Homemade Vanilla Extract

You’re just minutes away from saving much money.

Have you ever tried to make your own vanilla extract?

Its easy, budget-friendly and will last as long as you keep “feeding it.”

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla Extract in a bottle ready to use

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Then, follow our easy instructions to do just that.

Why Should I Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

Real vanilla extract is a flavoring element made from vanilla beans and alcohol.

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla Extract ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Vanilla beans, AKA vanilla pods, are the edible fruit portion of a tropical orchid plant.

As a result, vanilla beans and pure vanilla extract made with them are very expensive.

Imitation vanilla tends to be stronger in flavor.

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla pouring vodka over the beans

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

That said, vanilla extract is far more complex.

Homemade vanilla extract can last indefinitely.

One of the best aspects of becoming a pro at how to make vanilla extract?

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla extract in the open jar after making

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The supply can be refreshed any time you like.

Once the jar is running low, refill it with your alcohol of choice using the same vanilla beans.

After two batches, add more, or replace the beans to ensure the flavor stays strong.

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla scraping out the seeds

Credit:Store in a cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks before using.

hey dont toss those spent vanilla beans.

Scrape out the seeds inside, and reserve for another use, such asVanilla Bean Whipped Cream.

Store in a cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks before using.

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla beans in the jar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Place the beans into a glass bottle or jar.

If needed, to fit the beans in the jar, cut in half crosswise.

Use a funnel to pour the vodka (or other alcohol) over the vanilla beans.

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla pouring the vodka over the beans

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

verify beans are fully submerged in the vodka.

Color will deepen and flavor will strengthen as it sits.

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla using a spoon to make sure vanilla beans are submerged

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla beans sitting in the vodka

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living How to Make Vanilla after the vanilla has steeped for 6 weeks

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox