican vanilla) too. So I came to pick up any extra tips. I always allow my extract to “brew” for about nine months with the vanilla beans inside the bottle. I shake the bottles daily for the first week, then weekly. Every Monday is shake the vanilla extract bottle day. I also cut my vanilla beans so that more surface area is exposed for the vodka to infuse. Like Chris I use the original glass vodka bottle and just pour out enough vodka to give the vanilla beans room to fit. When it’s finally done is when I pour the vanilla extract into one of the decorative stopper bottles. There’s just something about making your own vanilla to use in baking.

      I also have a bottle of Jim Beam bourbon I infused the same way with vanilla beans. I use that vanilla infused bourbon every year to make holiday fruitcakes. The infused bourbon with vanilla flavor just takes it over the top.

        1. Hi Jamillah, the recipe for Zoe’s homemade vanilla extract is in the blog post above. Please let me know if there are other questions I can help with!

          1. Hello! If I were to give the vanilla as gifts and pour into small bottles … would I put the vanilla pods/beans that were inside the original bottle, inside these smaller bottles? Thanks in advance for your response!

          2. Hi Tricia! If you’re giving tiny bottles that can’t fit a full bean, you can leave them out, but once the vanilla is gone they’ll need to start from scratch to make more. But if you’re plan is to have the recipients make more vanilla as theirs is used up, you’ll want to include a bean and let them know how to add their own beans and vodka as they use it up! For small bottles you can cut beans to fit. I hope this helps!

          3. Hi Bonnie, a link to the vanilla beans is in the section of this post called “What you need.” The bottles she uses are leftover bottles, one is a juice bottle from Whole Foods and others that she uses are Bourbon bottles. She sterilizes them before using. You can also find a link to a glass bottle with stopper in the same section of the post. I hope this helps!

    1. Hi Bubbles,

      Yes, great minds think alike. I always ask myself WWBD and these little gems come to me. Thanks!!!

      Happy New Year! Zoë

    2. Hi Jill and Jessica,

      Great question, I added the shelf life to the end of the post. It lasts nearly forever and just gets better as it ages.

      Cheers, Zoë

  4. I love love love this idea! Thank you for sharing! Any idea how long of a shelf life it has? Or any tips on how to store it for max freshness? Oh… one more question! Does it matter what kind of vodka is used?

    Thank you so much!

  5. Thank you for this post. This is one of my top priority work to do in new year. Have been reading and searching for good source. Thanks for details with clear pics.
    Happy New Year to you Zoë and yours!

  6. You are so right! After using homemade extract, store bought extract is definitely ruined. Like another one of your readers, I make my extract in the vodka bottle instead of transferring. It’s fun to see the look on people’s faces when you tell them you make your own vanilla extract. 🙂

  7. this is great! I’ve had a bottle of homemade vanilla extract for 3 years now–topping off with vodka as needed. It beats the store-bought stuff for sure!

  8. Great post. And I always appreciate your beautiful and informative pictures.
    A suggestion for your YouTube Channel…a demo about blind baking specifically docking a pie crust and creating a raised edge on a puff pastry shells. I’m always unsure how close together the fork pricks should be or how deep into the crust I should prick it. Every once in a while I get an air bubble and sometimes my crust shrinks even though I use pie weights.

  9. Thanks for the great step-by-step info. I will definitely make the homemade vanilla extract soon! Now I’m off to watch your videos! Happy New Year to you and yours!

  10. Great Post,Great Pictures!
    I would like to see in your YouTube Channel , a video Demontrating, how to make a colored Mirror glaze for a mousse cake.
    thank you..

  11. This is wonderful! And I was just kidding a friend of mine that there must be a zillion uses for vodka!

    I just have to try this. Any other extracts you can make this way?

    I agree about the pie crust video.

    Thanks, Judy.

  12. I’m with the contingent that just drops the beans into the bottle of vodka (pouring off a little to accommodate the addition). I did this for gifts as well, bought cute little apothecary jars online and made labels. I managed to save one bottle for myself. Next time, I’m trying the bourbon version.

    And, would love to see that pie crust video. Also, tempering chocolate.

    Happy New Year.

    1. I’m in love with the Juice bottle, can you tell me where I can buy one, after watching you every day And I love the show,I want one so bad…thank you.

  13. I recently found a bottle of rum based vanilla in my pantry that I had started about a year and a half ago and it just got pushed back and forgotten. It smells amazing and is the perfect reward for FINALLY organizing my kitchen 😀 I do like vodka better as a base as it doesn’t compete with the vanilla as much as rum does. I didn’t scrape the seeds though, I just split the pods, that’s a great tip to speed things along. Thanks!

    1. Hi Anna,

      I will have to try organizing my pantry, I hope to find something as special jammed in there! What a lucky find. 🙂

      Cheers, Zoë

  14. Love the vanilla idea. Have a question about Sunflower Breakfast Loaf. Do you put the cup of sunflower seeds in the batter or on top? Trying recipes in Healhy Bread too. JE

  15. Love your info on homemade vanilla! I recently bought a Sam’s Club bottle of Vodka and am waiting for a delivery of vanilla beans any day now! You specifically mentioned it should be in a glass bottle. My vodka came in a plastic bottle. Is that okay to use that or is there a reason the bottle it soaks in should be glass? Thank you!

    1. Hi Krsity,

      I think the plastic bottle will be just fine. There are some plastics that are supposed to be safer for food than others. You will have to do a bit of research on the web to find out more about that. I have bought very good vanilla extracts in plastic bottles before, so I know it is fine!

      Cheers, Zoë

  16. Hello Zoe,

    Do you have a good suggestion as to where to get the vanilla beans, and how much they cost? Does the quality of vodka make a difference in the quality of vanilla?

    1. Hi Randall,

      I put a link to some on Amazon. I have also found some great vanilla beans at Costco if there is one in your area. There are many other online sources. The quality of the vodka won’t matter too much, but I always suggest you use an alcohol you would want to drink when using it in your recipes.

      Thanks, Zoë

  17. Thank you for the clear instructions on how to make vanilla. I’ll start mine as soon as I get the vanilla beans I ordered. It will save me a lot of money because I bake a lot of desserts.

    For the video suggestion, kindy feature how to fold egg whites when making chiffon cakes. Thank you.

  18. Hey Zoe! Love the videos & blog…

    Would love to see more videos with formulas…why does my pound cake fall sometimes? Why don’t my cupcakes crown nicely? I just read something about too much leavening and structure and strength of the cake vs. falling cakes? What are the %’s of leavening to use? Uses of bread flour in cakes for strength… all sorts of stuff!! I love to learn!!. Thanks for all you do.

  19. I love this idea. I’m always baking at home, and I hate running out of baking ingredients (especially on a tight budget).

    Most store bought vanilla extracts have water in them, even if they say “pure”. Do you know how much the water actually affects it? Is the flavor any different without the water?

    1. Hi Jennifer,

      Water won’t add any flavor, it will just dilute the vanilla extract. In the end you will use more extract if you add water to get the same amount of flavor in your recipe.

      Thanks, Zoë

  20. I’d love to see a video on making babka. I’d like to see how you roll it up and twist it into a ball and make it fit in the pan and come out babka!

  21. I prefer to steep mine in brandy or cognac. The rum-based extract I made first just made everything taste faintly like rum cake. I tried vodka next and it seemed fine, a nice vanilla flavor with a sharp finish, but the brandy, oh! Warm, rich, and a bit sweet with a vanilla finish that lasts. My favorite. I also make almond and peppermint extracts using vodka to keep them clear in color. Love this blog, Zoe. Thank you for always posting so frequently!

  22. Novice baker question: Once the extract has aged several weeks and is ready to use, should I still continue to shake it occasionally? Should I shake before I use it?

    1. Hi Elsa,

      The alcohol will be infused with the vanilla, but I like to shake it first to get some of the seeds with the extract. Either way will be tasty.

      Cheers, Zoë

  23. ho zoe! this is a great tutorial! i have a question….we want to make vanilla sugar AND vanilla extract. can we make the sugar first, leaving the pods whole, and then use the same ones to make this? thanks =)
    ann

    1. Hi Ann,

      Yes, by all means, but they will not have the same potency, so you may want to mix in some that have the seeds still in tact.

      Thanks, Zoë

  24. I have just started making my extract. From the wholesaler who I purchased them from I was recommended 4-5 bean pods per 8 oz. Does this sound okay to you? Also, I am really concerned about using them in my already tested recipes. Since it is pure vanilla extract will I need to use less than what my recipes may call for?

    Blessings,
    Danette

    1. Hi Danette,

      Yes, this ratio sounds right to me. You can use it in the same proportion as you have been with other vanilla extract. You may have to wait for a while before the extract is as strong as you like.

      Enjoy, Zoë

  25. Hey zoe,

    I live in a country where its a constant 30+ degrees all year round…which is pretty warm n it might heat up in my cupboard….

    So, Is it alright storing it in the fridge? Or is temp not an issue?

    Appreciate the advice…. Xx

  26. I,m a profesional chef and has cooking as a hobbie, this Saturday I’ll be doing vanilla poud cake. vailla extract is a wonderfull idea I will do that too later on when I have the money for the beans. I’m unemployed). Do you have a process for almond extract, please. I’m going to be your folloer once a week. Best og health. Andres

  27. Hi, someone asked about a good place to buy vanilla beans inexpensively. I shop for mine at San Francisco Spice … more reasonable than any where else I’ve found. They also have good buys on other spices, too.

    I’d also like some other extract recipes. Any that anyone wants to share. Thanks.

  28. You don’t know how excited I am to make my own vanilla extract! I buy some quite expensive extract from a dependable source, but to make my own in more volume for the same price is not only economical, but baking smart. Thanks Zoe!
    PS This is my first visit to your website. I came across it looking for a devil’s food cake recipe. Your site is now favorited, and I’ll be back often!

  29. I should mention, too, that I purchased some vanilla beans off ebay for a fantastic price. 30 for less than $7, including shipping. The beans are shorter (4-6inch) but for the price I really don’t mind. They would be perfect for making homemade vanilla!

  30. I found beautiful, plump beans online for about $0.50 a bean. A steal! I m also making vanilla sugar with them.

  31. Can you reuse the beans by just pouring out like 75% of the finished product and then keep adding more vodka?
    Also I’m sure scraping the pods will make it not as good to reuse, if I dont scrape it itll take longer obviously but will it keep them better to reuse in this way?

    1. Hi Kim,

      You can keep topping off the alcohol in the bottle. You will eventually dilute the vanilla, so you will want to add more beans. You don’t have to scrape the beans, but it will take longer to get the flavor.

      Thanks, Zoë

  32. I actually have a few 6 oz. bottles that I made about 5 years ago and haven’t opened them. I only found them a few weeks ago (after a home-move). They’d been in storage (a dark place) for years before the move. Thing is: they won’t open and it’s going to take some gentle-nudging to get the plastic cap to loosen. Would you think the vanilla is good after 5 years of sitting? I made it like you did (vodka and vanilla beans). GREAT tips to share with everyone! Thanks.

    1. Hi Colleen,

      As long as the vanilla is submerged in the alcohol I think it will still be fine. If there is any mold then you need to throw it out.

      Thanks, Zoë

  33. Hi Zoe,

    Can I use gin to make vanilla extract?

    Thank you for all your lovely posts. I have learnt so much from you.

    Lorraine

    1. Hi Lorraine,

      You can, but it definitely will have a gin taste to it. I personally love gin, but it is more assertive than vodka.

      Thanks, Zoë

  34. I hate alcohol & never have it in the house so it would be helpful to have some guidelines for those of us who aren’t familiar. I do love the smell of pure vanilla extract! The thought of making my own is fascinating.

