Simple DIY Vanilla Extract

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There are so many things it never occurred to me that I could make myself. This simple, DIY vanilla extract recipe is one of those things!

I used to spend lots of money purchasing small bottles of organic vanilla extract, until I figured out how much money I could save by making it myself.

It’s so simple, it almost seems silly to write a recipe for it, but I know that when I had no clue how to make it, I was very grateful to be able to look up a recipe online!

simple diy vanilla extract

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Simple DIY Vanilla Extract

You will need:

1L bottle of potato vodka* (purchase this at your local liquor store).

*I use potato vodka because our family has Celiac, and regular vodka is made from wheat. If you are fine with wheat, you can use regular vodka

At least 5-6 vanilla beans (Adding more beans will increase the strength of the extract – so the more, the merrier!).

Directions:

Slice the vanilla beans down the centre lengthwise (this helps to release the oils in the bean and speed up the process)

Insert the vanilla beans into the vodka bottle

Put the cap back on

Store on your counter or in a cupboard

Whenever you think of it, tip the bottle upside down and then back upright – this helps distribute the extract throughout the vodka

It’s ready to use after approximately 6-8 weeks, but the longer you leave it, the stronger it will get.

I leave the beans in the bottle and just pour off a smaller amount into a jar that I keep in the pantry for our day to day use.

What can I use it for?

Have you tried making your own vanilla extract? how did it go?

Printable version of Simple DIY Vanilla Extract

Simple DIY Vanilla Extract

simple diy vanilla extract

Ingredients

  • 1 Litre Potato vodka, or regular vodka if your family does not have an issue with wheat
  • 5-6 Vanilla Beans

Instructions

  1. Slice the vanilla beans down the centre lengthwise (this helps to release the oils in the bean and speed up the process)
  2. Insert the vanilla beans into the vodka bottle
  3. Put the cap back on
  4. Store on your counter or in a cupboard
  5. Whenever you think of it, tip the bottle upside down and then back upright – this helps distribute the extract throughout the vodka
  6. It’s ready to use after approximately 6-8 weeks, but the longer you leave it, the stronger it will get.
  7. I leave the beans in the bottle and just pour off a smaller amount into a jar that I keep in the pantry for our day to day use.

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simple diy vanilla extract

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2 Comments

    1. I think it would be too weak, but what I would do is save up the beans from a few different batches and put them together – with more beans in there it might be strong enough.

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