When it comes to baking and cooking, a little dash of vanilla can transform an ordinary dish into a delightful treat. Whether it’s a batch of cookies, a creamy custard, or a rich cake, vanilla extract plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor. While store-bought vanilla extract is readily available, making your own can be a rewarding and cost-effective venture.
- It tastes fresher
- You know exactly what’s in it with no added ingredients or artificial colors
- It’s super easy to make with only 2 ingredients
- It’s way cheaper
The absolute cheapest pure vanilla extract I could find in my area is $4.12 for 1oz from Walmart’s great value brand. That is insanely expensive. My pure vanilla extract is 0.68¢. That’s a $3.44 savings per ounce which really adds up.
To make smaller bottles, you can do it a couple of ways.
Option 1: Make a large bottle of vanilla extract then pour off into smaller bottles
Option 2: Place 2 vanilla beans per bottle and fill with alcohol. Allow to sit in a dark place for 6-8 weeks.
I prefer Option 2 for gifts. Then whoever gets the bottle also gets a vanilla bean in their bottle which I think is pretty cool.
For the bottles I got them through Northern Brewer but the price has gotten way more expensive then when I bought them. I found these similar bottles for a fraction of the cost.
For a standard batch, use 3-6 vanilla beans for every cup of alcohol. Feel free to adjust the number of beans to achieve your desired potency. Use a sharp knife to split each vanilla bean lengthwise, exposing the tiny seeds inside. Then, scrape the seeds from the pods using the back of the knife.
Place the split and scraped beans into your glass container. Pour the alcohol over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the container tightly.
Give the container a good shake to evenly distribute the vanilla seeds and beans. Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight
Allow the vanilla extract to infuse for at least two months. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will become.
- Label the container with the date you created the extract for reference.
- Don’t discard the used vanilla beans. Rinse, dry, and repurpose them in sugar to create vanilla sugar.
- Experiment with different types of alcohol to achieve unique flavor profiles in your extracts.
- Homemade vanilla extract has a long shelf life, so make extra to give as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Making your own vanilla extract is a delightful journey that enhances your culinary creations with a personalized touch. The satisfaction of knowing you crafted this essential ingredient is a reward in itself. Whether you’re an avid baker or a casual cook, homemade vanilla extract will undoubtedly elevate your dishes and fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of vanilla. So why not embark on this culinary adventure and experience the magic of DIY vanilla extract for yourself? Your taste buds will thank you!