    A few questions: Is vodka the best alcohol to use to bring out the vanilla w/out adding extra “alcohol” flavors? I guess what I’m saying, is that I don’t want any surprises when I open up my jar 5 wks later. Also, where would you normally store this during the extracting process? Does putting it in the fridge affect the process? Have you done a price comparison of store bought vs homemade?

    1. Hi Dara,

      I have found that Vodka is the most neutral flavored alcohol to make the vanilla, but it still has that alcohol “heat” or vapor to it. The alcohol is the best thing to break down the beans for the flavor, and it also preserves them, so they don’t have to be refrigerated.

      I store the vanilla in a cabinet that is not exposed to much light or heat, but don’t put it in the refrigerator, just not necessary.

      The price will be subjected to the cost of the vodka, and the beans that you use. There are a variety of vanilla extracts on the market and the price varies quite a bit.

      Hope this helps! Zoë

  35. Hi!

    Love your site!!! I can tell these recipes are going to be addicting!
    I see that you said refrigeration is not necessary – just what I was going to ask! Along those same lines, I read on some sites that if you use 70 proof vodka (minimum), it’s not necessary to refrigerate homemade infused vodkas, but some people still do it to be on the safe side. Your thoughts?

    Have a great day!

    1. be careful to not refrigerate the actual vanilla bean as this will harm it. also extract grade vanilla beans are called grade b they are drier than grade A and work better for vanilla extract.

  36. Quick question, with hopefully an easy answer… I have never made my own vanilla extract but think this would be perfect for my mothers of preschoolers group. If I buy the 4 oz. bottles for everyone, how many vanilla beans would I need per bottle to make the extract?

    Also, do you recommend one type of vanilla bean over another? I’ve seen Madagascar, Tahitian…

    Kitchen stuff does not come as naturally to me as others, but I am trying 😉 Any help you can offer is great! The more specific, the better.

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Tracy,

      I would do about two beans per bottle. The most important part is to get nice plump beans, not the ones that are dried out. The kind you get will depend on your budget and what is available, but I have good luck with all of them and I tend to use what I have on hand, which is a combination of different beans.

      Have fun and they will love the gift! Zoë

  37. Hello,
    I was wondering how you sterilize your bottles. I’ve seen many different ways-oven, bleach, microwave, pressure canner, etc… I’m trying to find the most effective and safest way. Thank you! I love your recipes and the photos especially of Sicily!

    1. Hi Pam,

      That is a great questions, and I’m sorry to say I don’t know??? I have never used the powder, but now that you bring it up, I will get my hands on some.

      Thanks, Zoë

  38. I’m surprised no one has mentioned the website: beanilla.com. They are by far the best, most informative site for everything vanilla.
    I bought Mexican, Bourbon and Tahiti beans for making my own extract, using bourbon and the vanilla bean “blend”, starting it now, to give as holiday gifts in stopper bottles, with custom labels. Figured 6 months would make a pretty good infusion!

  39. This is such a wonderful find!

    I had this on my list of to-do’s last year for the holidays, but never got around to it. I’m making myself start early, as this will be a wonderful treat!

    Thanks for the posting and the lovely photos!

  40. Thanks for showing the steps and reminding me to make this. It was on my list for a while. I finally bought the bottle with flip attached lid at the “The Container Store” & want to go back for more. How much money I would’ve saved if I made this 18 yrs ago when I started baking! Actually before 18 yrs as I grew up in my Daddy’s bakery.:-). I love your food pictures & already had you “liked” on FB.:-)

  41. Wow! What a great idea! I have never thought to do this before!! Thanks for your clear instructions and pictures!
    Quick question, you touched on it briefly earlier, how many times/ what quantity would you “re-ad” some vodka to the bottle? I don’t use beans in my cooking so would be buying them specially. Or would you recommend just making a new “fresh” bottle from scratch?? Thanks again!!

