
About This Selfmade Vanilla Extract
This straightforward selfmade vanilla extract recipe calls for simply TWO elements: vanilla bean pods and vodka! The recipe comes in combination nearly easily, too—simply mix the 2 elements in a pitcher jar, give it a just right shake, and retailer. Over the years, the vanilla beans will infuse the vodka to create the extract. You’ll then use the ensuing selfmade vanilla extract in any baking recipe on Hummingbird Top, vanilla flavored or another way!
@hummingbirdhigh as a result of i do know a few of you’re panicking in the market #bakingrecipe #selfmade #vanilla ♬ Deal with Beats – DJ FUNexpected
Components and Substitutions
Now that I’ve satisfied you to make selfmade vanilla extract, right here’s your buying groceries record for the recipe:
Buying groceries Checklist For Selfmade Vanilla Extract Recipe
And let’s discuss those elements, some doable substitutions, and related buying groceries pointers.
Vanilla Bean Pods
You wish to have 5 vanilla bean pods to make one (6-ounce) bottle of selfmade vanilla extract.
The Absolute best Position To Purchase Vanilla Beans
Even though you’ll purchase particular person vanilla bean pods on the grocery retailer, they’re dear as heck! Only one unmarried vanilla bean pod normally prices between $9.99 to $15.99 at your moderate grocery retailer.
So as an alternative, I like to recommend purchasing vanilla bean pods in bulk from Beanilla.com. Even though their costs have long past up not too long ago (ugh, like in every single place else!), you’ll nonetheless in finding lovely just right offers. I lately purchased 10 Madagascar vanilla bean pods for $28.50. That’s $2.85 in line with vanilla bean pod!
What’s the adaptation between Madagascar, Mexican, and Tahitian vanilla?
Right here’s a handy guide a rough abstract of the variations between Madagascar, Mexican, and Tahitian vanilla:
- Madagascar Vanilla: Maximum readily to be had vanilla extracts and beans use Madagascar vanilla bean pods. It has a creamy, wealthy taste, with refined notes of chocolate.
- Mexican Vanilla: Mexican taste has a refined, woodier taste, with a spicy-sweet persona very similar to clove or nutmeg.
- Tahitian Vanilla: Tahitian vanilla has a gentle floral, fruity taste very similar to anise and cherry. As a result of Tahitian vanilla could be very at risk of warmth, it’s dearer and prized.
Vodka
You wish to have ¾ cup (6 oz. or 170 grams) to make one (6-ounce) bottle of selfmade vanilla extract.
The Absolute best Vodka To Use For Selfmade Vanilla Extract
Truthfully, there’s no wish to splurge on high-end vodka. The inexpensive stuff works simply in addition to the pricy stuff. Simply make sure to keep away from vodkas with synthetic flavors and sugars added—those flavors and sugars will have an effect on the style of your selfmade extract!
Can I take advantage of every other alcohol but even so vodka?
Sure! You’ll use any roughly alcohol you favor, however vodka works highest as a result of it’s impartial in taste and can truly make the vanilla beans shine. You’ll additionally select an alcohol with a complimentary taste like bourbon or rum.

How To Make Selfmade Vanilla Extract
Listed here are the fundamental steps to make selfmade vanilla extract:
- Prep the vanilla beans. I love to slice the vanilla bean pods lengthwise sooner than putting them within the bottle. Doing so lets in vanilla beans to flee out of the pods extra simply and infuse your extract with much more taste!
- Upload the vodka and shake. A steel funnel (like one from this set!) will make this procedure cross via temporarily and simply.
- Retailer at room temperature in a fab, darkish position for no less than 8 weeks (however ideally 6 months). You’ll technically use the extract in 8 weeks. On the other hand, it’ll be a lot more flavorful for those who wait a complete 6 months!
Absolute best Recipe Guidelines
- For highest effects, retailer your selfmade vanilla extract in an hermetic glass bottle with a resealable stopper. Don’t use plastic—the alcohol will degrade the plastic additional time and purpose it to leech chemical substances into your extract.
You’ll purchase hermetic glass bottles with resealable lids on-line. I really like those ones from 5-ounce bottles from Ikea (which is what I used, and so they retailer 6-ounces of liquid very easily!), in addition to those higher 8.5-ounce bottles from Amazon.com.
- If you happen to use a bigger bottle, don’t be afraid to make use of extra alcohol to make extra extract! I like to recommend going as much as 1 cup (8 oz. or 227 grams) of vodka for five vanilla bean pods. Don’t use anymore than that, even though—for those who use an excessive amount of alcohol, your extract gained’t be as flavorful as mine!
Use Your Selfmade Extract In Those Vanilla Recipes on Hummingbird Top

Selfmade Vanilla Extract Recipe
yield: 1 (6-ounce) bottle
Components
- 5 vanilla bean pods
- ¾ cup (6 oz. or 170 grams) vodka
Directions
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Prep the vanilla beans. Use the top of a pointy knife to slice every vanilla bean pod lengthwise. Operating one after the other, stuff the pods into the bottle—you could wish to fold the pods to get them to suit.
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Upload the vodka and shake. Use a (ideally steel) funnel to pour the vodka into the bottle filled with vanilla beans. Upload extra vodka if vital to be sure that the beans are absolutely submerged. Shake vigorously for 15 to 30 seconds.
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Retailer for no less than 8 weeks (however ideally a minimum of 6 months) sooner than the usage of. Retailer the extract at room temperature in a fab, darkish position for no less than 8 weeks, however a minimum of 6 months for optimum taste sooner than the usage of. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds on a weekly foundation.
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Take away the vanilla beans from the vodka after first use. After 6 months, take away the pods utterly after first use. Use as suggested in a recipe. On the other hand, if the usage of the extract sooner than 6 months, stay the pods within the bottle and best the extract off with extra vodka—the pods nonetheless have taste that you’ll extract. Shake and retailer as suggested within the recipe. Simplest take away the beans after 6 months has handed. Selfmade vanilla extract with out the pods will retailer within the hermetic glass bottle at room temperature for as much as 3 years.
Notes
- For highest effects, retailer your selfmade vanilla extract in an hermetic glass bottle with a resealable stopper. Don’t use plastic—the alcohol will degrade the plastic additional time and purpose it to leech chemical substances into your extract.
You’ll purchase hermetic glass bottles with resealable lids on-line. I really like those ones from 5-ounce bottles from Ikea (which is what I used, and so they retailer 6-ounces of liquid very easily!), in addition to those higher 8.5-ounce bottles from Amazon.com.
- If you happen to use a bigger bottle, don’t be afraid to make use of extra alcohol to make extra extract! I like to recommend going as much as 1 cup (8 oz. or 227 grams) of vodka for five vanilla bean pods. Don’t use anymore than that, even though—for those who use an excessive amount of alcohol, your extract gained’t be as flavorful as mine!
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