RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
Making your own vanilla extract is rewarding in and of itself. There is something special about extracting your own vanilla flavor, whether it's to make small financial savings, improve your baking abilities, or create a kind of homemade gift.
EXTRACTING VANILLA FROM SCRATCH
Making vanilla extract from scratch may seem impossible to some people.
In actuality, making it couldn't be simpler!
Vanilla is pricey no matter how many different ways you throw the dice.
However, going the DIY route will save you some money and result in a fantastic kitchen project.
All you require is a half-pint Mason jar, a handful of vanilla beans, 80-proof alcohol, and six months of perseverance.
VIDEO TUTORIAL FOR HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
I'll cover all the details on how to make vanilla extract in this video. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more content like this!
This article may include affiliate links, which means that if you decide to buy something after clicking on one of the links, I may receive a little fee without charging you anything extra.
WHERE SHOULD I FIND VANILLA BEANS TO MAKE HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT?
Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans are the most widely used variety of vanilla beans.
These beans are ideal for baking because of their rich, creamy flavor.
Tahitian vanilla beans are an additional choice; they are fragrant with a tad of chocolate flavor.
The fragrant and smokey Mexican vanilla beans come next.
There's really no way to mess up.
The quality of the vanilla bean should also be taken into account.
If you've worked with vanilla beans before, you're probably used to grade-A beans since they're soft and simple to work with.
For baking and cooking sweets like homemade vanilla pudding, they are a popular choice.
Grade B vanilla beans are the preferred option for extracting since they are a little more difficult to work with.
If Grade B beans being less expensive isn't a gain, I don't know what is!
WHERE SHOULD I BUY ALCOHOL FOR HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT?
We're using brandy today, but any alcohol with an 80 proof will work.
Due to its lack of flavor, vodka appears to be the preferred choice for manufacturing vanilla extract.
Having said that, vanilla is complemented by alcoholic beverages like brandy, bourbon, and black rum, giving you an extract that is unlikely to be found in a store.
One of the numerous advantages of creating anything from scratch is that!
One thing to keep in mind when choosing your booze is to stay away from anything with artificial flavors.
To put it another way, avoid flavored vodkas!
Although in principle vanilla extract for a birthday cake sounds fantastic, you don't want to tamper with the purity of your extract by bringing in artificial flavors.
One activity that many people like is spending extra money on vanilla beans and liquor.
However, some advice against this strategy.
It is ultimately up to you how much money you spend on alcohol, however, it is suggested that you use at least alcohol that you would personally consume.
WHEN MAKING AN EXTRACT, HOW MANY VANILLA BEANS SHOULD I USE?
Five vanilla beans per cup of alcohol will be used in the recipe we'll be creating today.
You can get away with using only three vanilla beans if you want to stretch your supply a little, but using five will result in a deeper flavor.
Although you can use more vanilla beans, you shouldn't use fewer than three.
THE VANILLA BEANS ARE SCRAPED
Although it is not required, I strongly recommend scraping the vanilla beans before creating a vanilla extract.
I enjoy the little vanilla bean specks and think they are lovely.
They impart an artisanal sense to vanilla essence.
Consider this.
Don't you want to see those tiny black particles in there if you're craving vanilla bean ice cream?
This is a method for your vanilla to stand out as commercial vanilla extract is strained.
Don't scrape the vanilla bean if you like vanilla extract without the "pulp."
After the extraction procedure, you might also wish to filter the liquid using cheesecloth, but more on that later.
Don't forget to split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, though.
This one step will make the extraction procedure go by much faster!
VANILLA EXTRACT STORAGE
The ideal place for vanilla extract to be stored is in a dark space, such as a kitchen cabinet.
Be careful to put it in an amber glass jar or bottle if you can't keep it away from the light; otherwise, a mason jar will serve.
THE VANILLA EXTRACT AGEING
It's recommended to age vanilla extract for at least six months to a year once it has been put up, giving it a brief shake every week or so.
Although I haven't tried it myself, I've heard that some people speed up the extraction process by vacuum-sealing their jars.
If you're eagerly anticipating your handmade extract, give it a whiff a few months later to check if it still has a vanilla scent.
Give it a little more time to sit if it still smells like alcohol.
One of those things that becomes better with age is vanilla extract, particularly if you continue to store your vanilla beans in the jar after the initial six-month period.
People who wish to strain their extract should be warned that they will lose flavor.
The extract will get more flavor the longer the beans are in it.
Keep the beans buried in the alcohol, though!
They could get sticky and moldy if exposed to the open air, ruining the extract.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD VANILLA EXTRACT BE MADE?
How much vanilla extract you use will determine this.
I often begin a fresh batch when I realize I only have a third of a jar of extract left because I prepare my extract in half-pint quantities (around 150mL).
ACTIONS TO TAKE WITH OLD VANILLA BEANS
I move my used vanilla beans to the next jar every time I start a new batch of vanilla extract.
Some people top off their current vanilla extract with more alcohol to ensure a steady supply, but in my opinion, this is a recipe for diluting the extract as the beans have already imparted the majority of their flavor. Instead, fresh vanilla beans should be added to the mixture.
Another thing I'll do with my used beans is dry them as I prefer to extend my ingredients.
Here's what I do with them when I have too many old beans for a fresh jar of extract, which is especially true in that case.
Put the beans in a ziplock bag or other container with a cup or two of sugar after they are completely dry.
Give it a shake once or twice a week.
You'll have your own handmade vanilla sugar in a few weeks.
You may use it to create crepes, whip cream, bake madeleines, add it to coffee or tea, or sprinkle it on fresh strawberries. What a pleasure!
THE IDEAL GIFT
Even if it might not need to be said, handmade vanilla extract is the ideal present.
It's adorable, considerate, and—most importantly—useful!
One of those presents that will be used and gratefully received is vanilla extract.
If you prepare a little cache of 2oz or 4oz bottles, you will always have a presence on hand, whether it's for the holidays or as a way to thank party hosts or instructors.
There are two ways to make vanilla extract for gifts: either make a large amount to pour into the bottles, or extract the vanilla right there in the bottles.
Because you won't need to regularly shake all of the bottles, the first option is by far the simplest.
Simply insert one of the spent vanilla beans from the extraction procedure into the bottle for that additional touch of a vanilla bean.
Here are a few considerations:
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN GIVING VANILLA EXTRACT
Inform the receiver when it may be utilized if the extraction process is still ongoing. This can be written on an original label.
Make sure the recipient is aware that you are adding a decorative vanilla bean and to keep it immersed.
Print up a set of detailed instructions and insert entire vanilla beans into an empty bottle for a sweet homemade present.
HOW TO MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT
One of the items in the kitchen I can't live without is vanilla extract.
I used fake vanilla once at a time, a LONG time ago, before moving up to genuine vanilla extract.
I've stopped purchasing it from the shop since I started making it myself from scratch.
Just too simple!
In addition, I love how fulfilling it is to use my old vanilla essence, which I use in a variety of dishes, such as
Make-Your-Own Vanilla Extract
There's something wonderful about producing your own vanilla extract, whether it's to make a little more money, to improve your baking, or to provide a nice homemade present. Best of all, you just need a few basic items to prepare this simple recipe for vanilla extract!
EQUIPMENT
1 mason jar, half-pint
knife for paring
INGREDIENTS
5 vanilla beans, whole
80 proof alcohol, such as vodka, bourbon, rum, or brandy, 1 cup
INSTRUCTIONS
After cleaning and sanitizing the jar, boil it for ten minutes (optional)
Vanilla beans should be cut in half.
Scrape the vanilla beans and add the seeds to the jar for lovely vanilla bean flecks in your extract.
Add the beans to the jar after cutting them in half so they will fit.
Make sure the beans are well soaked in the alcohol when you pour it over them (you may need to fiddle with them a bit or add a bit more alcohol).
To hasten the extraction process, close the jar and shake it once a week. Age for six to twelve months. It is prepared for usage when it no longer smells like alcohol but rather vanilla.
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