    1. Hi Anna,

      You can keep adding more alcohol and beans as you see fit. If you add too much alcohol it will weaken the flavor, so you’ll want to occasionally add an more vanilla beans.

      Thanks, Zoë

  42. Hello! I stumbled on your site and have been spending hourssss ogling all the goodies, haha. I had a question- I cannot have alcohol, in any quantity, is there any way to make vanilla extract without alcohol? Or any way to substitute it with something just as good that has not got alcohol in it?

    Thank You!

  43. I looked in the store for vanilla beans and they were like $7.00 for three beans. So I went to eBay and got them for 50 for $15.00. They are perfect and just started my vanilla extract last night. So excited!!!

  44. I have a question for you. What should it smell like in the end? I used 2 cups of vodka and 12 beans and it’s been hanging out since mid July. I can smell vanilla but it still smells heavy on the vodka side. I’m not expecting it to smell as yummy as the store bought stuff does, but I don’t want to give it out and fail. Thanks!

    1. Hi Jen,

      Did you give it a good shake and taste it? It should be great to use at this point. If your beans were on the small side or at all dry, you can just add more of them at any point. I add more every time I use vanilla in a recipe.

      Thanks, Zoë

  45. Hi! I made 250 ml of vodka wif 8 pods. Been aging it for 6 mth now. It still smell of alcohol though the vanilla smell is strong. Is it suppose to be like that?

  46. How long can you add beans to the original bottle. Do you remove older beans or should you just start a new bottle at some point?

    1. Hi Gladys,

      You can keep adding beans and topping off the vodka to replenish the extract. If it becomes too crowded with beans then start to swap out some of the old ones for new.

      Thanks, Zoë

  47. Hi
    What a great webb page you have like it alot
    Was going to ask you brief about your recipe for home made vanilla extract. how good is the sustainability i mean how long can you leave the vanilla pod in the alcohol.?? In some recipe the have added suger is that something you fell is necesserary to establish or is it just useless to have it . Can be fun to here what you think .
    Take care

    Kent

  48. I worry about using this in uncooked recipes. It is basically just flavored vodka, correct? Is it still usable in things like buttercream?

    Thanks
    Janice

      1. HI
        Yes my concern is the raw alcohol. I have made some and it smells awesome. I bake a lot and make my own frosting. Is this ok to serve to kids? Or in a milk shake or a similar concoction? Thanks!

        1. Hi Janice,

          All vanilla extract is made with alcohol, even the kind you buy at the store. There will be no difference between using the one you make yourself and one you can buy. You are typically using such a small amount that the alcolhol has no effect at all.

          Thanks, Zoë

  49. I’m now three week in to 8 oz. Jack Daniels with one vanilla bean that is scraped so seeds and pulp are exposed. Still smells a lot like bourbon but will leave it for the next two months and see what happens. Love making my own vanilla. Wish I had used vodka for the first run instead of bourbon but just happened to have Jack Daniels in the stash. How have other bourbon recipes turned out? Did you use more vanilla?

    1. Hi Laurie,

      I have never tried it in bourbon, I always use an alcohol with very little flavor, so the vanilla stands out more. You will need to throw more vanilla beans into the bottle to get a strong flavor out of it. There is a type of vanilla called “Bourbon Vanilla,” but the name refers to the island the vanilla was grown on, not to the kind of alcohol it was steeped in.

      Thanks, Zoë

  50. Hi Zoe,
    Few minutes after I poured vodka onto the vanilla bean in the glass jar,I noticed white fuzzy growth attached to vanilla bean. On shaking the jar, the white fuzz is now floating in the jar. Could please let me know if this is normal or the white fuzz is mold. I used a single madagascar vanilla bean and 90ml vodka.

  51. My homemade vanilla extract, used with vodka ha developed a brown ring inside the bottle. The vanilla liquid is a little cloudy. Where did I go wrong. Ty very much. This is my first time.

    1. Hi Kitty,

      Are you asking because it has alcohol? A typical recipe uses about two teaspoons for the entire thing, so it’s an insignificant amount of alcohol and it burns off in the oven or on the stove, so there are only traces, if any, that remains. Most vanilla is made with alcohol.

      Thanks, Zoë

  52. 5 stars
    Where did you get the bottle? What juice bottle? And how do I know how much vodka to keep adding to the already used vanilla beans before needing to start over with a new batch? What do I eventually do with the used vanilla beans?

    1. Hi Tina,

      I’ve made the vanilla in all kinds and sizes of bottles. You can do little ones for gifts or a big one for your own use. If you add more vodka, you also need to keep adding more vanilla beans to keep up the proportion. I just stick scraped beans in after I have used the seeds in a recipe. I still have this bottle of vanilla and it probably has 50 beans in it from over the years, I can’t squeeze another one in, so I add vodka and some seeds, but I started others also.

      Thanks, Zoë

  53. 5 stars
    Hello Zoe. Love your show on Magnolia Network.
    I want to make Vanilla Extract as Christmas gifts for the family.

    Have you found the there a ‘magic ratio’ taking into consideration the size of bottle / amount of vodka / # of vanilla beans?

    Any help is appreciated.

    – Trish

    1. Hi Trish,

      Thank you so much, I’m thrilled you are enjoying the show. It depends on the size of the bottle and the type of beans you use, some are larger and chock full of seeds and oils, but others are less so, although flavorful nonetheless. I am going to guess that about 4 or 5 scraped beans per cup of vodka should be a good start.

      Thanks! Zoë

  54. Hi Zoe! I love your show on Magnolia Network! The episode featuring the “Fika” is something I can definitely get behind. I feel like we could be great friends and just talk baking all day!

    Watching your show and seeing you use your homemade vanilla extract has got me wanting to try making my own. Where do you usually source your vanilla beans from the normal grocer or do you have a better source? Thanks so much!

    1. Hi Ashlee! In the section above called “What You Need to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract” Zoë links to the beans she buys on Amazon. She orders them from Vanilla Bean Kings. Happy baking!!

  55. 5 stars
    I began making our vanilla ages ago, using this recipe. We were already self-proclaimed vanilla snobs…this definitely confirmed it!
    To purchase really good vanilla at the store is SO expensive (for a tiny little bottle). The initial purchase of good quality vanilla beans can be a little expensive, but over time, it has definitely paid for itself!

  56. Zoe, thanks a lot for your recipes. I’d love to make this one with vanilla beans. But I have a question, can I make it with mix 50/50 of empty and full pods? Thank you in advanced

    1. Hi Tatiana! Yes, you can use 50/50 empty and full pods. It will take longer for the extract to develop flavor, so just keep adding pods you’ve been using to the mix whenever you can, otherwise the flavor will not be as intense.

  57. 5 stars
    Great post, thanks Zoe. Instead of vodka (which has a slight flavor), I used Cacique Guaro. Cacique Guaro is a sugar cane-based liquor of high purity and is the best-selling distilled spirit in Costa Rica. It is known as “Costa Rican liqueur”. It has the same alcohol content as vodka and a neutral (almost sweet, but not really) flavor. At six months, I’m enjoying wonderfully flavored vanilla extract.
    Thanks again!!

  58. 5 stars
    I just made my first bottle of Vanilla Extract and am eagerly waiting to when I can use it in a recipe. I purchased a bottle from Home Goods with a stopper, vanilla beans from Amazon and the vodka from the local liquor store. Took me a little while to figure out how to plump up the beans to be able to slice them open and get the vanilla beans out (also found a YouTube video that shows this) and got it all done. Now the hard part……. waiting

  59. 5 stars
    Just created 10 Christmas gifts. I purchased bottles with stoppers at IKEA, ordered Madagascar Vanilla Beans from Vanilla Bean Kings (fantastic quality, fresh, moist and plump) and raided my local liquor store for Vodka. Followed all of your directions. The kitchen and my hands had an amazing aroma. I hope my gift-ees will be as thrilled as I am! Cannot wait to try my first bottle in 6 weeks.

  60. Thank you for posting this recipe. I started some for gifts this Christmas. Question, when you keep adding to the same bottle, do you ever need to take any of the older pods out when you add a few new ones?

    1. Hi Mary, when a bottle is completely full of vanilla beans, Zoë just starts a new bottle and keeps adding vodka to the old ones. Eventually the vanilla won’t be as flavorful, which is when she’ll stop using that bottle.

  61. 5 stars
    Hi, Zoe! I received your latest cookbook, Zoe Bakes Cakes, as a gift, and after initially thumbing through the book, I saw your recipe for homemade vanilla and was intrigued. I ordered the vanilla beans from your Amazon link, purchased a bottle of French sparkling lemonade because the bottle was perfect, and raided our liquor cabinet for vodka. My husband has named her Millie Vanillie, and I can’t wait to use her in my recipes.

  62. 4 stars
    Do I need to strain the vanilla? We started a bottle a few weeks ago. I scraped the beans and the vanilla looks so chunky/pulpy. Will some of that dissolve?
    Thank you!!

    1. Hi Jenni, it may be the type of vanilla beans you’re using. Mexican vanilla beans tend to have more pulp. You can definitely strain it before using!

  63. 5 stars
    Love your show Zoe!
    I am more of a measurer kinda baker/cook lol!
    To start, how much vodka to how many beans would you say you used in your bottle on the show? Thanks in advance for your expertise!

    1. Hi Patti! Zoe used 18 beans for 750ml of vodka in her Bulleit Bourbon bottle that you’ve most likely seen on the show. As she uses the bottle, she adds vodka when it’s about 2/3 full of vanilla and continuously adds vanilla beans that she’s used in recipes. I hope this helps!

  64. 5 stars
    Hello!!! Been on my bucket list forever to make a “mother jar:bottle” I never scraped my beans before till reading Zoe recipe. So I tried it this way just today… question; I know there’s tiny beans floating around but there’s also some other residue like clear fluffy stuff assuming from inside the bean pod? Jar was cleaned and vanilla beans fresh and whole
    Thanks!

    1. Hi Melinda, That clear fluffy stuff is totally normal. It’s just membranes from inside the pods. If you’re concerned, you can strain it, but Zoë does not take this extra step. Just make sure you’re not straining out all the seeds if you do decide to go that route. Cheers!

  65. 5 stars
    When your bottle is at 2/3rds and you add more beans, do you add the same flavor bean or do you mix different flavors of beans? Thanks, Great Post!

  66. 5 stars
    I’ve been brewing a few different flavors of whole beans in vodka for over a year. Each flavor of bean has its own bottle. Can I scrape the beans now or is it to late? Thanks

  67. 4 stars
    I let mine sit for 6 months but the color is very amber, not dark like I’d expect. I added more beans and waited another 3 months, still not very dark. Thoughts? I’m reluctant to use it since I’m fearing it won’t have enough flavor. Is color the indicator that it’s ready?

    1. Hi Melanie, we’re curious how many beans you used and how much alcohol? That will help us to know what to recommend.

    1. Hi Abby! After shaking it there will be bubbles, they should disappear after a bit. Enjoy your homemade vanilla!

  68. 5 stars
    I have one Vodka and one Rum bottles going. Both taste fabulous! I’ve even purchased decorative bottles to keep them in and display them on my kitchen counter. D’use is one of the decorative bottles. ❤️

  69. 5 stars
    Zoe, I just found your recipe, but I’d already made some. I’ve got a bourbon (alcohol), vodka, and a cognac Extract . Bourbon is the best. It’s now 18 months old. I put a “GLUG” in something every so often!
    Thanks, Mick in BAMA.

  70. 5 stars
    Love this recipe and have been doing it for years.
    Thank you Zoe.
    My happy place is in the kitchen! I follow you constantly.
    Linda

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